Literally thousands of galaxies have been photographed here with great observatory telescopes. But just to the east (left) of Denebola is a region that many skywatching guides and astronomy texts often refer to as the "Realm of the Galaxies " it is here that you will find a veritable treasure trove of numerous star cities. In contrast, the region within the Spring Triangle initially appears to be a dull neighborhood both to the naked eye and through binoculars. As noted earlier, the famous Summer Triangle is crossed by one of the brightest and star-spangled sections of the Milky Way. Whenever I'm giving a star talk and am looking for an "eye-opening" aspect of the night sky at this time of year, I simply direct my audience to the Spring Triangle. At the eastern point of this triangle, you'll find Denebola, the "tail" of the Lion.Ĭonnecting Arcturus, Spica and Denebola creates the aforementioned Spring Triangle. Now if we were to drill a hole in the bottom of the bowl, all that water would spill straight out toward the south in the direction of Leo the Lion, which is composed of two distinct shapes: Six stars appear to form a large backward question mark marking the head and mane of the Lion, popularly known as the "Sickle." And to the east (left) of the Sickle there is a right triangle of stars which make up the Lion's hindquarters. To locate the third star of our Spring Triangle, Denebola, go back to the Big Dipper and pretend that the bowl is filled with water. Since that's where Arcturus is, the flavor is obvious: Orange sorbet or sherbet! Someone bit off the bottom of the cone (and what kid hasn't done that at least once in their life?) and that's where a glob is poking out. In fact, immediately to the left of the cone is a semi-circle of stars which represents the Northern Crown (Corona Borealis.) When giving live presentations in the Space Theater of New York's Hayden Planetarium, I'll point out the Crown as representing a second scoop that somehow slid off the top of the cone.Īs to what flavor concoction is in the cone, that's easy. Considering that we are now at that time of the year when ice cream trucks visit most neighborhoods around suppertime, the ice cream cone reference seems more preferable compared to a kite. To me, however, he has always looked a lot more convincing as an ice cream cone. Most astronomy guides refer to Bootes as resembling a longish kite. Just remember this alliterative mnemonic: "Arc to Arcturus. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night) Now continue your imaginary arc past Arcturus and eventually you will arrive at Spica, a bluish star shining with about one-third the radiance of Arcturus.Īn illustration of the June night sky showing how the stars of Ursa Major/the Big Dipper can be used to locate Spica and Arcturus. Eventually, you'll come to Arcturus, quite unmistakable due to its brilliance and eye-catching fiery color. Following along the curve of the Dipper's handle you'll be tracing a broad arc. The best way to identify Arcturus and Spica is to first locate the Big Dipper, which is now located almost directly overhead during early evenings. Take note of the umlaut over the second 'o' (Boötes) to prevent this mispronunciation. Many pronounce the Herdsman's name incorrectly as Boo-teez, instead of the way it should be, Bo- oh-teez. Boötes brightest star, the orange-yellow Arcturus, holds the distinction of being not only the brightest star in the Spring Triangle, but the fourth brightest in the entire night sky. To the British he is the Ploughman, since he follows the Plough (better known to us here in the U.S. To American stargazers, Boötes is the Herdsman or the Bear Driver, an allusion to the way he follows the Big Bear ( Ursa Major) around the sky. Much fainter stars located above and to the west of Spica form a cursive Y-shaped pattern. Of the two constellations that supply the two brightest stars of the Spring Triangle, Virgo may not be easy for some beginners to trace out, but it does have Spica as a convenient starting point. Looking for a telescope to observe the stars of the Spring Triangle? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide.
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