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Aries is one of the constellations of the zodiac, the ram. It lies between Pisces to the west
and Taurus to the east.
Notable features
Aries' stars are rather faint except for Hamal (α Arietis) and Sharatan (β). Other important stars are Mesarthim (γ1) and Botein (δ).
Notable deep sky objects
The few deep sky objects in Aries are very dim. They include the
galaxies NGC 697 (northwest of β), NGC 772 (southeast of (β), NGC 972 (in the
constellation's northern corner), and NGC 1156 (northwest of δ).
Mythology
In Greek mythology, this is believed to represent the ram who carried Athamas's son Phrixus and daughter
Helle to Colchis to escape their stepmother Ino. Helle fell off into the sea which later became the Hellespont. On reaching safety, Phrixis
(rather ungratefully) sacrificed the ram and hung its fleece in the Grove
of Ares, where it turned to gold and later became the quest of Jason and the Argonauts. It appears that Babylonians, Greeks, Persians and Egyptians all agreed on the name of the Ram for this
constellation.
Astrology
The astrological sign Aries (March 21 - April 19) is associated with the constellation. In some
cosmologies, Aries is associated with the classical element
Fire, and thus called a fire sign (with
Sagittarius and Leo). Its polar opposite
is Libra.
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