Summer Triangle

Vega, Deneb and Altair comprise the Summer Triangle. Because of their relative brightness, these three stars appear before the sky is all the way dark, and one can easily see that they form a right triangle.

Last week’s blog presented Vega’s constellation, Lyra, as an eagle. The constellations in which Deneb and Altair appear are also represented as birds.

Deneb marks the tail of Cygnus, the Swan, and Altair, is on the wing of Aquila, the Eagle. Both of these constellations lie on the Milky Way.

The three birds, Lyra, Cygnus, and Aquila tell a story. Hebrew and ancient Arabic names for stars in Aquila indicate that this eagle is falling, wounded. (I specify ancient Arabic because the more modern Arabic names do not reflect this.) Al Tair = the wounding; Al Cair = the piercing; Al Okab = wounded in the heel; Al Shain = the bright (from scarlet); Tarared = wounded, torn, he comes down. What a picture of the Son of God who was brought low for our sakes!

Star names in Cygnus give the idea of a swift return of One who will judge. Deneb = lord or judge; Albireo = flying quickly; Sadr = round about; Azel = who goes and returns; Adige = flying swiftly; Arided = he shall come down. Thus, the second part of the story is that the One who was brought low will return in power.

Vega means he shall be exalted. This, of course, is the proper due for the One who demonstrates such love and interest in the people He created.

(Click on the title to see photos of these constellations.)