List of proper names of stars

This is a list of proper names of stars. These are the names of stars that have either been approved by the International Astronomical Union (its Working Group on Star Names has since 2016 been publishing a "List of IAU-approved Star Names", which as of June 2018 included a total of 330 proper names of stars[1]) or which have been in somewhat recent usage. See also the lists of stars by constellation, which give variant names, derivations, and magnitudes.

Of the roughly 10,000 stars visible to the naked eye, only a few hundred have been given proper names in the history of astronomy.[2] Traditional astronomy tends to group stars into asterisms, and give proper names to those, not to individual stars.

Many star names are in origin descriptive of the part of the asterism they are found in; thus Phecda, a corruption of the Arabic -فخذ الدب- fakhth al-dubb "thigh of the bear". Only a handful of the brightest stars have individual proper names not depending on their asterism; so Sirius "the scorcher", Antares and Canopus (of unknown origin), Alphard "the solitary one", Regulus "kinglet"; and arguably Aldebaran "the follower" (of the Pleiades), Procyon "preceding the dog [Sirius]". The same holds for Chinese astronomy, where most stars are enumerated within their constellation, with a handful of exceptions such as 織女 "weaving girl" (Vega).

In addition to the limited number of traditional star names, there are some coined in modern times, e.g. "Avior" for Epsilon Carinae (1930), and a number of stars named after people (mostly in the 20th century).

IAU Catalog

In 2016, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) organized a Working Group on Star Names (WGSN)[3] to catalog and standardize proper names for stars. The WGSN's first bulletin dated July 2016[4] included a table of 125 stars comprising the first two batches of names approved by the WGSN (on 30 June and 20 July 2016) together with names of stars adopted by the IAU Executive Committee Working Group on Public Naming of Planets and Planetary Satellites during the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign[5] and recognized by the WGSN. Further batches of names were approved on 21 August, 12 September, 5 October and 6 November 2016. These were listed in a table of 102 stars included in the WGSN's second bulletin dated November 2016.[6] The next additions were done on 1 February 2017 (13 new star names), 30 June 2017 (29), 5 September 2017 (41), 17 November 2017 (3), 1 June 2018 (17), and on 10 August 2018 (6). All 336 are included in the current List of IAU-approved Star Names, last updated on 10 August 2018.[1]

List

In the table below, unless indicated by a '†', the 'Modern proper name' is that approved by the WGSN and entered in the List of IAU-approved Star Names.[1] The WGSN decided to attribute proper names to individual stars rather than entire multiple systems.[7] For such names relating to members of multiple star systems, and where a component letter (from e.g. Washington Double Star Catalog) is not explicitly listed, the WGSN says that the name should be understood to be attributed to the brightest component by visual brightness.[6]

Constellation Designation Modern proper name Historical names / comments
Eridanusθ¹ Eridani AAcamar
  • Originally called آخر النهر‎ ākhir al-nahr in Arabic, meaning "river's end", named because it was the brightest star in the constellation Eridanus (the River). (Before the 16th century, this was the last star in the Eridanus constellation; it was later extended to Achenar, below).[8]:p219
  • "Acamar" was first used in the Alphonsine tables (circa 1252).[8]:p219
  • Also called Al Thalim ("the Ostrich") by fifteenth-century Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg.[8]:p219
  • Georgius Chrysococca (14th century) called it Aulax in Greek, meaning "the Furrow".[8]:p219
Eridanusα Eridani AAchernar
  • The name was originally Arabic آخر النهر‎ ākhir al-nahr "river's end"
Cassiopeiaη Cassiopeiae AAchirdApparently first applied to Eta Cassiopeiae in the Skalnate Pleso Atlas of the Heavens published in 1950, but is not known prior to that.[9]
Scorpiusβ Scorpii AaAcrabThe traditional names of the β Scorpii system included Akrab and Elakrab, derived (like Acrab) from Arabic العقرب al-‘aqrab, "the scorpion", and graffias, which is Italian for "claws" and which was also applied to Xi Scorpii.[10][8]:p367
Cruxα Crucis AaAcruxAcrux is a modern contraction of the Bayer designation, coined in the 19th century, but which entered into common use only by the mid 20th century.[11]
Cancerα Cancri AaAcubensThe name was originally Arabic الزبانى‎ al-zubānā, "the claws".
Leoζ Leonis AaAdhaferaAlso called Aldhafera.
  • The name is originally from Arabic الضفيرة‎ al-ḍafīrah, "the braid (or curl, or strand) (of the lion's mane)"
Canis Majorε Canis Majoris AAdhara
  • The name is originally from Arabic عذارى‎ ‘aðārā, "virgins". In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket it is designated أول ألعذاري‎ awwil al-aðāriy, translated into Latin as Prima Virginum, "first virgin".
Andromedaξ AndromedaeAdhilThe name was originally Arabic الذيل‎ að-ðayl, 'the train' (lit. 'the tail')
Taurusε Tauri Aa1Ain
  • The name is originally from Arabic عين‎ ‘ayn, "eye" and was reviewed and adopted by the IAU Executive Committee WG Public Naming of Planets and Planetary Satellites.[1]
  • The star was given the name Oculus Boreus (Latin for "northern eye") by John Flamsteed.[12][8]:p391
Sagittariusν¹ Sagittarii AAinalrami
Lyraη Lyrae AaAladfar
  • The name is originally from Arabic الأظفر‎ al-uẓfur, "the talons (of the swooping eagle)", shared with μ Lyrae (Alathfar).
Andromedaγ AndromedaeAlamak †
  • The name is originally from Arabic العناق الأرض‎ al-‘anāq al-arḍ, "the caracal" (desert lynx). Another Arabic name is آلرجل المسلسلة‎ al-rijl al-musalsalah, "the chained foot". In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket designated جمس ألنعامة‎ ḥāmis an-naʽāmah, translated into Latin as Quinta Struthionum, "fifth ostrich".
Lyraμ LyraeAlathfar †

The name is originally from Arabic الأظفر‎ al-uẓfur, "the talons (of the swooping eagle)", shared with η Lyrae (Aladfar).

