General presentation

Located along the Milky Way, it is easily observable from much of the globe during the northern hemisphere summer months. Aquila is best known for housing Altaïr, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. With Deneb in Cygnus and Vega in Lyra, Altaïr forms the famous Summer Triangle, used by many observers to orient themselves in the sky. Thanks to its position and the brightness of its main stars, the Aquila constellation is an excellent point of reference for discovering the Milky Way and neighboring constellations.

Shape of the Aquila constellation

The Aquila constellation represents an eagle in flight, its wings spread. Although this silhouette requires a bit of imagination, several bright stars allow to distinguish its shape. At the center of the constellation is Altaïr, the brightest star of Aquila. It is surrounded by two more discreet stars, Tarazed and Alshain, which form with it an easily identifiable line. On each side, other stars draw the eagle's extended wings. Together, they form an elongated figure that seems to traverse the Milky Way. Unlike Orion or Ursa Major, the shape of Aquila is less obvious at first glance, but it becomes easier to recognize once Altaïr has been spotted.

Stars of the Aquila constellation