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Lembu

2026-05-26T02:43:41Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:LintangLEMBU.jpg|thumb|Lintang Lembu in the cloth (CC-BY UPTD Museum Bali Inventary no. 09.752)]]
[[File:Lembu.png|thumb|Lintang Lembu in lontar Prasi Palelintangan (CC-BY Alfred Maaß, (1929), Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen)]]
[[File:Stellarium-20250920-122136092.png|thumb|Balinese constellation: Lembu (an ox), re-drawn by Jessica Gullberg for the planetarium software Stellarium (CC-BY Youla Azkarrula & Jessica Gullberg)]]
Lěmbu is an Oceanic name from Bali (Indonesia). The lintang of lěmbu is found in intersection of Coma (Monday, in saptawara) and Wage (in pancawara) in a series of palelintangan. Lintang lěmbu means ox constellation.<ref name=":1">Maass, Alfred, “Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen,” in Koninklijk Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen, Feestbundel bij gelegenheid van zijn 150 jarig bestaan 1778-1928, 2 vols. (Weltevreden, 1929), Vol. 2, 126-157.</ref>

In 2026, based on the name of this Balinese constellation, the name Lembu was adopted as a modern star name, and assigned to the star 97 Tau in constellation [[Taurus]].

==Etymology and History==
Lembu (IPA: [ləmˈbu]) is inherited from the Malay, Proto-Mon-Khmer meaning cow, bull, ox: it is an animal that is used by farmers to plow the acres and for which all sexes are possible (male, female and even the castrated form). The constellation depictions in Balinese calendar schemas called Palelintangan always show a complete animal but the sex cannot be determined: it only matters that this animal does the hard work in the field and comes from the biological species of “bos taurus” or “bos indicus”; even buffalos (species “bubalus”) are included in this term.

=== Spelling Variants ===

*Sapi

=== Origin of Constellation ===
Lembu is a sacred animal in Bali. Although not as sacred as in India, Lembu still have an important place in traditional ceremonies, especially as a symbol of fertility, strength, and perseverance. In some villages, Lembu are used in agricultural rituals such as traditional ploughing of fields, which contains the meaning of respect for nature. In addition, the majority of Hindus do not eat cows because cows are the mounts of the god Shiva.

==== General information ====

[[File:AlfredMaas1929 Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen ocr IdentTab cut.jpg|thumb|Identification of Balinese constellations (Maaß 1929, appendix). ]]
The astronomical identification of the constellation is taken from Maaß (1929)<ref name=":1" /> who explains in general that these constellations and the according ritual practice <blockquote>"sind seit alten Zeiten in einem Werk ,,wariga" niedergelegt, in dem wir zwei Kulturschichten, nämlich indische unq malaio-polynesische Bestandteile wiederfinden." </blockquote><blockquote>'''English:''' "are written down in a work called "wariga" since old times; there we recognise two cultural layers, i.e. the Indian and the Malayo-Polynesian."</blockquote>He also quotes other scholars<ref>Friedrich, R. (1849). Voorloopig verslag van het eiland Bali, Batavia, Verb. Bat Gen. Deel 23, Nr. 13</ref><ref>HINLOOPEN LABBERT0N, D. VAN (1910). Geillustreerd handboek van Insulinde. Amsterdam: "Vivat"</ref><ref>PIGEAUD, TH. (1925). Een stuk over sterrenkunde uit het Anggastyaparwwa ...... Weltevreden: Albrecht. Tijdsch. v. lnd, T.-, L.- en Vk. deel LXV</ref><ref>Nieuwenkamp, W. O. J. (1905), Schetsen van Bali en Lombok. (Eigen Haard)</ref> and his earlier work<ref>MAASS, ALFRED (1920). Sterne und Sternbilder im malaiischen Archipel. Berlin. Zeitschrift für Ethnologie Jg. 1920/21, H. 1</ref><ref>MAASS, ALFRED (1924). Sternkunde und Sterndeuterei im malaiischen Archipel. Batavia, den Haag. Tijdsch. v. T.-, L.-en Vk. deel LX IV</ref> reporting that this work dates back to the 9th century CE when Bali was part of a Hindu empire on the neighbouring island of Java.<ref name=":1" /> Neubronner van der Tuuk even uses the Old Javanese spelling.

==== Identification ====
The identifications, Maaß (1929) gives according to the aforementioned and his own studies during visits of the country and in European and Batavian libraries (p.150).<ref name=":1" />
[[File:Screenshot 2026-02-05 114717.png|center|thumb|800x800px|Lembu in the identification table by Maaß (1929). He mentioned "der Stier" which means "the Taurus".]]
Maaß (1929), p. 142:<blockquote>lembu; - lembu; -,- ein Rind, ein weisser Stier.</blockquote>'''English:''' lembu; - lembu; -,- a cow, a white bull.
=== Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===

== Mythology / Religion ==
It is said that Bhatari Uma wanted to listen to the teachings of Bhatara Guru (Lord Shiva). However, before these teachings were given, Bhatari Uma was asked by Bhatara Guru to look for the milk of a female black cow. Bhatari Uma's loyalty was tested by Batara Guru. "Bhatari Uma went to Earth," he said. Unbeknownst to Bhatari Uma, Bhatara Guru also changed his form into a black cattle herder.

Furthermore, the herdsman was named Rare Angon. The black ox that Rare Angon grazes is the white ox belonging to Bhatara Guru who was cursed to become a female black ox. Next, Rare Angon met Bhatari Uma. Bhatari Uma appeared to buy milk from the black cow owned by Rare Angon.

Rare Angon in his dialogue asked Dewi Uma why she bought milk. However, Bhatari Uma answered that the milk would certainly be useful. In fact, Rare Angon was even offered gold as a substitute. Rare Angon was not interested in gold. He would give milk as long as his beauty was used as a ransom. Because according to him, Dewi Uma's beauty is very valuable, worthy of being bought with a thousand countries.

What Rare Angon said made Bhatari Uma's heart blush. Rare Angon's words were just let go. Her mind was confused, thinking about it again, there was no other way but to follow Rare Angon's wishes. In fact, Dewi Uma even hid that she was married. Rare Angon's heart was happy, then he did their deal. After completing her promise, Rare Angon gave the black cow's milk. Rare Angon excused himself to Bhatari Uma to go ride the female black cow.