Sagittariusπ Sagittarii AAlbaldah
  • The name is originally from Arabic بلدة‎ baldah, "town". In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket designated نير البلدة‎ nayyir al-baldah, translated into Latin as Lucida Oppidi "brightest of the town".
Aquariusε AquariiAlbali
  • The name is originally from Arabic البالع‎ albāli‘, "the swallower". In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket designated نير سعد ألبلع‎ nayyir sa‘d al-bulaʽ, translated into Latin as Lucida Fortunæ Dissipantis, "the brightest of luck of the swallower".
Cygnusβ¹ Cygni AaAlbireo
  • The source of the name Albireo is not entirely clear.[13]
  • In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket designated منقار ألدجاجة‎ minqār al-dajājah, translated into Latin as Rostrum Gallinæ "the hen's beak".
Corvusα CorviAlchiba
  • From Arabic الخباء‎ al-khibā’, "tent". In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket designated ألمنخر ألغراب‎ al-mankhar al-ghurāb, translated into Latin as Rostrum Corvi, "beak of the crow".
Ursa Major80 Ursae Majoris CaAlcor
  • From Arabic الخوّار‎ al‑khawwār, "the faint one".
  • Known as Arundhati in traditional Indian astronomy.
Taurusη Tauri AAlcyone
Taurusα TauriAldebaran
  • The name was originally Arabic لدبران‎ al-dabarān, "the follower (of the Pleiades)".[14]
  • In Indian astronomy known as Rohini "the red one". To Persian astrologers it was known as a Royal star, Tascheter, Watcher of the East.
  • The Romans called this star Palilicium.
Cepheusα CepheiAlderamin
  • From Arabic الذراع اليمين‎ al-ðirā‘ al-yamīn, "the right arm (of Cepheus)".
Grusγ GruisAldhanab
  • The name was originally Arabic الذنب‎ al-ðanab, "the tail (of the constellation of the Southern Fish)"".
Dracoζ Draconis AAldhibah
  • From Arabic الضّباع‎ al ḍibā‘, "the hyenas"", shared with η Draconis.
  • The other name of this star is Nodus III (Third Knot, the knot being a loop in the tail of Draco).
Delphinusε DelphiniAldulfin
Cepheusβ Cephei AaAlfirk
Capricornusα² Capricorni AAlgediAlternative traditional names of Al Giedi, Secunda Giedi and Algiedi Secunda
Pegasusγ PegasiAlgenib
Leoγ¹ LeonisAlgieba
Perseusβ Persei Aa1AlgolFrom Arabic رأس الغول‎ ra’s al-ghūl, "head of the ogre". In Egyptian, Horus.[15]
Perseusπ Persei—叠尸 Dié Shī "Piled up Corpses"; Allen (1899) associated the name with Algol, but it properly refers to π Persei, a star within the "Mausoleum" asterism.[16]
Corvusδ Corvi AAlgorabThe traditional name Algorab is derived from Arabic الغراب al-ghurāb, "the crow"). The WGSN re-designated the star as Algorab in July 2016.[17]
Geminiγ Geminorum AaAlhenaDerived from Arabic الهنعة al-han‘ah, "the brand" (on the neck of the camel)
Ursa Majorε Ursae Majoris AAlioth
Cygnusε Cygni AaAljanah
Ursa Majorη Ursae MajorisAlkaid
Cepheusρ² CepheiAl Kalb al Rai †
Boötesμ¹ Boötis AaAlkalurops
Ursa Majorκ Ursae Majoris AAlkaphrah
Pegasusυ PegasiAlkarab
Craterα CraterisAlkes
Aurigaε AurigaeAlmaazTraditionally also called Haldus.
Andromedaγ Andromedae AAlmach
Leoκ LeonisAl Minliar al Asad †
Grusα GruisAlnair
Sagittariusγ² SagittariiAlnaslFrom Arabic النصل al-naṣl, "arrowhead".[18]
Orionε OrionisAlnilamMiddle star in the belt of Orion. The traditional name Alnilam derives from Arabic النيلم al-nīlam, related to the word nīlam, "sapphire"; related spellings are Alnihan and Alnitam.[8]:pp314-315
Orionζ Orionis AaAlnitakThe traditional name, alternately spelled Al Nitak or Alnitah, is from Arabic النطاق al-niṭāq, "the girdle".[8]:pp314-315
Scorpiusσ Scorpii Aa1AlniyatThe star Tau Scorpii also bore Alniyat as its traditional name.
Hydraα HydraeAlphard
Corona Borealisα Coronae BorealisAlpheccaThe name nayyir al-fakkah نير الفكّة "bright (star) of the broken (ring of stars)" is found in the Al Achsasi al Mouakket catalogue (c. 1650).[19]

Also known as Gemma, Gnosia (Gnosia Stella Coronae), and Asteroth (or Ashtaroth). As the brightest star in Corona Borealis, it lent its name to Alphekka Meridiana, the brightest in the constellation of Corona Australis.

