Constellation Triangulum (Triangle)
Date:
Northern Hemisphere
Autumn
Triangle
Triangulum
The Triangle (lat. Triangulum) is a relatively small constellation of the northern hemisphere. It consists of three stars: Alpha, Beta and Gamma Trianguli. Alpha Trianguli is 64 light-years away and 13 times as bright as our sun. Only two of the three stars reach the third magnitude. In the southern hemisphere you will find the counterpart of the Triangle, the Triangulum Australe.
How to spot Triangulum
In the Triangulum you may find M33, a companion to the Andromeda Nebula. The constellation is therefore located between Andromeda and Aries. Perseus and Pisces are also nearby. It covers an area of 132 square degrees and is best seen in the sky in autumn.
History
The Triangle belongs to the 48 constellations of antiquity. The Latin name "Triangulum" was given to it by the Romans, the Greeks called it "Delta" in their times.