Constellation 21. al-muthallath, The Triangle [Triangulum]

21-Triangulum

The fications, consists of four stars. According to Emilie Savage-Smith, Aratus called it δελτωτὀυ, and mythographers suggested that Hermes placed it above the head of Aries so that its brightness would mark the dimness of Aries and so that its triangular shape would form the first letter of the name for Zeus (Δίς, an older form of Ζεύς).

The constellation is labeled kawākib al-muthallath, (the constellation of the triangle). The star at the top of the triangle is called ra’s al-muthallath (the apex of the triangle [α Trianguli]. Al-Ṣūfī adds that this star, together with the most northerly of the three at the base, were traditionally called al-anīsān (the two friends) [αβ Tri].

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