SkyRef / Constellations

The Ara constellation

The Altar. Best placed in March. It lies south of the celestial equator and sits low for northern observers, better the further south you go.

Where and when

Also known asthe Altar
Best monthMarch
Right ascension17.2h
Declination-56°
Line segments1

Finding it

Ara, known in English as the Altar, is centred near right ascension 17.2 hours, declination -56°. It lies south of the celestial equator and sits low for northern observers, better the further south you go.

It reaches its highest point in the sky around local midnight in March, which is when it is easiest to pick out. Earlier in the year it rises before dawn; later, it is already setting in the evening.

See it on the live map

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Other constellations

AndromedaAntliaApusAquariusAquilaAraAriesAurigaBoötesCaelumCamelopardalisCancerCanes VenaticiCanis MajorCanis MinorCapricornusCarinaCassiopeiaCentaurusCepheusCetusChamaeleonCircinusColumbaComa BerenicesCorona AustrinaCorona BorealisCorvusCraterCruxCygnusDelphinusDoradoDracoEquuleusEridanusFornaxGeminiGrusHercules