How to Find and Identify the Zodiac Constellation Aries

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. • 1
     Look for Aries in the winter. This is a hard constellation to see if you don't have clear weather. Aries will rise in the east and is best identified around 9 p.m.
   • 2
     Search for the yellowish Hamal. Aries is simply a small group of stars that looks nothing like a sheep. However, it does have one semi-bright star called Hamal. Hamal is bright only in comparison to its surroundings, but it is the one distinguishing feature of Aries. If you can find Hamal, you have basically identified Aries. Hamal is west of the Great Square of Pegasus and northeast of Taurus the Bull, which has a "V" shape to it.
   • 3
     Use the Seven Sisters as a guide to Hamal. This group of stars, also known as the Pleiades, rises early in the winter sky and is often mistaken for the Little Dipper. It has the appearance of a small dipper, and the stars are closely grouped. Hamal and Aries are just to the east of the Pleiades.
   • 4
     Try to see the Triangle. Triangulum, a tiny constellation in the shape of a tirangle, is just above the stars of Aries. It is pointing down toward the southeast horizon. As small as it is, Triangulum is much easier to spot than Aries and is a good "compass" for finding the Ram.
   • 5
     When you spot Hamal, look to the southeast close by for the next star of Aries. After that, look downward from the second star and you will have seen all there is to see of this April Zodiac constellation.