Rare Angon disappeared, it is unimaginable where he went. Bhatari Uma thought about her cheating in getting her wish. While walking home, the milk was carried in a golden jug. It is not told on the journey. It is told that before Bhatari Uma met Batara Guru, Bhatara Guru was crowning Sang Hyang Pancadewata.

In his coronation, Sang Hyang Pancadewata was given advice, and given a title by Bhatara Guru, namely Sang Hyang Kusika, Sang Hyang Gargha, Sang Hyang Maitri, Sang Hyang Kurusya and Sang Hyang Pretanjala. He is a member of the Pancakasika group because he was born from the holiness of Bhatara Guru's hands. Sang Hyang Kusika was born from the thumb (Anggusta), in the form of Pradhana.

Sang Hyang Garga was born from the index finger (tarjini), in the form of Purusa. Sang Hyang Maitri was born from the middle finger (madiamika) in the form of Brahma. Sang Hyang Kurusya was born from the ring finger (manamika) in the form of Vishnu. Sang Hyang Pretanjala was born from the little finger (kanistika) in the form of Mahadewa. Thus his manifestation became Bhatara Pancasiwa. He is worthy of purifying the entire universe. Next they were asked to meditate by Bhatara Guru. Sang Hyang Pancasiwa excused himself, and worshiped at the feet of Bhatara Guru. It is said that Bhatari Uma came to worship at the feet of Bhatara Guru. He offered milk.

The milk was received by Bhatara Guru with a gentle gaze. Next Bhatara Guru asked Sang Hyang Ghana to divine the journey of his mother (Bhatari Uma) on her journey to find black cow's milk. Sang Hyang Ghana obeyed, then took the library, a gift from Bhatara Guru previously. Before the library was read, a mantra was given to it.

The image of his mother appearing to be unfaithful to the shepherd. This was conveyed to Bhatara Guru. Bhatara Guru looked blushing. How angry Bhatari Uma was and immediately said harshly.

“What did you say, Ghana? You are still a baby, pretending to know how to predict something unclear. You are so cruel to criticize your mother's behavior! You do not know the secret! If only you did not hold the sacred library, you would have been eaten by me. Who do you think your mother is? Am I not the embodiment of Durga? I can swallow the earth!

Thus said Bhatari Uma blaspheming. Fire came out of Bhatari Uma's eyes. It was very powerful and destroyed the library so that in an instant it turned into ashes. Sang Hyang Ghana's heart was saddened by the burning of the library. The script was rewritten by Sang Hyang Ghana. Bhatari Uma told Sang Hyang Kumara to trample on the dust of the library.

Immediately Sang Hyang Kumara trampled on the ashes of the library with both feet. Because of the trampling, the ashes of the library scattered and spread so that they could no longer be seen by the eye. Sang Hyang Ghana was angry with Sang Hyang Kumara. Sang Hyang Ghana transformed into Sang Hyang Ghanamurti, with four arms, and four fangs. Sang Hyang Kumara was captured and massacred. Soon Bhatara Guru came and greeted Sang Hyang Ghana in a friendly manner.

"O Ghana, don't do that! That is called Brahmatya, which can result in your purity being lost! He is still a child. If someone is not yet fourteen years old, don't be punished, stop your anger towards Sang Hyang Kumara! Later, when Sang Hyang Kumara is older, more than ten years old, there you will continue your anger towards Sang Hyang Kumara," said Bhatara Guru.

"From the short story above, a common thread can be drawn that the black cattle that exist in this world originate from white cattle which were cursed to become black cattle by Bhatara Guru when he transformed into a cattle herder," he explained.

The white ox found in Taro Village is the belief of the people of Taro Village that the ox belonged to Bhatara Guru who was entrusted to them to be looked after by a maharesi named Rsi Markandeya.

=== Image Variants ===
<gallery>
File:Lembu.png|Lintang Lembu (CC-BY Alfred Maaß, (1929), Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen)
File:LinLEMBU.jpg|Lintang Lembu in the cloth (CC-BY UPTD Museum Bali Inventary no. 09.746)
File:LintangLEMBU.jpg|Lintang Lembu in the cloth (CC-BY UPTD Museum Bali Inventary no. 09.752)
File:Lintang Lembu2.jpg|Lintang Lembu (CC-BY Youla Azkarrula taken in the ceiling of Taman Gili Klungkung Palace Bali)
</gallery>

== Cultural Beliefs ==

=== Numerology (Neptu/Urip) ===
Coma (Monday, in saptawara) has a value of 4 and Wage (in pancawara) has a value of 4. Thus, the total urip on this lintang is 8.<ref name=":0">Palelintangan Museum Study Team (Tim Kajian Palelintangan Museum), “Gabungan Kajian Palelintangan,” Museum Bali (2021), 1-149.</ref>

=== Astrological Characteristics ===
Rarely finds happiness, his life is in regret. Acts carefully and thoughtfully, honestly and attentively to other people's plight. When angry he loses self-control.<ref name=":0" />

=== Matching Gemstones ===
Daluman (Giok/Jade), Nari Gangga/ Mata Kucing (Chrysobery Cat Eye).<ref name=":0" />

