The Summer Triangle

The Summer Triangle is a big shape you can see in the night sky in summer. It is not a real constellation. It is made of three bright stars from three different constellations. Together, they form a large triangle overhead. It is a great shape for star watchers to find.

The Three Stars

The three stars of the Summer Triangle are Vega, Deneb, and Altair. Vega is in a constellation called Lyra the harp. Deneb is in Cygnus the swan. Altair is in Aquila the eagle. All three stars shine very brightly. You can spot them even from places with some city lights.

When to See It

The Summer Triangle is best seen from June to September in the Northern Hemisphere. Look straight up after dark during these months. Vega is usually the highest and brightest star. The Milky Way passes right through the middle of the triangle. On a dark night, you can see it as a faint cloudy band.

Fun Facts

• Vega will one day become the North Star in about 12,000 years.
• Deneb is one of the farthest bright stars you can see.
• Altair is one of the closest bright stars to Earth.

Did You Know?

Even though it is called the Summer Triangle, people in the Northern Hemisphere can also see it in early fall.