Constellation · Ari
Aries
The Ram
A small, faint zodiac constellation. Its brightest star, Hamal, is a K-type orange giant.
Magnitude 2.01
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (winter in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Aries
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Hamal (Alpha Arietis)mag 2.01
- Sheratan (Beta Arietis)mag 2.64
- Bharani (c Arietis)mag 3.61
- Mesarthim (Gamma¹ Arietis)mag 3.88
- Botein (Delta Arietis)mag 4.35
- Lilii Boreamag 4.52
Can you see Aries from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Aries |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
Questions about Aries
When is Aries best seen?
Aries stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in December. That makes winter evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Aries?
The brightest star in Aries is Hamal (Alpha Arietis), magnitude 2.01.
Where on Earth can you see Aries?
The whole of Aries can be seen from latitudes between about 59°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Aries mean?
Aries is Latin for "the Ram". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).