Triangulum

Triangulum is a term used for two astronomical objects associated with the same region of the sky. It is also the Latin name for “the triangle,” reflecting the shape of the constellation Triangulum, which is a small, northern sky constellation. The brightest star in the constellation is Beta Trianguli, and the overall area is relatively faint, making the group of stars a challenge to observe without dark skies. It lies in the northern celestial hemisphere and is most easily seen from northern latitudes during late winter and early spring. The constellation contains a modest collection of deep-sky objects, including star clusters and nebulae, but none are particularly prominent from suburban locations.

The other major use of the name Triangulum refers to the Triangulum Galaxy, also known as M33 or NGC 598. This is a nearby spiral galaxy and a member of the Local Group, which includes the Milky Way and Andromeda. Triangulum Galaxy sits at an approximate distance of three million light-years and is smaller than both the Milky Way and Andromeda. Its spiral structure is looser and its arms appear patchy, reflecting active but uneven star formation. The galaxy contains several notable H II regions, including NGC 604, one of the larger star-forming regions in the Local Group. Observers can detect M33 with binoculars or a small telescope, often appearing as a small, elongated haze within the boundaries of the Triangulum constellation.