Aries constellation

Aries is an ancient zodiac constellation. Greek legend identifies it with the flying ram with the Golden Fleece, which rescued the siblings Phrixus and Helle from their stepmother; the fleece was later sought by Jason and the Argonauts. In antiquity the vernal equinox lay in Aries, which is why astronomers still speak of the “First Point of Aries”, even though precession has since moved it into Pisces. The constellation is modest: its core is a short, curved line formed by Hamal, Sheratan and Mesarthim. Hamal is an orange giant, while Mesarthim is a pretty double star for small telescopes. Other named stars include Bharani, Botein and Lilii Borea. From Central Europe, Aries is well placed on autumn and winter evenings, between Andromeda and the Pleiades.