Story Behind This Piece

The Summer Triangle is a Northern Hemisphere asterism (stars of similar brightness recognized in a distinctive shape). Unlike many other asterisms, the Summer Triangle is actually an amalgamation of stars from three separate constellations.

We in the Northern Hemisphere can see the Summer Triangle for part of the night at any time of the year. As suggested by its name, the Summer Triangle is most prominent during the summer season, for us at mid-northern latitudes. Seeing the Summer Triangle again and again on summer nights is a deep pleasure that adds to the enjoyment of this season. Once you master the Summer Triangle, you can always locate the Milky Way on a clear, dark night.

Some see the Summer Triangle as a great big “V” for vacation, with Altair marking the point of the “V.” In summer, the Summer Triangle appears in the east at nightfall, high overhead after midnight and in the west at dawn. May the Summer Triangle constellation studs remind you that we all need time to relax, and that vacation is amongst the stars, and part of our on going destiny.