The Spring Triangle is a popularly known pattern or group of stars that can be seen in the night sky in the northern celestial hemisphere to help astronomers find other objects in the sky. The defining vertices of this imaginary triangle can be found at the stars Arcturus, Spica, and Regulus, each of which is the brightest star of its constellation. The star Arcturus is in the constellation Bootes, Spica in the constellation Virga, and Regulus in the constellation Leo. For astronomers living in the Pacific Northwest, the Spring Triable can be found and seen rising the south eastern part of the sky from March to May.
Although less well known as the Summer Triangle, the Spring Triangle might have the Summer Triangle to thank for its name and potential existence. This is because the first instance of the Spring Triangle being seen and used was George Lovi who penned the term.[1]
Finding the Spring Triangle provides amateur and professional astronomers alike with a guide to finding many galaxies that are absolutely beautiful! These galaxies are not necessarily close to where the Milky Way is like, the Summer Triangle is, but does provide an amazing opportunity for astrophotography. If astrophotographers have a telescope that is 6 inches in aperture or greater, there are a plethora of opportunities for many great shots!
Some do use Denebola, which is in the constellation Leo, instead of Regulus, but this still provides these same opportunities for star watchers. This might be a bit easier as Denebola is the second brightest star in Leo, as Denebola is a bit closer to the other stars in the triangle.
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