Star profile

Zeta Arietis

3D likeness based on its real data · class A · ~8,500 K

What is Zeta Arietis

Zeta Arietis is a white A1 star spinning at 133 km/s at its equator, a fast rotation that preserves the youthful look of its 333 million years. At 262 light-years, with two and a half solar masses, it shines in the constellation of the Ram, the first of the classical zodiac, where Aries once marked the vernal equinox before precession slowly moved the equinoctial point.

Where it is and when to see it

Zeta Arietis lies in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is November, when it culminates around midnight.

From London it culminates about 60° above the horizon.
From New York it culminates about 70° above the horizon.
From Sydney it culminates about 35° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere north of 69° S.

It ranks no. 11 in brightness among the 57 stars of Aries in our catalogue. To find it, start from Hamal, the brightest: it lies about 16° away (a fist at arm's length covers about 10°).

The light you see today left it about 260 years ago.

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Astronomical data for Zeta Arietis

Constellation: Aries
Apparent magnitude: 4.87
Distance: 262.2 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 48.725° · Dec 21.044°
Catalogue: HIP 15110 · HD 20150

A symbolic commemorative gift: neither the signature nor the chosen name implies ownership of the star or recognition by the IAU.

Other stars in Aries

Aries has 57 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.

See all 57 stars in Aries