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The Location of the Constellation Aries

Aries is one of the 12 constellations of the Zodiac, located on the ecliptic (the path the sun traces through the sky). It is one of the smallest and dimmest constellations of the Zodiac, with only four stars visible to the naked eye. Aries is not visible during the spring, when the sun is too close to the constellation. From June through March, however, Aries is visible as a dim constellation between the Pleiades and the Pegasus constellations.

Things You'll Need

Telescope (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Find an area with low ambient light and a good view of the sky during the morning in early summer or the evening in autumn or winter. Aries is easiest to spot when it is nearly overhead in the sky at around 10 p.m. on fall and winter evenings.
- 2
  Look to the east and find the Pleiades constellation, a cluster of relatively bright stars (see Resources for a photo).
- 3
  Find the Hyades directly below the Pleidaes. The Hyades is a V-shaped constellation at a distance approximately one fist width held at arm's length.
- 4
  Trace a path from Aldebaron (the reddish star on one end of the V) through the Pleiades cluster. At a distance of two fist-lengths from the Pleiades you will see the two brightest stars of the Aries constellation at a distance of about two finger-widths apart. Continue another finger-length along the arc to find another star in the constellation.
- 5
  Continue back along the arc about halfway back to the Pleiades. There you will find one more dim star belonging to Aries. These are the only four stars of Aries visible to the naked eye.

Astronomy