Aries constellation
Aries is one of the 88 constellations, and it represents the ram. It is highest in the sky at midnight around October 25, and its whole figure rises above the horizon from 90°N to 63°S.
When to see Aries
Aries is highest in the sky at midnight around October 25 and at 9 pm around December 8. Each month it is highest about two hours earlier than the month before.
The times are local solar time. Clocks on daylight saving time read about one hour later.
| Date | Highest at |
|---|---|
| January 15 | 6:30 p.m. |
| February 15 | 4:30 p.m. |
| March 15 | 2:40 p.m. |
| April 15 | 12:40 p.m. |
| May 15 | 10:40 a.m. |
| June 15 | 8:40 a.m. |
| July 15 | 6:40 a.m. |
| August 15 | 4:40 a.m. |
| September 15 | 2:40 a.m. |
| October 15 | 12:40 a.m. |
| November 15 | 10:30 p.m. |
| December 15 | 8:30 p.m. |
Where to look for Aries
From the northern hemisphere
From 40°N, Aries rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on October 25, 73° above the southern horizon.
From the southern hemisphere
From 35°S, Aries rises in the east and sets in the west. It is highest around midnight on October 25, 32° above the northern horizon.
Brightest stars in Aries
| Star | Magnitude |
|---|---|
| Hamal | 2.01 |
Aries in myth and history
In Greek myth, the ram is the one with the golden fleece, which Jason and the Argonauts set out to find.
Aries is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Aries and the zodiac
In 2026, the Sun is in front of the stars of Aries from April 18 to May 14. The zodiac sign Aries covers other dates, because astrologers split the year into 12 equal signs that start at the March equinox.
Constellations next to Aries
Find Aries in your sky
Questions about Aries
Aries is highest in the sky at midnight around October 25 and at 9 pm around December 8. The weeks around those dates are the best time to look.
The whole figure of Aries rises above the horizon from 90°N to 63°S, and at least part of it rises from 90°N to 71°S.
Hamal is the brightest star in Aries, at magnitude 2.01.
Aries represents the ram. Aries is one of the 48 constellations that the astronomer Ptolemy listed in the 2nd century.
Yes. The Sun is in front of Aries from April 18 to May 14 in 2026, and the zodiac sign Aries is named after it.