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== All HIP Stars within this constellation ==
==== Stars within the Constellation Area ====
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
|-
! id
! Label
! IAU design.
! description
! Vmag
|-
| 1
| Aldebaran
| HIP 21421
| within constellation lines
| 0.86
|-
| 2
| Elnath
| HIP 25428
| within constellation lines
| 1.65
|-
| 3
| Alcyone
| HIP 17702
| within constellation lines
| 2.87
|-
| 4
| Tianguan
| HIP 26451
| within constellation lines
| 3.03
|-
| 5
| λ Tauri
| HIP 18724
| within constellation lines
| 3.41
|-
| 6
| Chamukuy
| HIP 20894
| Inside the Hull
| 3.41
|-
| 7
| Ain
| HIP 20889
| within constellation lines
| 3.53
|-
| 8
| ο Tauri
| HIP 15900
| within constellation lines
| 3.6
|-
| 9
| Atlas
| HIP 17847
| Inside the Hull
| 3.63
|-
| 10
| Prima Hyadum
| HIP 20205
| within constellation lines
| 3.65
|-
| 11
| ξ Tauri
| HIP 16083
| within constellation lines
| 3.75
|-
| 12
| Secunda Hyadum
| HIP 20455
| Inside the Hull
| 3.76
|-
| 13
| θ 1 Tauri
| HIP 20885
| Inside the Hull
| 3.84
|-
| 14
| ν Tauri
| HIP 18907
| within constellation lines
| 3.883
|-
| 15
| 5 Tau
| HIP 16369
| Inside the Hull
| 4.1
|-
| 16
| κ 1 Tauri
| HIP 20635
| Inside the Hull
| 4.201
|-
| 17
| τ Tauri
| HIP 21881
| within constellation lines
| 4.258
|-
| 18
| 90 Tau
| HIP 21589
| Inside the Hull
| 4.27
|-
| 19
| μ Tauri
| HIP 19860
| Inside the Hull
| 4.279
|-
| 20
| υ Tauri
| HIP 20711
| Inside the Hull
| 4.282
|-
| 21
| δ 3 Tauri
| HIP 20648
| Inside the Hull
| 4.298
|-
| 22
| 37 Tau
| HIP 19038
| Inside the Hull
| 4.37
|-
| 23
| 71 Tau
| HIP 20713
| Inside the Hull
| 4.48
|-
| 24
| ι Tauri
| HIP 23497
| Inside the Hull
| 4.615
|-
| 25
| ρ Tauri
| HIP 21273
| Inside the Hull
| 4.65
|-
| 26
| σ 2 Tauri
| HIP 21683
| Inside the Hull
| 4.665
|-
| 27
| π Tauri
| HIP 20732
| Inside the Hull
| 4.69
|-
| 28
| ο 1 Orionis
| HIP 22667
| Inside the Hull
| 4.721
|-
| 29
| -
| HIP 21029
| Inside the Hull
| 4.764
|-
| 30
| δ 2 Tauri
| HIP 20542
| Inside the Hull
| 4.8
|-
| 31
| 114 Tau
| HIP 25539
| Inside the Hull
| 4.868
|-
| 32
| ω 2 Tauri
| HIP 19990
| Inside the Hull
| 4.914
|-
| 33
| 109 Tau
| HIP 24822
| Inside the Hull
| 4.948
|-
| 34
| * 47 Tau A
| HIP 19740
| Inside the Hull
| 4.95
|-
| 35
| 75 Tau
| HIP 20877
| Inside the Hull
| 4.969
|-
| 36
| 79 Tau
| HIP 20901
| Inside the Hull
| 5.014
|-
| 37
| 30 Tau
| HIP 17771
| Inside the Hull
| 5.07
|-
| 38
| σ 1 Tauri
| HIP 21673
| Inside the Hull
| 5.076
|-
| 39
| 97 Tau
| HIP 22565
| Inside the Hull
| 5.085
|-
| 40
| Pleione
| HIP 17851
| Inside the Hull
| 5.09
|-
| 41
| 66 Tau
| HIP 20522
| Inside the Hull
| 5.098
|-
| 42
| 4 Tau
| HIP 16322
| Inside the Hull
| 5.124
|-
| 43
| 43 G. Tau
| HIP 19799
| Inside the Hull
| 5.218
|-
| 44
| 58 Tau
| HIP 20261
| Inside the Hull
| 5.242
|-
| 45
| κ 2 Tauri
| HIP 20641
| Inside the Hull
| 5.264
|-
| 46
| l Tau
| HIP 23871
| Inside the Hull
| 5.28
|-
| 47
| 46 Tau
| HIP 19719
| Inside the Hull
| 5.29
|-
| 48
| 56 Tau
| HIP 20186
| Inside the Hull
| 5.346
|-
| 49
| χ Tauri
| HIP 20430
| Inside the Hull
| 5.378
|-
| 50
| 83 Tau
| HIP 21036
| Inside the Hull
| 5.395
|-
| 51
| -
| HIP 18975
| Inside the Hull
| 5.42
|-
| 52
| 93 Tau
| HIP 21735
| Inside the Hull
| 5.445
|-
| 53
| -
| HIP 17776
| Inside the Hull
| 5.45
|-
| 54
| 81 Tau
| HIP 21039
| Inside the Hull
| 5.454
|-
| 55
| 118 Tau
| HIP 25695
| Inside the Hull
| 5.48
|-
| 56
| 53 Tau
| HIP 20171
| Inside the Hull
| 5.482
|-
| 57
| -
| HIP 23043
| Inside the Hull
| 5.49
|-
| 58
| 103 Tau
| HIP 23900
| Inside the Hull
| 5.5
|-
| 59
| ω 1 Tauri
| HIP 19388
| Inside the Hull
| 5.504
|-
| 60
| 36 Tau
| HIP 19009
| Inside the Hull
| 5.512
|-
| 61
| 72 Tau
| HIP 20789
| Inside the Hull
| 5.514
|-
| 62
| 80 Tau
| HIP 20995
| Inside the Hull
| 5.552
|-
| 63
| 57 Tau
| HIP 20219
| Inside the Hull
| 5.568
|-
| 64
