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Summer Triangle wide field view
Stargazing Nights
Aug 29
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Look at the stars! look, look up at the skies!
O look at all the fire-folk sitting in the air!
The bright boroughs, the circle-citadels there!"
~ "The Starlight Night" Gerald Manley Hopkins
Devised for dancing couple, one of whom is an astronomer, this starry-eyed 3 couple strathspey features the first couple who begin the dance by turning with both hands and elegantly drift and orbit down the set. At the end of August, stargazers can enjoy a spectacular celestial show as the night sky comes alive with several notable sights. The Perseid meteor shower, though past its peak, may still offer a few lingering shooting stars. The Summer Triangle, formed by the bright stars Vega, Altair, and Deneb, remains prominent overhead, guiding viewers through the Milky Way's dense star fields. Additionally, Saturn reaches opposition, shining brightly in the southeastern sky, making it an ideal time to observe its stunning rings through a telescope. As you leave your evening dance class or event, tilt your gaze upwards and watch the eternal celestial ceilidh! ⭐🪐 🔭 💫 🌠
The Stargazers
The Summer Triangle, a dazzling trio of stars that dominate the night sky during the warmer months, serves as a celestial guidepost for stargazers. Comprising Vega, Altair, and Deneb, each star anchors its own constellation—Lyra, Aquila, and Cygnus, respectively. As night falls, these stars emerge like jewels against the velvet sky, forming an almost perfect isosceles triangle. Their brilliance has inspired countless myths and stories across cultures, from the tale of the weaver princess and the cowherd in Japanese folklore to the grand swan of Cygnus flying across the Milky Way. The Summer Triangle not only marks the height of summer but also signals the impending transition to autumn,
Here’s some ways to use the Summer Triangle:
Night Sky Navigation: The Summer Triangle is one of the most prominent and easily identifiable asterisms in the summer sky. Once you locate it, you can use it to find other stars and constellations, such as Cygnus (the Swan), Lyra (the Lyre), and Aquila (the Eagle).
Seasonal Indicator: The appearance of the Summer Triangle is a reliable indicator of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. Its position in the sky can also help observers track the progression of the season as it moves westward throughout the summer months.
Astronomical Observation: Each star in the Summer Triangle has unique features that make it interesting for observation. Vega, for example, is one of the brightest stars in the sky and has been extensively studied due to its proximity and similarities to our own Sun. Altair is known for its rapid rotation, causing it to have an oblate shape, while Deneb, a supergiant, provides insight into the future of massive stars.
Astrophotography: The Summer Triangle offers a perfect starting point for astrophotography, especially for capturing the Milky Way, which passes through this area of the sky. The three stars provide bright reference points to frame more complex shots of deep-sky objects.
Cultural and Educational Purposes: The Summer Triangle is often used in educational settings to teach about the basics of stargazing and the myths associated with these stars. It’s a gateway for introducing people to the wonders of astronomy and the stories that different cultures have associated with the night sky.
Keep up with what's on in the night sky by clicking the stargazers!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
