Key Takeaways:
A seemingly small, unassuming constellation is rising in the east after sunset: Triangulum. One of the smallest constellations (ranking 78th out of 88), this simple star pattern is nonetheless relatively easy to locate. As its name implies, its outline consists of three stars: Alpha (α), Beta (β), and Gamma (γ) Trianguli. Beta is actually the brightest, at magnitude 3.0; Alpha is next (magnitude 3.4), and Gamma is faintest (magnitude 4.0). You can find these three stars to the right of Perseus and below Cassiopeia and Andromeda in the sky as the region rises.
Though small, Triangulum hosts several deep-sky treasures, including the galaxy M33 near its western border with Pisces. By 9:30 P.M. local daylight time, it is just over 30° high in the east, glowing at magnitude 5.7. You can find it by either looking just over 4° west-northwest of Alpha Tri, or by moving 7° southeast from brighter magnitude 2.1 Mirach (Beta Andromedae). M33 covers more than a degree of sky, and is best viewed with a telescope. Small scopes and even binoculars will spot it, while larger instruments will start to bring out some of its spiral structure.
Sunrise: 6:52 A.M.
Sunset: 6:50 P.M.
Moonrise: 11:44 A.M.
Moonset: 8:56 P.M.
Moon Phase: Waxing crescent (21%)
*Times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset are given in local time from 40° N 90° W. The Moon’s illumination is given at 12 P.M. local time from the same location.
For a look ahead at more upcoming sky events, check out our full Sky This Week column.