Andromedaα Andromedae AaAlpheratz
Piscesη PisciumAlpherg
Dracoμ Draconis AAlrakisFrom Arabic الراقص‎ al-rāqiṣ, "the dancer"; also spelled Arrakis and Elrakis.
Piscesα Piscium AAlrescha
DracoHD 161693Alruba
Dracoσ DraconisAlsafi
Lynx31 LyncisAlsciaukat
Velaδ Velorum AaAlsephina
Aquilaβ Aquilae AAlshain
Capricornusν Capricorni AAlshat
Aquilaα AquilaeAltairFrom Arabic النسر الطائر‎ (al-nasr) al-ṭā’ir, "the flying (eagle)".

In Chinese, 牵牛星 (Qiān Niú Xīng) or 牛郎星 ( Niú Láng Xīng), "Cow Herder Star" of the Qixi love story. One of the vertices of the Summer Triangle.

Dracoδ DraconisAltaisalso Aldib
Leoλ LeonisAlterf
Canis Majorη Canis MajorisAludra
Ursa Majorξ Ursae Majoris AaAlula Australis
Ursa Majorν Ursae MajorisAlula Borealis
Serpensθ¹ Serpentis AAlya
Geminiξ GeminorumAlzirralternately spelled Alzir
Aquariusθ AquariiAncha
Eridanusτ² EridaniAngetenar
  • The name is originally from Arabic عرجة النهر‎ ‘arjat al-nahr, "the bend of the river"
Phoenixα PhoenicisAnkaa
Vulpeculaα VulpeculaeAnserAlternative traditional name is Lucida Anseris.
Scorpiusα Scorpii AAntaresAncient Greek, Άντάρης, "against Ares (Mars)". It was known to Persian astrologers as a Royal star: Satevis, Watcher of the West.
Boötesα BoötisArcturus
Sagittariusβ² SagittariiArkab Posterior
Sagittariusβ¹ Sagittarii AArkab Prior
Lepusα Leporis AArnebTraditional name Arneb is from the Arabic أرنب arnab, 'hare'[8]:p268 ('Lepus' is Latin for hare).
Sagittariusζ Sagittarii AAscella
Cancerδ Cancri AaAsellus Australis
Cancerγ Cancri AaAsellus Borealis
Hydraε HydraeAshlesha
Boötesθ BoötisAsellus Primus †Latin for "first donkey colt"
Boötesι BoötisAsellus Secundus †Latin for "second donkey colt"
Boötesκ BoötisAsellus Tertius †
Puppisξ PuppisAsmidiske †
Carinaι CarinaeAspidiske
Taurus21 Tauri AAsteropeMember of the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). Asterope was one of the Pleiades sisters in Greek mythology.
Dracoη Draconis AAthebyne
Perseusο Persei AAtik
Taurus27 Tauri Aa1AtlasMember of the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). Atlas was the Titan god of endurance and astronomy[20] and the father of the Pleiades sisters in Greek mythology.
Triangulum Australeα Trianguli AustralisAtria
Carinaε Carinae AAviorDesignated 'Avior' by His Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office for the Royal Air Force in the 1930s.[21]
Cygnusπ¹ CygniAzelfafageVariously reported as from Arabic السلحفاة‎ al-sulaḥfāh "turtle", ألطلف ألفرس‎ al-ṭīlf al-faras, "horse track", or عزلألدجاجة‎ al-ʽazal al-dajājah, "the tail of the hen" [8]:pp192-197
Eridanusη EridaniAzha
  • Originally from Arabic اشيانة‎ "nest (of the ostrich)"
Puppisξ PuppisAzmidi
OphiuchusGJ 699Barnard's StarNamed after the American astronomer E E Barnard, the first to measure its high proper motion.
Cetusζ Ceti AaBaten Kaitos
Eridanusυ³ EridaniBeemim
Eridanusο¹ EridaniBeid
  • The name is originally from Arabic البيض‎ al-bayḍ, "the eggs".
Orionγ OrionisBellatrixLatin for "female warrior"; applied to this star in the 15th century.[22]
Orionα Orionis AaBetelgeuseDerived from Arabic إبط الجوزاء ibṭ al-jauzā’, "the axilla of Orion", or from يد الجوزاء yad al-jauzā’, "the hand of Orion".
Aries41 Arietis AaBharani
Pegasusθ PegasiBiham
Ariesδ ArietisBotein
Libraσ Librae ABrachium
Aquariusξ AquariiBunda
Carinaα Carinae ACanopusPtolemy's Κάνωβος, after Canopus (Kanopos, Kanobos), a pilot from Greek mythology, whose name is itself of uncertain etymology.
Aurigaα Aurigae AaCapellaThe traditional name Capella (English: small female goat) is from Latin, and is a diminutive of the Latin Capra (English: female goat).[8]:p86
Cassiopeiaβ Cassiopeiae ACaph* The name is originally Arabic كف‎ kaf, "palm", a residue of an old name of Cassiopeia, ' al-kaff al-khadib, "the stained hand"; also known as al-sanam al-nakah, "the camel's hump".
Geminiα Geminorum AaCastor
Cassiopeiaυ² CassiopeiaeCastula
Ophiuchusβ OphiuchiCebalrai
Taurus16 TauriCelaenoMember of the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). Celaeno was one of the Pleiades sisters in Greek mythology.
Araμ AraeCervantesName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Named after Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the Spanish author of El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha.[23]
Ursa Major47 Ursae MajorisChalawanName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Named after a mythological crocodile king from a Thai folktale.[23]
Taurusθ² Tauri AaChamukuy
Canes Venaticiβ Canum Venaticorum AaChara
Leoθ LeonisChertanAlternative traditional name of Chort.
Cancer55 Cancri ACopernicusName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign[5] in honor of the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.[23]
Canes Venaticiα Canum Venaticorum AaCor CaroliNamed after Charles I of England by Sir Charles Scarborough[8][24][25]
Herculesω Herculis ACujamTraditional name, variously spelled Kajam.
Eridanusβ EridaniCursa
  • The name is originally from Arabic الكرسي‎ al-kursiy, "the chair, footstool"
Capricornusβ¹ Capricorni AaDabih
Fornaxα Fornacis ADalim
Cygnusα CygniDenebThe name is originally from Arabic ذنب الدجاجة‎ ðanab al-dajājahh}}. In Chinese, Deneb is part of 鵲橋 "Magpie bridge" in the Qi Xi love story. Deneb is one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle.