| 32 Tau
| HIP 18471
| Inside the Hull
| 5.617
|-
| 65
| 63 Tau
| HIP 20484
| Inside the Hull
| 5.625
|-
| 66
| 51 Tau
| HIP 20087
| Inside the Hull
| 5.631
|-
| 67
| * 80 Tau A
| HIP 20995
| Inside the Hull
| 5.666
|-
| 68
| 13 Tau
| HIP 17309
| Inside the Hull
| 5.69
|-
| 69
| 26 G. Tau
| HIP 18805
| Inside the Hull
| 5.691
|-
| 70
| 60 Tau
| HIP 20400
| Inside the Hull
| 5.71
|-
| 71
| -
| HIP 20842
| Inside the Hull
| 5.711
|-
| 72
| 6 Tau
| HIP 16511
| Inside the Hull
| 5.757
|-
| 73
| 89 Tau
| HIP 21588
| Inside the Hull
| 5.776
|-
| 74
| -
| HIP 22913
| Inside the Hull
| 5.776
|-
| 75
| 98 Tau
| HIP 23088
| Inside the Hull
| 5.785
|-
| 76
| 99 Tau
| HIP 23068
| Inside the Hull
| 5.806
|-
| 77
| -
| HR 1243
| Inside the Hull
| 5.81
|-
| 78
| * 118 Tau A
| HIP 25695
| Inside the Hull
| 5.84
|-
| 79
| HU Tau
| HIP 21604
| Inside the Hull
| 5.842
|-
| 80
| -
| HIP 18735
| Inside the Hull
| 5.865
|-
| 81
| -
| HIP 20804
| Inside the Hull
| 5.87
|-
| 82
| 76 Tau
| HIP 20873
| Inside the Hull
| 5.892
|-
| 83
| 39 Tau
| HIP 19076
| Inside the Hull
| 5.9
|-
| 84
| 105 Tau
| HIP 23883
| Inside the Hull
| 5.92
|-
| 85
| -
| HIP 19376
| Inside the Hull
| 5.927
|-
| 86
| -
| HIP 19284
| Inside the Hull
| 5.94
|-
| 87
| -
| HIP 18170
| Inside the Hull
| 5.946
|-
| 88
| -
| HIP 20417
| Inside the Hull
| 5.95
|-
| 89
| -
| HIP 20614
| Inside the Hull
| 5.965
|-
| 90
| -
| HIP 22176
| Inside the Hull
| 5.981
|-
| 91
| V1141 Tau
| HIP 20493
| Inside the Hull
| 5.986
|-
| 92
| 85 Tau
| HIP 21137
| Inside the Hull
| 5.998
|-
| 93
| V1116 Tau
| HIP 21459
| Inside the Hull
| 6.019
|-
| 94
| 33 Tau
| HIP 18485
| Inside the Hull
| 6.038
|-
| 95
| -
| HIP 17921
| Inside the Hull
| 6.07
|-
| 96
| -
| HIP 19261
| Inside the Hull
| 6.07
|-
| 97
| -
| HIP 17453
| Inside the Hull
| 6.074
|-
| 98
| -
| HIP 19641
| Inside the Hull
| 6.087
|-
| 99
| -
| HIP 20255
| Inside the Hull
| 6.094
|-
| 100
| -
| HIP 24820
| Inside the Hull
| 6.107
|-
| 101
| 96 Tau
| HIP 22441
| Inside the Hull
| 6.11
|-
| 102
| V1137 Tau
| HIP 19672
| Inside the Hull
| 6.12
|-
| 103
| 14 Tau
| HIP 17408
| Inside the Hull
| 6.14
|-
| 104
| -
| HIP 20284
| Inside the Hull
| 6.141
|-
| 105
| 95 Tau
| HIP 21961
| Inside the Hull
| 6.151
|-
| 106
| -
| HIP 17900
| Inside the Hull
| 6.153
|-
| 107
| -
| HIP 18508
| Inside the Hull
| 6.165
|-
| 108
| -
| HIP 17058
| Inside the Hull
| 6.168
|-
| 109
| -
| HIP 23589
| Inside the Hull
| 6.188
|-
| 110
| -
| HIP 21689
| Inside the Hull
| 6.2
|-
| 111
| -
| HIP 24977
| Inside the Hull
| 6.205
|-
| 112
| 40 G. Tau
| HIP 19720
| Inside the Hull
| 6.249
|-
| 113
| -
| HIP 19736
| Inside the Hull
| 6.25
|-
| 114
| 108 Tau
| HIP 24512
| Inside the Hull
| 6.27
|-
| 115
| -
| HIP 25806
| Inside the Hull
| 6.291
|-
| 116
| 48 Tau
| HIP 19877
| Inside the Hull
| 6.3
|-
| 117
| 47 G. Tau
| HIP 20188
| Inside the Hull
| 6.3
|-
| 118
| 84 Tau
| HIP 21082
| Inside the Hull
| 6.303
|-
| 119
| -
| HIP 18717
| Inside the Hull
| 6.305
|-
| 120
| -
| HIP 22949
| Inside the Hull
| 6.324
|-
| 121
| -
| HIP 22128
| Inside the Hull
| 6.329
|-
| 122
| -
| HIP 24984
| Inside the Hull
| 6.33
|-
| 123
| 62 Tau
| HIP 20533
| Inside the Hull
| 6.337
|-
| 124
| 25 G. Tau
| HIP 18658
| Inside the Hull
| 6.34
|-
| 125
| -
| HIP 22850
| Inside the Hull
| 6.347
|-
| 126
| -
| HIP 21408
| Inside the Hull
| 6.35
|-
| 127
| SZ Tau
| HIP 21517
| Inside the Hull
| 6.37
|-
| 128
| V766 Tau
| HIP 18033
| Inside the Hull
| 6.38
|-
| 129
| -
| HIP 20558
| Inside the Hull
| 6.39
|-
| 130
| NGC 1647
| NGC 1647
| Inside the Hull
| 6.4
|-
| 131
| -
| HIP 16924
| Inside the Hull
| 6.42
|-
| 132
| 70 Tau
| HIP 20661
| Inside the Hull
| 6.439
|-
| 133
| 26 Tau
| HIP 17832
| Inside the Hull
| 6.464
|-
| 134
| -
| HIP 21053
| Inside the Hull
| 6.491
|-
| 135
| -
| HIP 23949
| Inside the Hull
| 6.5
|-
| 136
| -
| HIP 24252
| Inside the Hull
| 6.79
|}

