Aries Constellation
Aries (The Ram)
Aries is a small yet significant constellation in the northern sky, representing a ram in Greek mythology. It is one of the 13 constellations along the ecliptic, making it part of the zodiac. Despite its modest size, Aries holds historical and mythological importance.
Key Features
- Bright Stars: Aries is home to several notable stars:
- Deep-Sky Objects: Aries contains a few faint but intriguing objects, such as:
Mythological Background
In Greek mythology, Aries represents the golden ram that saved Phrixus and Helle, the children of King Athamas, from their stepmother’s wrath. The ram carried them to safety, but Helle fell into the sea during the journey, giving her name to the Hellespont (modern-day Dardanelles). Upon reaching Colchis, Phrixus sacrificed the ram to the gods, and its golden fleece was placed in a sacred grove, guarded by a dragon. This golden fleece later became the goal of Jason and the Argonauts' legendary quest.
Cultural Significance
Aries has been a vital reference in astronomy and timekeeping. In ancient times, the vernal equinox—the point where the Sun crosses the celestial equator moving north—was located in Aries. Though precession has shifted the equinox into Pisces, Aries retains its association with spring and renewal in various cultural traditions.
Aries Rise and Set Timetable
| Time | Elevation | |
Moonrise, 39.4% illuminated  | 11:55 | -9° |
| Astronomical observing session begins | 18:54 | -16° |
| Aries rise | 20:36 | |
| Moonset | 21:31 | 10° |
| Astronomical observing session ends | 03:28 | 74° |
| Aries transit | 03:46 | 75° |
| Civil sunrise | 04:01 | 74° |
| Sunrise | 04:29 | 72° |
| Aries set | 10:57 |
Track Aries Position Throughout the Night
← 20 August 2026 →
| Time | |
| Altitude | |
| Azimuth |
Nebulae in the constellation Aries
IC1821 NED02
Galaxy
Annual motion of Aries
| Date | Thu, 20 August 2026 |
| Twilight start | 19:24 |
| Twilight end | 02:47 |
| Twilight duration | 7h 22m |
| Rise | 20:36 |
| Set | 10:57 |
| Elevation at transit | 75° |
| Transit time | 03:46 |
| Equatorial coordinates | RA: 02h 34m 34s", Dec: 21° 55' 33s |
| Magnitude | - |
| Constellation |
The vertical axis shows the hours of the day, while the horizontal axis spans the days of the year.
The reddish area marks when the constellation is above the horizon. The white line shows when it reaches its highest point in the sky. View detailed visibility information in a table with rise, transit, and set times for each date.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for defining and standardizing the official constellation boundaries used in celestial mapping.
Special thanks to Sky & Telescope Magazine and contributors Roger Sinnott and Rick Fienberg for producing the charts and tables. Alan MacRobert’s constellation patterns were influenced by the work of H. A. Rey and adjusted to align with earlier traditions.