The constellation of Ara describes a region towards the centre of our galaxy, and
somewhat 'below' the galactic plane.
As a far southern constellation, Ara is today almost invisible from Europe at any time of the year.
Between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago, though, it was clearly visible from southern Europe and northern
Africa during the summer months. The Greeks of that time called it Thytérion
or Thysiastérion, the Altar of Sacrifice, perhaps because it rose
in the sky at a propitious time of the year. This tradition was inherited by the
Romans, who gave the constellation the name we know today: 'Ara' is the Latin word for 'Altar'.