When is the best time to observe Metallah?

Metallah is best observed from September through November, with peak visibility during October when it transits around midnight in the Northern Hemisphere.

Where is Metallah located in the sky?

Metallah lies in the constellation Triangulum at right ascension 01h 53m and declination +29° 35′.

What telescope do I need to see Metallah?

At magnitude 3.4, Metallah is visible to the naked eye from dark skies, easy in any binoculars.

Metallah — Star in Triangulum

Alpha Tri

Magnitude 3.4^m Star Triangulum (Tri) Visible

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About Metallah

Description

Metallah, Alpha Trianguli, is the brightest star in the small constellation Triangulum. It is an F-type giant of spectral class F5 III about 63 light-years away, shining at magnitude 3.41. Metallah is a spectroscopic binary with a close companion in a 1.74-year orbit. Despite being the alpha star, it has often been overshadowed by the more famous Triangulum Galaxy (M33), which lies in the same constellation.

Observing Tips

Metallah marks the acute apex of the Triangulum's narrow triangle. Binoculars easily reveal the compact three-star pattern of the constellation. Metallah appears as a soft yellow-white point. The famous Triangulum Galaxy (M33) lies about 4 degrees to the west. Best observed September through February.

History

The name Metallah comes from the Arabic "ra's al-muthallath," meaning "the head of the triangle." The IAU adopted the name in 2016.

Fun Facts

Triangulum is one of the 48 classical Greek constellations, known since antiquity. Its simple three-star outline made it useful as a celestial reference point for medieval astronomers. Metallah's spectroscopic binary remains unresolved visually, but its orbital period is well-established through Doppler spectroscopy.