Capricornusδ Capricorni AaDeneb Algedi
Leoβ LeonisDenebola
Coma Berenicesα Comae Berenices ADiadem
Cetusβ CetiDiphdaAlternatively Deneb Kaitos.
Scorpiusδ Scorpii ADschubba
Ursa Majorα Ursae Majoris ADubhe
Dracoψ¹ Draconis ADzibanFrom the traditional name of Dziban or Dsiban for ψ¹ Draconis, derived from Arabic al-dhi’ban, meaning "the two wolves" or "The two jackals".[8]:p212
Dracoι DraconisEdasichCommon name reviewed and adopted by the IAU Executive Committee WG Public Naming of Planets and Planetary Satellites.[1]
Taurus17 TauriElectraMember of the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). Electra was one of the Pleiades sisters in Greek mythology.
Virgoφ VirginisElgafar
Columbaθ ColumbaeElkurud
Taurusβ Tauri AaElnathVariously El Nath or Alnath, from Arabic النطح an-naṭḥ, meaning "the butting" (i.e. "the bull's horns").
Dracoγ DraconisEltaninAlternative traditional name of Etamin; both originally from the Arabic constellation name التنين‎ al-tinnīn, "the great serpent". γ Dra was also one of the "Five Camels", Quinque Dromedarii, in Arabic al‑ʽawāïd.
Pegasusε PegasiEnif
Cepheusγ Cephei AaErraiCommon name reviewed and adopted by the IAU Executive Committee WG Public Naming of Planets and Planetary Satellites.[1]
Draco42 Draconis AFafnirName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Named after a Norse mythological dwarf who turned into a dragon.[23]
Scorpiusπ Scorpii AaFang
Cygnusδ CygniFawaris
HydraHD 85951Felis
Piscis Austrinusα Piscis Austrini AFomalhautThe name is originally from Arabic فم الحوت‎ fum al-ḥawt, "mouth of the fish". To Persian astrologers this was a Royal star: Haftorang, Watcher of the South. The name was reviewed and adopted by the IAU Executive Committee WG Public Naming of Planets and Planetary Satellites.[1]
Cassiopeiaζ CassiopeiaeFulu
Piscesβ PisciumFumalsamakah
Canis Majorζ Canis Majoris AaFurud
ScorpiusG ScorpiiFuyue
Cruxγ CrucisGacruxThe name "Gacrux" is a contraction of the Bayer designation, coined by astronomer Elijah Hinsdale Burritt (1794–1838).[26][27]
Cepheusμ CepheiGarnet Star †Its colour was described as "garnet" by William Herschel. Following Herschel, it was called garnet sidus by Giuseppe Piazzi
Dracoλ DraconisGiausarTraditional name, variously spelled Gianfar.
Corvusγ Corvi AGienahAlso known as Gienah Gurab; the star ε Cygni is also traditionally known as Gienah.
Cruxε CrucisGinanTraditional name in the culture of the Wardaman people of the Northern territory of Australia.[28]
Canis Minorβ Canis Minoris AGomeisa
Scorpiusξ ScorpiiGraffias †Italian for "claws"; also once applied to β Scorpii.[10][8]:p367
Dracoξ Draconis AGrumium
Serpensκ SerpentisGudja
Ophiuchus36 OphiuchiGuniibuu
Centaurusβ Centauri AaHadar
Aurigaη AurigaeHaedus
Ariesα ArietisHamalTraditional name (also written Hemal, Hamul, or Ras Hammel), derived from Arabic راس الحمل‎ rās al-ḥamal, "head of the ram", in turn from the name for the constellation as a whole, al ḥamal, "the ram".[8]:pp78,80
Aurigaι AurigaeHassaleh
Orionι Orionis AaHatysa
Pegasus51 PegasiHelvetiosName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Latin for 'the Helvetian' and refers to the Celtic tribe that lived in Switzerland during antiquity.[23]
Virgoζ VirginisHeze
Pegasusζ Pegasi AHomam
Scorpiusρ Scorpii AaIklil
Cruxδ CrucisImai
Ursa Major41 LyncisIntercrusName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Intercrus means "between the legs" in Latin style, referring to the star's position in the constellation Ursa Major.[23]
Boötesε Boötis AIzarOriginally from Arabic إزار‎ izār, "veil". In the Calendarium of Al Achsasi Al Mouakket designated منتقة ألعوع‎ mintaqah al‑‘awwa‘, translated into Latin as Cingulum Latratoris, "belt of barker". Named Pulcherrima (most beautiful) by Otto Struve.[29]
Scorpiusν Scorpii AaJabbah
Geminiο GeminorumJishui
Cetusγ Ceti AKaffaljidhma
Virgoκ VirginisKang
Sagittariusε Sagittarii AKaus Australis
Sagittariusλ SagittariiKaus Borealis
Sagittariusδ SagittariiKaus Media
Eridanus40 Eridani AKeidThe name is originally from Arabic القيض‎ al-qayḍ, "the broken egg-shells".
Virgoλ Virginis AKhambalia
Equuleusα Equulei AKitalpha
Ursa Minorβ Ursae MinorisKochab
Herculesβ Herculis AaKornephoros
Corvusβ CorviKraz
Dracoν DraconisKuma †
Cepheusξ Cephei AaKurhah
Canes VenaticiY Canum VenaticorumLa SuperbaA modern (19th century) name, due to Angelo Secchi.
Scorpiusε ScorpiiLarawagTraditional name in the culture of the Wardaman people of the Northern territory of Australia.[28]
Scorpiusυ ScorpiiLesath
Aquilaξ Aquilae ALibertasName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Latin for 'liberty' ('Aquila' is Latin for 'eagle', a popular symbol of liberty).[23]
VirgoPSR B1257+12LichA neutron star and pulsar with planets. Name adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] A lich is a fictional undead creature known for controlling other undead creatures with magic.[23]
Aries39 ArietisLilii Borea
Herculesλ HerculisMaasym
Aurigaθ Aurigae AMahasim
Taurus20 TauriMaiaMember of the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). Maia was one of the Pleiades sisters in Greek mythology.
Cassiopeiaθ CassiopeiaeMarfark †

