Who Discovered the Constellation Aries?

There are a number of constellations that exist, but knowing who discovered the constellation Aries is important to understanding the discovery of many other constellations.

The sky is full of many different constellations. Astronomers enjoy peering at the sky to view these stars and, as of 2010, there are 88 identifiable constellations. Constellations can usually be seen with the aid of a telescope, although some of them may be visible to the naked eye depending on current conditions in the sky.

Each of the constellations has identifiable boundaries which are marked through a process of declination and right ascension.

The study of the different constellations in the sky is quite intriguing to individuals that are interested in celestial bodies of all sorts.

Who Discovered the Constellation Aries?

The constellation Aries dates back to Ancient Greek times. Because of how long the constellation has been identifiable, it is somewhat difficult to determine who discovered the constellation Aries. However, the astronomer Ptolemy is credited as the individual who officially documented and described the constellation of Aries in his very popular astronomy book the Almagest.

Ptolemy was a very well known and respected man who was very influential for his work in a variety of subjects which include math, astronomy, geography and astrology. His works on astronomy were very influential in understanding the celestial bodies at a time when the skies were still a mystery to most. Ptolemy even created a book called the Handy Tables which could be utilized to by others to make calculations regarding the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets. Because of all his work, Ptolemy was one of the most influential people of ancient times.

The Constellation of Aries

The constellation of Aries is a northern constellation that is located between +90° and -60° latitudes. The aries constellation is part of the zodiac which are the twelve constellations along the path of the Sun.

The Sun, moon and other planets all travel in the path along the zodiac so that each of the celestial bodies will at some point travel through one of the twelve zodiacal constellations which includes aries.

The constellation of Aries is best visible during the winter. It also once contained the vernal equinox which is considered to be the point that determines the beginning of spring. As the years have progressed the vernal equinox has moved into the neighboring constellation of Pisces. Many astronomers however, still refer to the vernal equinox as the first point of Aries.

Stars in Aries

The constellation of Aries consists of a number of stars including:

• Alpha Arietis
• Beta Arietis
• Gamma Arietis
• Lambda Arietis
• Pi Arietis
• 30 Arietis
• 53 Arietis

These stars are considered to be the main stars with the constellation of Aries and are believed to have been formed as a result of a supernova explosion.

Within constellations there are usually deep sky objects that are very interesting to view. The constellation of Aries does have some deep sky objects but they are not as brightly lit as those of other constellations. The constellation of Aries does have one notable deep sky object although it is relatively faint known as NGC 772. In addition, this constellation also contains a number of meteor showers which include May Arietids, Daytime-Arietids, Delta Arietids and Epsilon Arietids just to name a few.

History of the Constellation of Aries

When considering who discovered the constellation aries, you cannot forget the ancient Greek astronomers. Many of them believed that this constellation resembled a ram with its head turned to the right.

The constellation of Aries also has different mythological backgrounds. The Greeks attribute the naming of the constellation after a ram to celebrate the golden fleece of a ram that was highly sought after by Jason and the Argonauts. This constellation is also astrologically linked to the sign Aries which is said to be placed for astrology purposes from March 21 to April 19.