Aquila, the Eagle, is a prominent constellation in the northern sky, located along the Milky Way. It is most notable for its bright star Altair, which is part of the Summer Triangle asterism. Aquila is a relatively large constellation, ranked 22nd in size among the 88 constellations, and it covers an area of approximately 652 square degrees.
Key Features
Aquila is known for its distinctive shape that resembles an eagle in flight, with Altair forming the eagle's head and other stars outlining its wings and body. The constellation is located near several other constellations, including Sagitta, Delphinus, and Scutum. Aquila is rich in star clusters and nebulae due to its position along the Milky Way.
Mythology
In Greek mythology, Aquila represents the eagle that carried Zeus' thunderbolts and was also associated with the myth of Ganymede, the cupbearer to the gods. The eagle is often depicted as a majestic bird, signifying power and authority. In various other cultures, Aquila has been seen as a symbol of strength and courage.
Notable Stars
- Altair (α Aquilae): The brightest star in Aquila and one of the brightest stars in the night sky, Altair is part of the Summer Triangle along with Deneb and Vega. Altair is relatively close to Earth, at a distance of about 16.7 light-years, and is a fast-rotating star, completing one rotation in less than 10 hours.
- Tarazed (γ Aquilae): The second brightest star in Aquila, Tarazed is an orange giant located near Altair. It is much larger and more luminous than the Sun.
- Alshain (β Aquilae): A fainter star in the constellation, Alshain is a yellow subgiant that, together with Altair and Tarazed, forms a line in the sky known as the "Three Guides."
Visibility
Aquila is best visible in the Northern Hemisphere during the summer months, particularly from July to September. It can be seen from most of the world, but is most prominent between latitudes 85°N and 75°S. In the Southern Hemisphere, Aquila is visible in the winter months, but not as high in the sky.
Tips for Observing
- Summer Triangle: To easily find Aquila, locate the Summer Triangle, which is formed by Altair, Vega (in the constellation Lyra), and Deneb (in Cygnus). Altair is the southernmost star of the triangle.
- Dark Skies: Observing Aquila from a location with minimal light pollution will enhance your view of the Milky Way running through the constellation, revealing more of the star clusters and nebulae.
- Binoculars/Telescope: While Altair and the other bright stars of Aquila are visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope can help you explore the rich star fields and deep-sky objects within the constellation.