The name is originally from Arabic المرفق‎ al-mirfaq, "the elbow"

Ophiuchusλ Ophiuchi AMarfik
Pegasusα PegasiMarkab
Velaκ VelorumMarkeb
Herculesκ Herculis AMarsic
Pegasusη Pegasi AaMatar
Geminiε GeminorumMebsuta
Ursa Majorδ Ursae MajorisMegrez
Orionλ Orionis AMeissaTraditional name deriving from Arabic al-maisan, "The Shining One".
Geminiζ Geminorum AaMekbuda
Cancerε Cancri AaMeleph
Aurigaβ Aurigae AaMenkalinan
Cetusα CetiMenkarDerived from Arabic منخر manḥar, "nostril", or al‑minhar, "nose" (of Cetus).[30][8]:p162
Centaurusθ CentauriMenkent
Perseusξ PerseiMenkib
Ursa Majorβ Ursae MajorisMerak
Boötes38 BoötisMerga
Corona Australisα Coronae AustralisMeridiana
Taurus23 Tauri AaMeropeMember of the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). Merope was one of the Pleiades sisters in Greek mythology.
Ariesγ² Arietis AMesarthim
Carinaβ CarinaeMiaplacidus
Cruxβ CrucisMimosaAlso bore the alternative historical name Becrux, a modern contraction of the Bayer designation.[31]
Hydraσ HydraeMinchir
Virgoδ VirginisMinelauvaalternately spelled Minelava
Orionδ Orionis AaMintakaRight-most star in the belt of Orion. The name Mintaka itself is derived from Arabic منطقة manṭaqah, "belt".[8]:pp314-315
Cetusο Ceti AaMiraLatin for "wonderful" or "astonishing"; named by Johannes Hevelius in his Historiola Mirae Stellae (1662).
Andromedaβ AndromedaeMirach
Perseusη Persei AMiram
Perseusα PerseiMirfak
Canis Majorβ Canis MajorisMirzam
Perseusκ Persei AaMisam
Ursa Majorζ Ursae Majoris AaMizar
  • The name is originally from Arabic المئزر‎ al-miʾzar, "apron, waistband, girdle".
  • 禄 Lù "Status", one of the "Three Stars" in Chinese mythology, the Lu star is believed to be Zhang Xian, who lived during the Later Shu dynasty. The word lu specifically refers to the salary of a government official. As such, the Lu star is the star of prosperity, rank, and influence.
Triangulumα TrianguliMothallah
Canis Majorγ Canis MajorisMuliphein
Boötesη Boötis AaMuphridAlternative traditional spelling of "Mufrid".
Ursa Majorο Ursae Majoris AMuscida
Delphinus18 DelphiniMusicaName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Latin for 'music' (the ancient Greek musician Arion's life was saved at sea by dolphins (Latin: 'delphinus') after attracting their attention by playing his kithara.[23]
Cancerξ CancriNahn
Puppisζ PuppisNaos
Capricornusγ Capricorni ANashira
Cassiopeiaγ CassiopeiaNavi †"Navi" is a modern name, due to Gus Grissom (his middle name "Ivan" spelled backward). In Chinese astronomy, it is known as 策 cè "the whip".
Boötesβ BoötisNekkar
Andromeda51 AndromedaeNembus
Lepusβ Leporis ANihal
Sagittariusσ Sagittarii AaNunki
Corona Borealisβ Coronae Borealis ANusakan
HerculesHD 149026OgmaName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Named after Ogma, a deity in Celtic mythology.[23]
Aquilaζ AquilaeOkab
Scorpiusτ ScorpiiPaikauhale
Pavoα Pavonis AaPeacockDesignated "Peacock" (after the constellation) by His Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office for the Royal Air Force in the 1930s.[21]
Columbaα ColumbaePhact
Ursa Majorγ Ursae Majoris AaPhecdaAlternative traditional names Phekda or Phad.
Ursa Minorγ Ursae MinorisPherkad
Cancerλ Cancri APiautos
Scorpiusμ² Scorpii APipirima
Taurus28 Tauri AaPleioneMember of the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). Pleione was the mother of the Pleiades sisters in Greek mythology.
Ursa Minorα Ursae MinorisPolarisBecame known as stella polaris ("polar star") during the Renaissance.[32] see polar star for other names based on its position close to the celestial pole.