== IAU Working Group on Star Names ==
In November 2025, it was proposed to assign the cultural asterism name "Lembu" to a star in the region to preserve Balinese astronomical heritage. On May 17, 2026, WGSN adopted the name "Lembu" for the star 97 Tau (HIP 22565, HR 1547, HD 30780), which is in the neck part of the asterism. It was selected because bulls/oxen/ cows are the animals that are used to pull carts and chariots, and in this region of sky, many other cultures imagine these vehicles. The constellation Lembu is mentioned in Palelintangan Prasi, dating roughly 700 CE, and is still used in Bali.

The star 97 Tauri is a δ Scuti variable star of spectral type A9V star with apparent visual magnitude of 5.10 (Gray & Garrison 1989<ref>Gray, R.O., Garrison, R.F., "''The early F-type stars: refined classification, confrontation with Stroemgren photometry, and the effects of rotation,'''''"''' Astrophysical Journal Supplement v.69, p.301 (1989) doi:10.1086/191315</ref>, Abt & Morrell 1995<ref>Abt, H.A., Morrell, N.I., "''The Relation between Rotational Velocities and Spectral Peculiarities among A-Type Stars''," Astrophysical Journal Supplement v.99, p.135 (1995) doi:10.1086/192182</ref>, ESA 1997<ref>ESA, ''"The Hipparcos and Tycho catalogues. Astrometric and photometric star catalogues derived from the ESA Hipparcos Space Astrometry Mission"'', Publisher: Noordwijk, Netherlands: ESA Publications Division, Series: ESA SP Series vol no: 1200, ISBN: 9290923997 (set), https://cdsarc.cds.unistra.fr/viz-bin/cat/I/239</ref>). 97 Tau / Lembu appears in numerous membership lists for the Hyades open cluster, and is the 20th brightest member of the Hyades in the classic Hipparcos survey of the cluster completed by Perryman et al. (1998)<ref>Perryman, M.A.C., et al. "''The Hyades: distance, structure, dynamics, and age''", Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.331, p.81-120 (1998), doi:10.48550/arXiv.astro-ph/9707253</ref>. Because of its faintness, it requires exceptionally dark skies for naked-eye visibility.

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Indonesia]] [[Category:Southeast Asian]] [[Category:Asian]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]
[[Category:Balinese]] [[Category:Tau]] [[Category:Ori]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name]]

Lembu

2026-05-26T01:56:27Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:LintangLEMBU.jpg|thumb|Lintang Lembu in the cloth (CC-BY UPTD Museum Bali Inventary no. 09.752)]]
[[File:Lembu.png|thumb|Lintang Lembu in lontar Prasi Palelintangan (CC-BY Alfred Maaß, (1929), Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen)]]
[[File:Stellarium-20250920-122136092.png|thumb|Balinese constellation: Lembu (an ox), re-drawn by Jessica Gullberg for the planetarium software Stellarium (CC-BY Youla Azkarrula & Jessica Gullberg)]]
Lěmbu is an Oceanic name from Bali (Indonesia). The lintang of lěmbu is found in intersection of Coma (Monday, in saptawara) and Wage (in pancawara) in a series of palelintangan. Lintang lěmbu means ox constellation.<ref name=":1">Maass, Alfred, “Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen,” in Koninklijk Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen, Feestbundel bij gelegenheid van zijn 150 jarig bestaan 1778-1928, 2 vols. (Weltevreden, 1929), Vol. 2, 126-157.</ref>

In 2026, based on the name of this Balinese constellation, the name Lembu was adopted as a modern star name, and assigned to the star 97 Tau in constellation [[Taurus]].

==Etymology and History==
Lembu (IPA: [ləmˈbu]) is inherited from the Malay, Proto-Mon-Khmer meaning cow, bull, ox: it is an animal that is used by farmers to plow the acres and for which all sexes are possible (male, female and even the castrated form). The constellation depictions in Balinese calendar schemas called Palelintangan always show a complete animal but the sex cannot be determined: it only matters that this animal does the hard work in the field and comes from the biological species of “bos taurus” or “bos indicus”; even buffalos (species “bubalus”) are included in this term.

=== Spelling Variants ===

*Sapi

=== Origin of Constellation ===
Lembu is a sacred animal in Bali. Although not as sacred as in India, Lembu still have an important place in traditional ceremonies, especially as a symbol of fertility, strength, and perseverance. In some villages, Lembu are used in agricultural rituals such as traditional ploughing of fields, which contains the meaning of respect for nature. In addition, the majority of Hindus do not eat cows because cows are the mounts of the god Shiva.

==== General information ====

[[File:AlfredMaas1929 Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen ocr IdentTab cut.jpg|thumb|Identification of Balinese constellations (Maaß 1929, appendix). ]]
The astronomical identification of the constellation is taken from Maaß (1929)<ref name=":1" /> who explains in general that these constellations and the according ritual practice <blockquote>"sind seit alten Zeiten in einem Werk ,,wariga" niedergelegt, in dem wir zwei Kulturschichten, nämlich indische unq malaio-polynesische Bestandteile wiederfinden." </blockquote><blockquote>'''English:''' "are written down in a work called "wariga" since old times; there we recognise two cultural layers, i.e. the Indian and the Malayo-Polynesian."</blockquote>He also quotes other scholars<ref>Friedrich, R. (1849). Voorloopig verslag van het eiland Bali, Batavia, Verb. Bat Gen. Deel 23, Nr. 13</ref><ref>HINLOOPEN LABBERT0N, D. VAN (1910). Geillustreerd handboek van Insulinde. Amsterdam: "Vivat"</ref><ref>PIGEAUD, TH. (1925). Een stuk over sterrenkunde uit het Anggastyaparwwa ...... Weltevreden: Albrecht. Tijdsch. v. lnd, T.-, L.- en Vk. deel LXV</ref><ref>Nieuwenkamp, W. O. J. (1905), Schetsen van Bali en Lombok. (Eigen Haard)</ref> and his earlier work<ref>MAASS, ALFRED (1920). Sterne und Sternbilder im malaiischen Archipel. Berlin. Zeitschrift für Ethnologie Jg. 1920/21, H. 1</ref><ref>MAASS, ALFRED (1924). Sternkunde und Sterndeuterei im malaiischen Archipel. Batavia, den Haag. Tijdsch. v. T.-, L.-en Vk. deel LX IV</ref> reporting that this work dates back to the 9th century CE when Bali was part of a Hindu empire on the neighbouring island of Java.<ref name=":1" /> Neubronner van der Tuuk even uses the Old Javanese spelling.

