Constellation · Tri
Triangulum
The Triangle
A small triangle of stars that holds the Triangulum Galaxy (M33), a spiral galaxy in our Local Group.
Magnitude 3.00
Highest in the sky at 9 pm local time (winter in the northern hemisphere)
Latitudes where every part of it rises above the horizon at some time of year
The whole sky covers about 41,253 square degrees
Stars brighter than about magnitude 6, the naked-eye limit under dark skies
Named stars in Triangulum
Brightest first. A lower magnitude means a brighter star.
- Mizan (Beta Trianguli)mag 3.00
- Mothallah (Alpha Trianguli)mag 3.42
Can you see Triangulum from where you live?
This depends only on your latitude. Pick the row nearest to you; for your exact sky tonight, use the sky map.
| Latitude | Triangulum |
|---|---|
| 60°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°N | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| the equator | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 20°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 40°S | The whole constellation rises and sets |
| 60°S | Only part of it ever clears the horizon |
Questions about Triangulum
When is Triangulum best seen?
Triangulum stands highest in the sky at 9 pm local time in December. That makes winter evenings the best time for observers in the northern hemisphere; in the southern hemisphere the season is reversed.
What is the brightest star in Triangulum?
The brightest star in Triangulum is Mizan (Beta Trianguli), magnitude 3.00.
Where on Earth can you see Triangulum?
The whole of Triangulum can be seen from latitudes between about 53°S and 90°N. From 40°N: The whole constellation rises and sets. From 35°S: The whole constellation rises and sets.
What does Triangulum mean?
Triangulum is Latin for "the Triangle". One of Ptolemy's 48 ancient constellations (2nd century).