Introduction
Aries, recognized as one of the earliest known constellations, carries a rich legacy from ancient Greek mythology. Ancient Babylonian astronomers documented it around 2000 BCE, linking it forever to the story of Jason and the Argonauts.
The Mythology Behind Aries
In Greek mythology, Aries is linked to the ram with the golden fleece, pursued by Jason and the Argonauts. Legend says Zeus turned into a ram to save the children of Poseidon and Demeter. The ram was later sacrificed, and its golden fleece became Jason’s quest.
The History of Aries Observation
The Aries constellation has been observed for thousands of years. Ancient Babylonian astronomers named it, and later, Greek mythology linked it with the ram.
In ancient times, the Aries constellation signaled the start of the astrological calendar because the Sun appeared in front of Aries during the spring equinox. Today, due to the precession of the equinoxes, the Sun is in front of the Pisces constellation during the spring equinox. However, the name Aries is still used for this period.
Aries Today
Today, the Aries constellation is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union. It’s in the northern celestial hemisphere and visible from December to April. Aries, a Zodiac sign, is linked to the element of fire and the planet Mars in Western astrology.