==== Identification ====
The identifications, Maaß (1929) gives according to the aforementioned and his own studies during visits of the country and in European and Batavian libraries (p.150).<ref name=":1" />
[[File:Screenshot 2026-02-05 114717.png|center|thumb|800x800px|Lembu in the identification table by Maaß (1929). He mentioned "der Stier" which means "the Taurus".]]
Maaß (1929), p. 142:<blockquote>lembu; - lembu; -,- ein Rind, ein weisser Stier.</blockquote>'''English:''' lembu; - lembu; -,- a cow, a white bull.
=== Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===

== Mythology / Religion ==
It is said that Bhatari Uma wanted to listen to the teachings of Bhatara Guru (Lord Shiva). However, before these teachings were given, Bhatari Uma was asked by Bhatara Guru to look for the milk of a female black cow. Bhatari Uma's loyalty was tested by Batara Guru. "Bhatari Uma went to Earth," he said. Unbeknownst to Bhatari Uma, Bhatara Guru also changed his form into a black cattle herder.

Furthermore, the herdsman was named Rare Angon. The black ox that Rare Angon grazes is the white ox belonging to Bhatara Guru who was cursed to become a female black ox. Next, Rare Angon met Bhatari Uma. Bhatari Uma appeared to buy milk from the black cow owned by Rare Angon.

Rare Angon in his dialogue asked Dewi Uma why she bought milk. However, Bhatari Uma answered that the milk would certainly be useful. In fact, Rare Angon was even offered gold as a substitute. Rare Angon was not interested in gold. He would give milk as long as his beauty was used as a ransom. Because according to him, Dewi Uma's beauty is very valuable, worthy of being bought with a thousand countries.

What Rare Angon said made Bhatari Uma's heart blush. Rare Angon's words were just let go. Her mind was confused, thinking about it again, there was no other way but to follow Rare Angon's wishes. In fact, Dewi Uma even hid that she was married. Rare Angon's heart was happy, then he did their deal. After completing her promise, Rare Angon gave the black cow's milk. Rare Angon excused himself to Bhatari Uma to go ride the female black cow.

Rare Angon disappeared, it is unimaginable where he went. Bhatari Uma thought about her cheating in getting her wish. While walking home, the milk was carried in a golden jug. It is not told on the journey. It is told that before Bhatari Uma met Batara Guru, Bhatara Guru was crowning Sang Hyang Pancadewata.

In his coronation, Sang Hyang Pancadewata was given advice, and given a title by Bhatara Guru, namely Sang Hyang Kusika, Sang Hyang Gargha, Sang Hyang Maitri, Sang Hyang Kurusya and Sang Hyang Pretanjala. He is a member of the Pancakasika group because he was born from the holiness of Bhatara Guru's hands. Sang Hyang Kusika was born from the thumb (Anggusta), in the form of Pradhana.

Sang Hyang Garga was born from the index finger (tarjini), in the form of Purusa. Sang Hyang Maitri was born from the middle finger (madiamika) in the form of Brahma. Sang Hyang Kurusya was born from the ring finger (manamika) in the form of Vishnu. Sang Hyang Pretanjala was born from the little finger (kanistika) in the form of Mahadewa. Thus his manifestation became Bhatara Pancasiwa. He is worthy of purifying the entire universe. Next they were asked to meditate by Bhatara Guru. Sang Hyang Pancasiwa excused himself, and worshiped at the feet of Bhatara Guru. It is said that Bhatari Uma came to worship at the feet of Bhatara Guru. He offered milk.

The milk was received by Bhatara Guru with a gentle gaze. Next Bhatara Guru asked Sang Hyang Ghana to divine the journey of his mother (Bhatari Uma) on her journey to find black cow's milk. Sang Hyang Ghana obeyed, then took the library, a gift from Bhatara Guru previously. Before the library was read, a mantra was given to it.

The image of his mother appearing to be unfaithful to the shepherd. This was conveyed to Bhatara Guru. Bhatara Guru looked blushing. How angry Bhatari Uma was and immediately said harshly.

“What did you say, Ghana? You are still a baby, pretending to know how to predict something unclear. You are so cruel to criticize your mother's behavior! You do not know the secret! If only you did not hold the sacred library, you would have been eaten by me. Who do you think your mother is? Am I not the embodiment of Durga? I can swallow the earth!

Thus said Bhatari Uma blaspheming. Fire came out of Bhatari Uma's eyes. It was very powerful and destroyed the library so that in an instant it turned into ashes. Sang Hyang Ghana's heart was saddened by the burning of the library. The script was rewritten by Sang Hyang Ghana. Bhatari Uma told Sang Hyang Kumara to trample on the dust of the library.

Immediately Sang Hyang Kumara trampled on the ashes of the library with both feet. Because of the trampling, the ashes of the library scattered and spread so that they could no longer be seen by the eye. Sang Hyang Ghana was angry with Sang Hyang Kumara. Sang Hyang Ghana transformed into Sang Hyang Ghanamurti, with four arms, and four fangs. Sang Hyang Kumara was captured and massacred. Soon Bhatara Guru came and greeted Sang Hyang Ghana in a friendly manner.

"O Ghana, don't do that! That is called Brahmatya, which can result in your purity being lost! He is still a child. If someone is not yet fourteen years old, don't be punished, stop your anger towards Sang Hyang Kumara! Later, when Sang Hyang Kumara is older, more than ten years old, there you will continue your anger towards Sang Hyang Kumara," said Bhatara Guru.

"From the short story above, a common thread can be drawn that the black cattle that exist in this world originate from white cattle which were cursed to become black cattle by Bhatara Guru when he transformed into a cattle herder," he explained.

The white ox found in Taro Village is the belief of the people of Taro Village that the ox belonged to Bhatara Guru who was entrusted to them to be looked after by a maharesi named Rsi Markandeya.