Arabic القطب الشمالي‎ al-quṭb al-shamāliyy, "the northern axle".

Octansσ Octantis AaPolaris Australissee South Star
Sagittariusμ Sagittarii AaPolis
Geminiβ GeminorumPollux
Virgoγ Virginis APorrima
Leo Minor46 Leonis MinorisPraecipua
Taurusγ Tauri APrima Hyadum
Canis Minorα Canis Minoris AProcyonGreek προκύον "preceding the Dog (viz. Sirius)"; Latinized as Antecanis.
Geminiη Geminorum APropus
Centaurusα Centauri CProxima Centauri
Eridanusε EridaniRanName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Named after the Norse goddess of the sea.[23]
Eridanusδ EridaniRana †
Leoμ LeonisRasalas
Herculesα¹ Herculis AaRasalgethialso Ras Algethi.
Ophiuchusα Ophiuchi ARasalhaguealso Ras Alhgue.
Dracoβ Draconis ARastaban
Velaγ VelorumRegor †Also known as Suhail and Suhail al Muhlif, which also apply to lambda Velorum
Leoα Leonis ARegulusLatin for "prince" or "little king". Regulus was known to Persian astrologers as the Royal Star Venant, Watcher of the North.
Piscesζ Piscium ARevati
Orionβ Orionis ARigelTraditional name first recorded in the Alfonsine Tables of 1252 and derived from the Arabic name rijl jauzah al uusrā, "the left leg (foot) of Jauzah" (rijl meaning "leg, foot").[8]:pp312-313
Centaurusα Centauri ARigil KentaurusThe name is originally from Arabic رجل قنطورس‎ rijl qantūriš, "foot of the centaur".
Delphinusβ Delphini ARotanev
Cassiopeiaδ Cassiopeiae AaRuchbahDerived from Arabic ركبة rukbah, "knee".[33] Alternative historical name Ksora appeared in a 1951 publication, Atlas Coeli (Skalnate Pleso Atlas of the Heavens) by Czech astronomer Antonín Bečvář; Professor Paul Kunitzch has been unable to find any clues as to the origin of the name.[34]
Sagittariusα SagittariiRukbat
Ophiuchusη Ophiuchi ASabik
Aurigaζ Aurigae ASaclateni
Aquariusγ Aquarii AaSadachbia
Pegasusμ PegasiSadalbari
Aquariusα Aquarii ASadalmelik
Aquariusβ Aquarii ASadalsuud
Cygnusγ Cygni ASadr
Orionκ OrionisSaiphTraditional name from Arabic سیف الجبّار sayf al-jabbār, literally sword of the giant.[35]
Pegasusτ PegasiSalm
Scorpiusθ Scorpii ASargas
Herculesδ Herculis AaSarin
Ursa Majorθ Ursae MajorisSarir †
Eridanus53 Eridani ASceptrumFormerly "p Sceptri", in the constellation of Sceptrum Brandenburgicum
Pegasusβ PegasiScheat
Cassiopeiaα CassiopeiaeSchedar
  • Also traditionally bore the name Schedir; both originally from Arabic صدر‎ ṣadr, "breast"; also ألضاة ألكرسي‎ al-ḍāh al-kursiyy, "the lady in the chair (Ulugh Beg)", whence Dath Elkarti (Riccoli 1651).
Taurusδ¹ Tauri AaSecunda Hyadum
Cassiopeiaε CassiopeiaSeginProbably originates from an erroneous transcription of Seginus, the traditional name for γ Boötis, which itself is of uncertain origin.[36]
Boötesγ Boötis AaSeginusOf uncertain origin.[36]
Sagittaα SagittaeSham
Scorpiusλ Scorpii AaShaula
Lyraβ Lyrae Aa1Sheliak
Ariesβ Arietis ASheratan
Canis Majorα Canis Majoris ASiriusGreek Σείριος "the scorcher"; in Egyptian Sopdet, rendered in Greek as Σῶθις. As the brightest star in the sky, Sirius has proper names in numerous cultures, including Polynesian (Maori Takurua; Hawaiian Ka'ulua, "Queen of Heaven", among others). Also known as the Dog Star.
Aquariusκ Aquarii ASitula
Aquariusδ Aquarii ASkat
Virgoα Virginis AaSpicaOther traditional names are Azimech, from Arabic السماك الأعزل al-simāk al-a‘zal, "the undefended", and Alarph, Arabic for "the grape gatherer"; in Indian astronomy known as Chitra "the bright one".
