Ara constellation: how to find it, when to see it and what is in it
In short
Ara (Ara) is a southern constellation covering 237 square degrees, number 63 of 88 by size. Its brightest star is β Ara, a orange supergiant, magnitude 2.8. It is best seen in the evening in July. It never rises over London — it is visible south of 24° north. Its neighbours in the sky: Apus, Corona Australis, Norma, Pavo, Scorpius, Telescopium, Triangulum Australe.
Area: 237 square degrees, 63 of 88 · Neighbours: Apus, Corona Australis, Norma, Pavo, Scorpius, Telescopium, Triangulum Australe · Updated 10 October 2026
How to find Ara
- 1
Where it is visible
The constellation rises above the horizon south of 24° north and is well seen from the southern hemisphere.
- 2
Use the neighbours
Find it from the neighbouring constellations: Apus, Corona Australis, Norma, Pavo.
- 3
Brightest stars
The brightest stars of the figure: β Ara (2.8ᵐ), α Ara (3.0ᵐ), ζ Ara (3.1ᵐ).
When it is visible over London
| Month | Where and when | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| January — december | — | never rises |
Stars of the constellation
| Star | What it is | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|
| β Ara | orange supergiant | 2.8ᵐ |
| α Ara | blue-white main-sequence star | 3.0ᵐ |
| ζ Ara | orange giant | 3.1ᵐ |
| γ Ara | blue-white supergiant | 3.3ᵐ |
| δ Ara | blue-white main-sequence star | 3.6ᵐ |
| θ Ara | blue-white supergiant | 3.7ᵐ |
| η Ara | orange giant | 3.8ᵐ |
Ara FAQ
When is the best time to see Ara?
Where is Ara in the sky?
What is the brightest star in Ara?
Neighbouring and other constellations
Related
Constellation lines: Stellarium, CC BY-SA · star names: IAU WGSN, CC BY 4.0