Ara: The Majestic Southern Hemisphere Constellation
Most stargazers tend to focus on the popular constellations of the Northern Hemisphere, such as Big Dipper, Cassiopeia, and Orion. However, there are many fascinating constellations visible in the Southern Hemisphere as well, including Ara, known for its striking appearance and rich history.
What is Ara Constellation?
Ara is a Southern Hemisphere constellation located between Scorpius and Triangulum Australe. Its name means “The Altar” in Latin, depicting the altar where the Greek gods made their offerings.
Ara constellation consists of five bright stars, spanning an area of approximately 237 square degrees. It is one of the smaller constellations in the Southern Hemisphere sky, but it is still a beautiful sight to see.
Mythology and History of Ara Constellation
In Greek mythology, the Ara constellation represents the altar where the gods and goddesses made their offerings. According to the myth, the goddess Rhea gave birth to Zeus and hid him in a cave to protect him from his father Cronus. When Zeus became an adult, he defeated Cronus and declared himself the ruler of the gods. As a tribute to his victory, the gods and goddesses built a magnificent altar on which to make their offerings, and this altar is represented by the constellation.
The Ara constellation has a rich history, first documented by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. It has been known as a constellation since ancient times and was used as a navigational tool by sailors who relied on the stars to guide their ships.
What are the Stars in Ara Constellation?
The bright stars in Ara constellation are Alpha Arae, Beta Arae, Gamma Arae, Delta Arae, and Epsilon Arae.
- Alpha Arae is the brightest star in the Ara constellation and is known as the “Choo” star by the indigenous peoples of Australia.
- Beta Arae is a blue-white giant star and is one of the hottest stars in the Ara constellation.
- Gamma Arae is another blue-white star and is also considered one of the hottest stars in the constellation.
- Delta Arae is a binary star and is located in the northern part of the constellation.
- Epsilon Arae is a yellow giant star that is located in the southern part of the constellation.
How to Observe Ara Constellation?
Ara constellation is located in the Southern Hemisphere sky and is visible from mid-July to mid-September. The best time to observe the constellation is during the winter months when the sky is darkest.
To observe Ara, you will need to be in a location with a clear and dark sky. Binoculars or a small telescope can help you see the constellation more clearly. Look for the bright stars that form the shape of an altar in the sky.
Conclusion
Ara is a beautiful and majestic constellation often overlooked by stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere. Its rich history and striking appearance make it an excellent constellation to observe and study. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast or just a casual stargazer, add Ara to your list of must-see constellations in the Southern Hemisphere sky.