When is the best time to observe Zeta Arae?

Zeta Arae is best observed from April through June, with peak visibility during May when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Zeta Arae located in the sky?

Zeta Arae lies in the constellation Ara at right ascension 16h 59m and declination -55° 59′.

What telescope do I need to see Zeta Arae?

At magnitude 3.1, Zeta Arae is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Zeta Arae — Star in Ara

Magnitude 3.1^m Star Ara Visible

Star Map + List + Plan

About Zeta Ara

Description

Zeta Arae is an orange giant of spectral type K3III at magnitude 3.13 in the constellation Ara. Located about 574 light-years from Earth, it is a cool, evolved star with a surface temperature of about 4,200 K. It is one of the brighter stars in this small southern constellation.

Observing Tips

Zeta Ara lies in the southern part of Ara, near the border with Triangulum Australe. It appears as a warm orange star. Only visible from the southern hemisphere and low northern latitudes. Best observed from June through August when Ara transits the meridian in the evening.

History

Zeta Arae has no traditional proper name. Ara is one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy and represents the altar on which the gods of Olympus swore their oath of allegiance. Its southern position meant it was rarely visible to Greek and Roman observers, adding to its mythological air of mystery.

Fun Facts

Ara lies in a rich part of the Milky Way and contains several notable deep-sky objects including the open cluster NGC 6193 and the Rim Nebula (NGC 6188). Zeta Ara makes a good guide star for finding these southern deep-sky targets.