Three double stars
trace the border of this
celestial wonder, which
harbors a treasure-trove
of beautiful targets.
BY STEPHEN JAMES O’MEARA
Hidden treats in the
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
EARTH HAS SEVERAL GOLDEN TRIANGLES, three points
of great interest between which we find a cornucopia of natural
wonders. In the night sky, autumn brings us a triad of popu-
lar attractions, three golden double stars — Athebyne (Eta [η]
Draconis), Albireo (Beta [β] Cygni), and Almach (Gamma [γ]
Andromedae) — that encapsulate a rich assortment of celestial
gems for your viewing enjoyment.
I’ve trisected the Golden Triangle into three smaller triangles
of roughly equal area centered on Alderamin (Alpha [α] Cephei).
Region 1 covers the area within the triangle formed by
Athebyne, Alderamin, and Albireo. Region 2 covers the area
within the Triangle formed by Albireo, Alderamin, and Almach.
And Region 3 covers the area within the triangle formed by
Almach, Alderamin, and Athebyne.
I’ve selected about a dozen targets (excluding Messier objects)
in each region, along with some bonus objects. We’ll begin at
Athebyne and work our way clockwise through the regions.The Fireworks Galaxy
(NGC 6946), a prodigious
supernova factory, is a
face-on spiral galaxy with
a small yet bright nucleus.
TONY HALLAS