Photo Agency - Astronomy - Space - Nature

> Constellation of Aries

Constellation of Aries

author: A.Fujii/David Malin Images/Novapix

reference: a-cst06-00005

Image Size 300 DPI: 51 * 40 cm

Though inconspicuous, Aries is one of the constellations of the zodiac and from ancient times has been represented by a ram, the same ram whose golden fleece was sought by Jason and the Argonauts in the great ship Argo Navis. For more than 2000 years it also of astronomical importance because it was the constellation where the Sun crossed the celestial equator (ecliptic) each year at the vernal equinox, marking the first point in Aries from which right ascension is measured. Precession has now carried this point into Pisces. The constellation is the 39th largest in the sky and covers about 440 square degrees. The best-known object in this field is the Pleiades star cluster (M45 in Taurus).  

 

Keywords for this photo:

ARIES - ASTRONOMY - CONSTELLATION - M45 - NIGHT - OPEN CLUSTER - PLEIADES - POSTER - STAR - STAR CLUSTER - STARRY SKY - ZODIAC -