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Sky Chart and Artist Rendering of Ara
Origin:
Ara, appearing somewhat like a chair (to northern observers), was known to
the ancient Greeks and Romans. It has been described variously as the
altar of Moses, the altar erected by Noah after the flood, the altar from
the Temple of Solomon, as well as others. Ara was listed by Ptolemy
in the Almagest (A.D. 140) as one of the 48 constellations and
described as a censer.
Information:
Ara is a small but conspicuous constellation just south of Scorpius, the Scorpion's, tail and culminates at
about 9 pm on August 5. Parts are visible to observers as far north
as New York but requires a viewing site south of 30° N lat. to view the
entire constellation. The altar is upside-down for northern
observers.
Mythology:
Ara was associated with the Centaur (Centaurus
is just west of Ara) as the altar upon which Centaurus intended to
sacrifice Lupus, the wolf. |