=== Image Variants ===
<gallery>
File:Lembu.png|Lintang Lembu (CC-BY Alfred Maaß, (1929), Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen)
File:LinLEMBU.jpg|Lintang Lembu in the cloth (CC-BY UPTD Museum Bali Inventary no. 09.746)
File:LintangLEMBU.jpg|Lintang Lembu in the cloth (CC-BY UPTD Museum Bali Inventary no. 09.752)
File:Lintang Lembu2.jpg|Lintang Lembu (CC-BY Youla Azkarrula taken in the ceiling of Taman Gili Klungkung Palace Bali)
</gallery>

== Cultural Beliefs ==

=== Numerology (Neptu/Urip) ===
Coma (Monday, in saptawara) has a value of 4 and Wage (in pancawara) has a value of 4. Thus, the total urip on this lintang is 8.<ref name=":0">Palelintangan Museum Study Team (Tim Kajian Palelintangan Museum), “Gabungan Kajian Palelintangan,” Museum Bali (2021), 1-149.</ref>

=== Astrological Characteristics ===
Rarely finds happiness, his life is in regret. Acts carefully and thoughtfully, honestly and attentively to other people's plight. When angry he loses self-control.<ref name=":0" />

=== Matching Gemstones ===
Daluman (Giok/Jade), Nari Gangga/ Mata Kucing (Chrysobery Cat Eye).<ref name=":0" />

