The Charioteer
Auriga
Brightest star: Capella
Overview
Auriga is a prominent pentagon-shaped constellation in the northern sky, covering about 657 square degrees. Its crowning glory is Capella, a golden-yellow star shining at magnitude 0.08, making it the sixth-brightest star in the night sky and the brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere that is circumpolar from mid-northern latitudes. Capella is actually a system of four stars, with two bright yellow giants orbiting each other closely. The constellation lies within the Milky Way, providing a wealth of star clusters and nebulae for observers. Auriga is best viewed during winter evenings and is easily found high overhead from northern locations between December and March.
Mythology
The identity of the charioteer varies across different Greek traditions. Most commonly, Auriga represents Erichthonius, a legendary king of Athens who was raised by the goddess Athena and invented the four-horse chariot to compensate for his disability. His skill so impressed Zeus that the king was placed among the stars. Another tradition identifies Auriga as Myrtilus, the charioteer of King Oenomaus, whose treachery in a chariot race led to his death and celestial immortalization. Intriguingly, the constellation has always been depicted carrying a goat and two kids on his arm, represented by Capella (the she-goat) and the small triangle of stars called the Haedi (the kids).
Astrological Significance
In stellar astrology, Capella is one of the most benefic fixed stars, associated with honor, wealth, and eminence. It carries a blend of Mars and Mercury energies, suggesting a combination of drive and intellectual ability. The charioteer symbolism represents mastery over powerful forces, the ability to harness competing energies and direct them skillfully. Auriga's position in the winter sky connects it to themes of guidance through dark times and the promise of returning light. In spiritual traditions, the charioteer archetype appears in the Tarot as well, representing willpower, determination, and triumph through disciplined action.
Observing Tips
Auriga is one of the easiest winter constellations to locate thanks to brilliant Capella, which sits almost directly overhead for observers at mid-northern latitudes during January evenings. The pentagon shape is distinctive once identified. Three magnificent open clusters line the constellation's southern edge within the Milky Way band: M36, M37, and M38, all visible in binoculars and spectacular in telescopes. M37 is the richest, containing over 500 stars. The Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405) surrounds the erratic star AE Aurigae and is a fine target for astrophotographers. Look for Auriga between Perseus and Gemini.