aries (ā´-ri-ēz)—the Ram. (face Southeast.)
Location.—The star α in Aries, known as Hamal, and sometimes as Arietis, a star of the second magnitude, is about 7° south of α Trianguli. A line drawn from the Pole Star to γ Andromedæ, and prolonged about 20°, ends at Hamal.
Aries contains three principal stars, forming a characteristic obtuse-angled triangle.
The star γ Arietis was one of the first double stars discovered. A telescope is required to split it. Hamal lies near the path of the moon, and is one of the stars from which longitude is reckoned.
Below Aries may be seen the characteristic pentagon in the head of Cetus, the Whale.
More than two thousand years ago Aries was the leading constellation of the zodiac, and now stands first in the list of zodiacal signs.
The Arabians knew this constellation as Al Hamal, the sheep.
β and γ are one instance out of many where stars of more than ordinary brightness are seen together in pairs, the brightest star being generally on the east.
 ARIES
Next: cetus (sē´-tus)—the Whale. (face Southeast.)
Previous: capricornus (kap-ri-kôr´-nus)—the Sea Goat. (face Southwest.)
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