Ara (The Altar)

Southern constellation of the altar, deep in the Milky Way beside the great star clouds of Scorpius.

Core Principles & Analysis

• It is one of the 48 constellations recorded by Ptolemy.
• Greek tradition placed the altar where the gods swore their oath before the war against the Titans.
• Westerlund 1 in Ara is one of the most massive star clusters known in the Galaxy.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: β Arae
• HEMISPHERE: Southern
• BEST VIEWED: July