In December 2023 bright Jupiter will draw your attention most of the night. It will be very obvious in the east at sunset and will be visible until a few hours before dawn. It will shine near the pretty Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus the Bull. You can use Jupiter and the Pleiades to help locate the dim constellation Aries the Ram. Chart via EarthSky.
Do you find the night sky captivating? If so, you won't want to miss the chance to spot Aries the Ram. This lesser-known constellation is often overlooked, but with the help of Jupiter, it becomes a sight to behold. Let's embark on a journey and explore the wonders of Aries, uncovering its beauty and significance in astronomy.
Spotting Aries the Ram
Aries the Ram may not be the brightest constellation, but during the months of December and January, it becomes more visible, thanks to its neighbor, Jupiter. Aries is the 11th smallest constellation among the zodiac signs, yet it holds a rich history and offers much to discover when observed through a telescope.
To witness Aries in all its starlit glory, find a dark country sky, preferably on a moonless night. The three stars that compose the Ram's bust, known as Hamal, Sheratan, and Mesartim, will suddenly brighten in the darkness, as if someone has turned up the dimmer switch. If you have a small telescope, you'll even notice that Mesartim is a double star.
To locate the Ram's head, simply look midway between two signposts: the Pleiades star cluster to the east and the Great Square of Pegasus to the west. Aries gazes backward, as if admiring the beauty of the Pleiades or, perhaps, its own golden fleece.
In January 2024 bright Jupiter will be very obvious high in the southern sky at sunset and will be visible until a few hours after midnight. Nearby will be the delicate Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus the Bull. Both of them can help you locate the dim constellation Aries the Ram. Chart via EarthSky.
The First Point of Aries
As we delve into the realm of Aries, we encounter the concept of the First Point of Aries. This point marks the sun's position in front of the zodiac constellations during the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere or the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. It occurs annually around March 20 when the sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north.
Interestingly, the First Point of Aries, which now resides in the constellation Pisces, defines the coordinate system on the celestial sphere. It always coincides with zero degrees right ascension and zero degrees declination. Just as latitude and longitude help navigate the Earth, declination and right ascension assist astronomers in locating celestial objects.
Moreover, the First Point of Aries is one of the two places where the ecliptic (the sun's path) intersects with the celestial equator. The First Point of Libra sits 180 degrees east of the First Point of Aries, marking the September equinox point on the celestial sphere.
By definition, the sun resides at the First Point of Aries on the March equinox. This point has a declination of 0 degrees and a right ascension of 0 degrees. The ecliptic and celestial equator intersect on the March and September equinoxes, and the celestial equator is equal to a declination of 0 degrees. Image via Wikimedia Commons.
The Celestial Ram in Mythology
In Greek mythology, Aries represents the supernatural Ram sent by Zeus to save the children of Athamus, the King of Thebes, from political turmoil. Phrixus and his sister Helle were on the verge of tragedy when the flying Ram, capable of speech and reason, whisked them away to safety.
While the children clung tightly to the Ram, it carried them to the kingdom of Colchis on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Unfortunately, Helle fell into the sea and perished before reaching their destination. The place of her demise, the Hellespont (or Dardanelles Strait), was named in her honor.
Phrixus survived the arduous journey and expressed his gratitude by sacrificing the Ram to Zeus. He hung its golden fleece in a sacred grove. Later, the legendary hero Jason and his crew, the Argonauts, embarked on a quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece.
View larger. Map showing the ancient Kingdom of Colchis on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Image via Deu/ Andrew Anderson/ Don-Kun/ Wikimedia Commons.
Explore the Night Sky
Aries the Ram offers a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of the night sky. Whether you are an avid astronomer, a lover of mythology, or simply curious about the wonders above, take the time to appreciate the beauty and significance of this celestial marvel. Let the stars guide you and ignite your imagination as you immerse yourself in the magic of Aries.
Bottom line: Discover the constellation Aries the Ram, explore its connection to astronomy and mythology, and unlock the secrets of the night sky.
