Hamal,
the brightest star of the Zodiacal constellation of Aries the Ram and
the sixth star listed in the Nautical Almanac, is only a second
magnitude star, but the Sun's (apparent) nearness to it in ancient days
marked the Vernal Equinox, the first day of Spring, and the beginning of
the planting season (because of precession, the Vernal Equinox is now
properly in Pisces). Thus, Hamal has an importance far beyond its modest
appearance. The name "Hamal" means "Ram" in Arabic. It is also referred
to as Alpha Arietis.
Having consumed much of its hydrogen and helium, Hamal is an orange-red giant, about 15 times the diameter of the Sun, with 91 times the luminosity. It is about 66 light years from the Sun. It has about half as much again mass as the Sun, and is orbited by at least one giant exoplanet.
Having consumed much of its hydrogen and helium, Hamal is an orange-red giant, about 15 times the diameter of the Sun, with 91 times the luminosity. It is about 66 light years from the Sun. It has about half as much again mass as the Sun, and is orbited by at least one giant exoplanet.
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