This constellation used to belong to Centaurus, another set of stars. It means "Altar" and looks somewhat like this:

         O
         |    o
         |    |
         O----O
         O    \
         |     O
         o

None of the stars within the constellation are named.

In mythology, this is the altar Zeus burned incense on to celebrate the victory of the gods over the Titans.

A"ra (#), n. [L.] Astron.

The Altar; a southern constellation, south of the tail of the Scorpion.

 

© Webster 1913.


A"ra (#), n. [Native Indian name.] Zool.

A name of the great blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), native of South America.

 

© Webster 1913.

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