Delphinusα Delphini AaSualocin
Leoο Leonis AaSubra
Velaλ VelorumSuhailTraditionally, this name also applied to gamma Velorum, also known as Regor.
Lyraγ LyraeSulafat
Virgoι VirginisSyrma
Orionπ³ OrionisTabit
Ursa Majorχ Ursae MajorisTaiyangshou
Draco8 DraconisTaiyi
Ursa Majorι Ursae Majoris AaTalithaor Talitha Borealis, as Talitha originally referred to κ UMa and ι UMa together
Ursa Majorμ Ursae Majoris ATania Australis
Ursa Majorλ Ursae Majoris ATania Borealis
Aquilaγ AquilaeTarazedAlternative traditional spelling of Tarazet
Cancerβ CancriTarf
Taurus19 Tauri AaTaygetaMember of the Pleiades open star cluster (M45). Taygete was one of the Pleiades sisters in Greek mythology.
Cancerζ¹ Cancri ATegmineAlternative traditional name of Tegmen.
Geminiμ Geminorum AaTejatTraditional name, also called Tejat Posterior.
Sagittariusω Sagittarii ATerebellumFrom Ptolemy's τετράπλευρον, a quadrangle of stars of which ω Sag is the brightest
Orionυ OrionisThabit †
Eridanusυ² EridaniTheeminAlso written as Theemim or Beemin.
Dracoα Draconis AThuban
Grusβ GruisTiaki
Taurusζ Tauri ATianguan
  • In Chinese 天關 (Tiānguān, English: Celestial Gate).
  • Also reported as Shurnarkabti-sha-shūtū, from Babylonian "the star in the bull towards the south" or "the southern star towards the chariot".[8]:p391
Draco7 DraconisTianyi
Andromedaυ Andromedae ATitawinName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Named after the settlement in northern Morocco and UNESCO World Heritage Site now known as the medina (old town) of Tétouan.[23]
Centaurusα Centauri BToliman
CamelopardalisHD 104985TonatiuhName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Named after the Aztec god of the Sun.[23]
Piscesο Piscium ATorcular
Puppisρ Puppis ATureis
Hydraι HydraeUkdah
Serpensα SerpentisUnukalhaiArabic عنق الحيّة ‘unuq al-ḥayyati, "the Serpent's Neck", in Latin Cor Serpentis, "Heart of the Serpent".
Canis Majorσ Canis MajorisUnurgunite
Lyraα LyraeVegaThe name is originally from Arabic an-nasr al-wāqi‘, "the alighting vulture", also translated as vulture cadens (see also Aetos Dios, Stymphalian birds). As the second brightest star in the northern sky, Vega has names in numerous cultures. In Chinese it is known as 織女 "weaving girl" from the Qi Xi love story. Vega is one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle.
Andromeda14 Andromedae AVeritateName adopted by the IAU following the 2015 NameExoWorlds campaign.[5] Latin for 'where there is truth'.[23]
Virgoε VirginisVindemiatrixVindemiatrix is Latin for "grape gatherer"
Geminiδ Geminorum AaWasat
Columbaβ ColumbaeWazn
Canis Majorδ Canis Majoris AaWezen
Phoenixζ Phoenicis AaWurrenTraditional name in the culture of the Wardaman people of the Northern territory of Australia.[28]
Scorpiusμ¹ Scorpii AaXamidimura
Boötesλ BoötisXuange
Ophiuchusε OphiuchiYed Posterior
Ophiuchusδ OphiuchiYed Prior
Ursa Minorδ Ursae MinorisYildun
Virgoη Virginis AaZaniah
Eridanusγ EridaniZaurakTraditional name, alternatively spelled Zaurac; originally from Arabic زورق‎ zawraq, "boat".[8]:p218
Virgoβ VirginisZavijavaalso known as Alaraph
Hydraυ¹ Hydrae AZhang
Eridanusζ Eridani AaZibal
Leoδ LeonisZosma
Libraα² Librae AaZubenelgenubialso Lanx Australis, Zubeneschamali
Libraγ Librae AZubenelhakrabi
Libraβ LibraeZubeneschamali


