Ara constellation
Ara is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the altar. It is highest in the sky at midnight around 14 June, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 29°N to 90°S.
Ara at a glance
- Represents
- the altar
- Highest at midnight
- 14 June
- Highest at 9 pm
- 28 July
- Seen whole from
- 29°N to 90°S
- Stars in the figure
- 7 stars
- Origin
- Ptolemy's list, 2nd century
When to see Ara
Ara is highest in the sky at midnight around 14 June and at 9 pm around 28 July. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on summer time or daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| 15 January | 9:50 AM |
| 15 February | 7:50 AM |
| 15 March | 6:00 AM |
| 15 April | 3:50 AM |
| 15 May | 2:00 AM |
| 15 June | 11:50 PM |
| 15 July | 9:50 PM |
| 15 August | 7:50 PM |
| 15 September | 5:50 PM |
| 15 October | 3:50 PM |
| 15 November | 1:50 PM |
| 15 December | 11:50 AM |
Where to look for Ara
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, only the northern stars of Ara rise, low above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Ara rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on 14 June, 69° above the southern horizon.
Brightest stars in Ara
None of the stars of Ara is brighter than magnitude 2.3, so it is best seen from a dark place away from city lights. Its brightest stick-figure stars are about magnitude 2.
Ara in myth and history
Ara is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Constellations next to Ara
Find Ara in your sky
Questions about Ara
Ara is highest in the sky at midnight around 14 June and at 9 pm around 28 July. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Ara rises above the horizon from 29°N to 90°S, and at least part of it rises from 40°N to 90°S.
Ara represents the altar. Ara is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.