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Learn the Constellations
The First Light Astronomy Kit from David Chandler Company
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The American Association of Amateur Astronomers

Learn the Constellations
The First Light Astronomy Kit from David Chandler Company

 Buy it Now or Find Out More

The Constellation Aries - The Ram

Aries, the ram, is the first of the 12 Zodiacal Constellations, and marks the Vernal Equinox, or the beginning of Spring. This location, where the sun crosses the celestial equator, is called the First Point of Aries, and was determined in mythological times. Now, however, due to the precession or wobble of the Earth's orbit, this point has moved into western Pisces. As for all zodiacal constellations, it is possible to view this constellation in the sky only in the opposite season of the year, in this case Autumn. This constellation dates from Greek and Roman times, and depicts the Golden Ram that was sacrificed by Phrixus to bring fertility to his homeland in Thessaly. The Golden Fleece of the sacrificed ram was given to Jason and the Argonauts to return it home.

Aries is devoid of prominent deep sky objects,  and has only a few stars of interest, notably the triangle made up of the principal stars in the constellation. The ecliptic runs through Aries, so planets can often be seen in this area of the sky.

Article and Photos © Copyright Edward P. Flaspoehler, Jr.

There are no Messier Objects in Pisces

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EDITOR: Edward P. Flaspoehler, Jr.

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