See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Naming Stars". IAU.org. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  2. ↑ The NASA in 1971 compiled a "technical memorandum" collecting a total of 537 named stars.
  3. ↑ "IAU Working Group on Star Names (WGSN)". Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  4. ↑ "Bulletin of the IAU Working Group on Star Names, No. 1" (PDF). Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Final Results of NameExoWorlds Public Vote Released" (Press release). IAU.org. 15 December 2015.
  6. 1 2 "Bulletin of the IAU Working Group on Star Names, No. 2" (PDF). Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  7. ↑ "WG Triennial Report (2015-2018) - Star Names" (PDF). p. 5. Retrieved 2018-07-14.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Allen, Richard Hinckley (1963) [1899]. Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning (Reprint ed.). New York, NY: Dover Publications Inc. ISBN 0-486-21079-0.
  9. ↑ Hoffleit, D.; Warren, W. H. (1995). "VizieR Online Data Catalog: Bright Star Catalogue, 5th Revised Ed. (Hoffleit+, 1991)". VizieR On-line Data Catalog: V/50. Originally published in: 1964BS....C......0H. 5050. Bibcode:1995yCat.5050....0H.
  10. 1 2 R. G. Aitken Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Vol. 36, No. 211 (June, 1924), pp. 124–130 JSTOR 40692425
  11. ↑ Memoirs of the Rev. Walter M. Lowrie: missionary to China (1849), p. 93. Described as an "Americanism" in The Geographical Journal, vol. 92, Royal Geographical Society, 1938.
  12. ↑ Flamsteed, John (1725). Historia Coelestis Britannica. H. Meere. p. 47.
  13. ↑ Hinckley 1899 sees the name as originating from a typographical error.Allen, Richard Hinckley (1899). Star-names and their meanings. New York, Leipzig, London, Paris: G. E. Stechert. p. 196.
  14. ↑ Falkner, David E. (2011). "The Winter Constellations". The Mythology of the Night Sky. Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series. p. 19. doi:10.1007/978-1-4614-0137-7_3. ISBN 978-1-4614-0136-0.
  15. ↑ Jetsu, L.; Porceddu, S. (2015). "Shifting Milestones of Natural Sciences: The Ancient Egyptian Discovery of Algol's Period Confirmed". PLOS One. 10 (12): e.0144140 (23pp). arXiv:1601.06990. Bibcode:2015PLoSO..1044140J. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0144140.
  16. ↑ Ian Ridpath's Star Tales – Perseus
  17. ↑ "International Astronomical Union | IAU". www.iau.org. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  18. ↑ Ridpath, Ian (1989), Star tales, James Clarke & Co., p. 113, ISBN 0-7188-2695-7
  19. ↑ Knobel, E. B. (June 1895). "Al Achsasi Al Mouakket, on a catalogue of stars in the Calendarium of Mohammad Al Achsasi Al Mouakket". Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 55 (8): 429. Bibcode:1895MNRAS..55..429K. doi:10.1093/mnras/55.8.429.
  20. ↑ Stenner, Paul (auth.); Martin, Jack. Slaney, Kathleen L. Sugarman, Jeff. (edit.) The Wiley Handbook of Theoretical and Philosophical Psychology: Methods, Approaches, and New Directions for Social Sciences. John Wiley & Sons, 2015; pg. 311.
  21. 1 2 Sadler, Donald H. (2008). "A Personal History of H.M. Nautical Almanac Office" (PDF). United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. p. 48. Retrieved 2016-08-02.
  22. ↑ Kunitzsch, Paul (1986). "The Star Catalogue Commonly Appended to the Alfonsine Tables". Journal for the History of Astronomy. 17 (49): 89–98. Bibcode:1986JHA....17...89K.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 NameExoWorlds The Approved Names
  24. ↑ Robert Burnham, Jr. Burnham's Celestial Handbook, Volume 1, p. 359.
  25. ↑ Ian Ridpath: "Star Tales", Canes Venatici. See also Deborah J. Warner, The Sky Explored: Celestial Cartography 1500–1800.
  26. ↑ "Gacrux/Gamma Crucis 2?". SolStation.com. Retrieved 2011-11-03.
  27. ↑ Lesikar, Arnold V. "Gacrux". Dome Of The Sky. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2011-11-03.
  28. 1 2 3 "IAU Approves 86 New Star Names From Around the World" (Press release). IAU.org. 11 December 2017.
  29. ↑ Norton's Star Atlas, publ. Gall & Inglis, Edinburgh, 2nd Ed., 1959
  30. ↑ Kaler, James B., "MENKAR (Alpha Ceti)", Stars, University of Illinois, retrieved 2011-12-24
  31. ↑ Hoffleit, Dorrit; Jaschek, Carlos (1991). The Bright star catalogue. New Haven. Bibcode:1991bsc..book.....H.
  32. ↑ Kunitzsch, Paul; Smart, Tim (2006). A Dictionary of Modern star Names: A Short Guide to 254 Star Names and Their Derivations (2nd rev. ed.). Cambridge, Massachusetts: Sky Publishing Corporation. p. 23. ISBN 978-1-931559-44-7.
  33. ↑ Bakich, Michael E. (1995), The Cambridge guide to the constellations, Cambridge University Press, p. 170, ISBN 0-521-44921-9
  34. ↑ Kunitzch, Paul; Smart, Tim (2006) [1986]. A Dictionary of Modern Star Names: A Short Guide to 254 Star Names and Their Derivations. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Sky Publishing Corporation. p. 62. ISBN 978-1-931559-44-7.
  35. ↑ Kaler, James B., "SAIPH (Kappa Orionis)", Stars, University of Illinois, retrieved 2012-01-27
  36. 1 2 Simpson, Phil (2012). "3". Guidebook to the constellations. New York: Springer. ISBN 9781441969408.

General references

  • Paul Kunitzsch; Tim Smart (2006). A Dictionary of Modern Star Names: A Short Guide to 254 Star Names and Their Derivations. Sky Publishing Corporation. ISBN 978-1-931559-44-7.
  • Rhoads, J. W. (1971). "Technical Memorandum 33-507 - A Reduced Star Catalog Containing 537 Named Stars, NASA-CR-124573," (PDF). Retrieved 2018-02-03.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.