Summer Triangle

Located high overhead during warm Summer evenings, the asterism known as the Summer Triangle is a distinctive geometric shape formed by the brightest stars of three constellations: Deneb, Vega, and Altair (Deneb, FCPS Starfinder, Southern Sky, Letter "L," Cygnus; Vega, Letter "C," Lyra; and Altair, Letter "G," Aquila).

For more information, read the transcript of Summer Triangle Rising, the 05 July 1997 StarDate, the daily astronomy-related radio program produced by the McDonald Observatory, University of Texas.

Associated Mythology - (no associated mythology)

Ursa Minor, the Little Bear (the Little Dipper)

Ursa Minor (UR-sah MY-ner), the Little Bear simply does not look like a bear! It looks more like a poorly-shaped dipper (note the handle bends up). The Little Dipper (FCPS Starfinder, No. 2, Northern Sky) is rarely seen in the light-polluted skies of urban areas.

A line extending from the "Pointer Stars" (Merak, Letter "C" and Dubhe, Letter "B") of the Big Dipper (No. 1) leads to Polaris, the Pole Star (Letter "D"), the moderately bright star at the end of the handle of the Little Dipper. For more informaton about this star-hopping trick, read the transcript of Pointing to Polaris, the 13 July 1998 StarDate program.

Associated Mythology - Refer to the mythology associated with Ursa Major (May CoM). There is also the story of an Indian hunting party that became lost in the forest and prayed to their gods to point out the way home. In answer to their prayers, a little girl appeared saying that she was the spirit of the Pole Star sent to guide them home. They followed her and reached home safely. Ever since, the Indians have referred to the Pole Star as "the guide star that never moves."

Aquarius, the Water Bearer

The 11th constellation of the Zodiac for birthdates from 20 January to 18 February. This very dim constellation does not resemble a man pouring water from a jar. A line from the northwest to southeast corner of Pegasus will, if extended downward, run near the head of Aquarius (ah-KWARE-ee-us).

The Aquarids meteor showers (4 May and 5 August) appear to radiate from this region of the sky.

In the "Age of Aquarius" (600 years from the present), the Spring Equinox will be located in this constellation.

Associated Mythology - The Greeks identify Aquarius to the ancient legend of Ganymede, who was the cup bearer to Jove (Zeus or Jupiter). It was Aquila, the Flying Eagle that carried Ganymede aloft to his place in the sky with Zeus.

In Egypt, the rainy season began when the Sun rose at the same time as the stars of Aquarius.

Credits: CoM entries excerpted from Your Guide to the Constellations, by Lowell L. Koontz, former Planetarium Teacher at Edison High School, Fairfax County Public Schools.

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