Aries
Ram (Arietis)
Aries, the Ram, is a zodiacal constellation of great historical importance. Around 2,000 years ago, the vernal equinox (the point where the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading north, marking the beginning of spring) was located in Aries. Though the equinox has since moved to Pisces due to precession, we still call this point the 'First Point of Aries.' The constellation itself is relatively faint, with only two stars brighter than fourth magnitude.
📜 Mythology
Aries represents Chrysomallus, the magnificent ram with golden fleece sent by the god Hermes to rescue Phrixus and Helle, the children of King Athamas, from their cruel stepmother Ino. The ram flew the children eastward, but Helle fell into the sea (giving her name to the Hellespont). Phrixus reached Colchis safely, where he sacrificed the ram to Zeus and hung its golden fleece in a sacred grove. This fleece later became the object of Jason and the Argonauts' famous quest.
💡 Facts
- ✦The vernal equinox was in Aries 2,000 years ago but has moved to Pisces due to Earth's precession
- ✦Hamal, the brightest star, derives its name from the Arabic for 'head of the ram'
- ✦Aries contains few notable deep-sky objects, making it primarily of historical and astrological interest