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== All HIP Stars within this constellation ==
==== Stars within the Constellation Area ====
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
|-
! id
! Label
! IAU design.
! description
! Vmag
|-
| 1
| Aldebaran
| HIP 21421
| within constellation lines
| 0.86
|-
| 2
| Elnath
| HIP 25428
| within constellation lines
| 1.65
|-
| 3
| Alcyone
| HIP 17702
| within constellation lines
| 2.87
|-
| 4
| Tianguan
| HIP 26451
| within constellation lines
| 3.03
|-
| 5
| λ Tauri
| HIP 18724
| within constellation lines
| 3.41
|-
| 6
| Chamukuy
| HIP 20894
| Inside the Hull
| 3.41
|-
| 7
| Ain
| HIP 20889
| within constellation lines
| 3.53
|-
| 8
| ο Tauri
| HIP 15900
| within constellation lines
| 3.6
|-
| 9
| Atlas
| HIP 17847
| Inside the Hull
| 3.63
|-
| 10
| Prima Hyadum
| HIP 20205
| within constellation lines
| 3.65
|-
| 11
| ξ Tauri
| HIP 16083
| within constellation lines
| 3.75
|-
| 12
| Secunda Hyadum
| HIP 20455
| Inside the Hull
| 3.76
|-
| 13
| θ 1 Tauri
| HIP 20885
| Inside the Hull
| 3.84
|-
| 14
| ν Tauri
| HIP 18907
| within constellation lines
| 3.883
|-
| 15
| 5 Tau
| HIP 16369
| Inside the Hull
| 4.1
|-
| 16
| κ 1 Tauri
| HIP 20635
| Inside the Hull
| 4.201
|-
| 17
| τ Tauri
| HIP 21881
| within constellation lines
| 4.258
|-
| 18
| 90 Tau
| HIP 21589
| Inside the Hull
| 4.27
|-
| 19
| μ Tauri
| HIP 19860
| Inside the Hull
| 4.279
|-
| 20
| υ Tauri
| HIP 20711
| Inside the Hull
| 4.282
|-
| 21
| δ 3 Tauri
| HIP 20648
| Inside the Hull
| 4.298
|-
| 22
| 37 Tau
| HIP 19038
| Inside the Hull
| 4.37
|-
| 23
| 71 Tau
| HIP 20713
| Inside the Hull
| 4.48
|-
| 24
| ι Tauri
| HIP 23497
| Inside the Hull
| 4.615
|-
| 25
| ρ Tauri
| HIP 21273
| Inside the Hull
| 4.65
|-
| 26
| σ 2 Tauri
| HIP 21683
| Inside the Hull
| 4.665
|-
| 27
| π Tauri
| HIP 20732
| Inside the Hull
| 4.69
|-
| 28
| ο 1 Orionis
| HIP 22667
| Inside the Hull
| 4.721
|-
| 29
| -
| HIP 21029
| Inside the Hull
| 4.764
|-
| 30
| δ 2 Tauri
| HIP 20542
| Inside the Hull
| 4.8
|-
| 31
| 114 Tau
| HIP 25539
| Inside the Hull
| 4.868
|-
| 32
| ω 2 Tauri
| HIP 19990
| Inside the Hull
| 4.914
|-
| 33
| 109 Tau
| HIP 24822
| Inside the Hull
| 4.948
|-
| 34
| * 47 Tau A
| HIP 19740
| Inside the Hull
| 4.95
|-
| 35
| 75 Tau
| HIP 20877
| Inside the Hull
| 4.969
|-
| 36
| 79 Tau
| HIP 20901
| Inside the Hull
| 5.014
|-
| 37
| 30 Tau
| HIP 17771
| Inside the Hull
| 5.07
|-
| 38
| σ 1 Tauri
| HIP 21673
| Inside the Hull
| 5.076
|-
| 39
| 97 Tau
| HIP 22565
| Inside the Hull
| 5.085
|-
| 40
| Pleione
| HIP 17851
| Inside the Hull
| 5.09
|-
| 41
| 66 Tau
| HIP 20522
| Inside the Hull
| 5.098
|-
| 42
| 4 Tau
| HIP 16322
| Inside the Hull
| 5.124
|-
| 43
| 43 G. Tau
| HIP 19799
| Inside the Hull
| 5.218
|-
| 44
| 58 Tau
| HIP 20261
| Inside the Hull
| 5.242
|-
| 45
| κ 2 Tauri
| HIP 20641
| Inside the Hull
| 5.264
|-
| 46
| l Tau
| HIP 23871
| Inside the Hull
| 5.28
|-
| 47
| 46 Tau
| HIP 19719
| Inside the Hull
| 5.29
|-
| 48
| 56 Tau
| HIP 20186
| Inside the Hull
| 5.346
|-
| 49
| χ Tauri
| HIP 20430
| Inside the Hull
| 5.378
|-
| 50
| 83 Tau
| HIP 21036
| Inside the Hull
| 5.395
|-
| 51
| -
| HIP 18975
| Inside the Hull
| 5.42
|-
| 52
| 93 Tau
| HIP 21735
| Inside the Hull
| 5.445
|-
| 53
| -
| HIP 17776
| Inside the Hull
| 5.45
|-
| 54
| 81 Tau
| HIP 21039
| Inside the Hull
| 5.454
|-
| 55
| 118 Tau
| HIP 25695
| Inside the Hull
| 5.48
|-
| 56
| 53 Tau
| HIP 20171
| Inside the Hull
| 5.482
|-
| 57
| -
| HIP 23043
| Inside the Hull
| 5.49
|-
| 58
| 103 Tau
| HIP 23900
| Inside the Hull
| 5.5
|-
| 59
| ω 1 Tauri
| HIP 19388
| Inside the Hull
| 5.504
|-
| 60
| 36 Tau
| HIP 19009
| Inside the Hull
| 5.512
|-
| 61
| 72 Tau
| HIP 20789
| Inside the Hull
| 5.514
|-
| 62
| 80 Tau
| HIP 20995
| Inside the Hull
| 5.552
|-
| 63
| 57 Tau
| HIP 20219
| Inside the Hull
| 5.568
|-
| 64
| 32 Tau
| HIP 18471
| Inside the Hull
| 5.617
|-
| 65
| 63 Tau
| HIP 20484
| Inside the Hull
| 5.625
|-
| 66
| 51 Tau
| HIP 20087
| Inside the Hull
| 5.631
|-
| 67
| * 80 Tau A
| HIP 20995
| Inside the Hull
| 5.666
|-
| 68
| 13 Tau
| HIP 17309
| Inside the Hull
| 5.69
|-
| 69
| 26 G. Tau
| HIP 18805
| Inside the Hull
| 5.691
|-
| 70
| 60 Tau
| HIP 20400
| Inside the Hull
| 5.71
|-
| 71
| -
| HIP 20842
| Inside the Hull
| 5.711
|-
| 72
| 6 Tau
| HIP 16511
| Inside the Hull
| 5.757
|-
| 73
| 89 Tau
| HIP 21588
| Inside the Hull
| 5.776
|-
| 74
| -
| HIP 22913
| Inside the Hull
| 5.776
|-
| 75
| 98 Tau
| HIP 23088
| Inside the Hull
| 5.785
|-
| 76
| 99 Tau
| HIP 23068
| Inside the Hull
| 5.806
|-
| 77
| -
| HR 1243
| Inside the Hull
| 5.81
|-
| 78
| * 118 Tau A
| HIP 25695
| Inside the Hull
| 5.84
|-
| 79
| HU Tau
| HIP 21604
| Inside the Hull
| 5.842
|-
| 80
| -
| HIP 18735
| Inside the Hull
| 5.865
|-
| 81
| -
| HIP 20804
| Inside the Hull
| 5.87
|-
| 82
| 76 Tau
| HIP 20873
| Inside the Hull
| 5.892
|-
| 83
| 39 Tau
| HIP 19076
| Inside the Hull
| 5.9
|-
| 84
| 105 Tau
| HIP 23883
| Inside the Hull
| 5.92
|-
| 85
| -
| HIP 19376
| Inside the Hull
| 5.927
|-
| 86
| -
| HIP 19284
| Inside the Hull
| 5.94
|-
| 87
| -
| HIP 18170
| Inside the Hull
| 5.946
|-
| 88
| -
| HIP 20417
| Inside the Hull
| 5.95
|-
| 89
| -
| HIP 20614
| Inside the Hull
| 5.965
|-
| 90
| -
| HIP 22176
| Inside the Hull
| 5.981
|-
| 91
| V1141 Tau
| HIP 20493
| Inside the Hull
| 5.986
|-
| 92
| 85 Tau
| HIP 21137
| Inside the Hull
| 5.998
|-
| 93
| V1116 Tau
| HIP 21459
| Inside the Hull
| 6.019
|-
| 94
| 33 Tau
| HIP 18485
| Inside the Hull
| 6.038
|-
| 95
| -
| HIP 17921
| Inside the Hull
| 6.07
|-
| 96
| -
| HIP 19261
| Inside the Hull
| 6.07
|-
| 97
| -
| HIP 17453
| Inside the Hull
| 6.074
|-
| 98
| -
| HIP 19641
| Inside the Hull
| 6.087
|-
| 99
| -
| HIP 20255
| Inside the Hull
| 6.094
|-
| 100
| -
| HIP 24820
| Inside the Hull
| 6.107
|-
| 101
| 96 Tau
| HIP 22441
| Inside the Hull
| 6.11
|-
| 102
| V1137 Tau
| HIP 19672
| Inside the Hull
| 6.12
|-
| 103
| 14 Tau
| HIP 17408
| Inside the Hull
| 6.14
|-
| 104
| -
| HIP 20284
| Inside the Hull
| 6.141
|-
| 105
| 95 Tau
| HIP 21961
| Inside the Hull
| 6.151
|-
| 106
| -
| HIP 17900
| Inside the Hull
| 6.153
|-
| 107
| -
| HIP 18508
| Inside the Hull
| 6.165
|-
| 108
| -
| HIP 17058
| Inside the Hull
| 6.168
|-
| 109
| -
| HIP 23589
| Inside the Hull
| 6.188
|-
| 110
| -
| HIP 21689
| Inside the Hull
| 6.2
|-
| 111
| -
| HIP 24977
| Inside the Hull
| 6.205
|-
| 112
| 40 G. Tau
| HIP 19720
| Inside the Hull
| 6.249
|-
| 113
| -
| HIP 19736
| Inside the Hull
| 6.25
|-
| 114
| 108 Tau
| HIP 24512
| Inside the Hull
| 6.27
|-
| 115
| -
| HIP 25806
| Inside the Hull
| 6.291
|-
| 116
| 48 Tau
| HIP 19877
| Inside the Hull
| 6.3
|-
| 117
| 47 G. Tau
| HIP 20188
| Inside the Hull
| 6.3
|-
| 118
| 84 Tau
| HIP 21082
| Inside the Hull
| 6.303
|-
| 119
| -
| HIP 18717
| Inside the Hull
| 6.305
|-
| 120
| -
| HIP 22949
| Inside the Hull
| 6.324
|-
| 121
| -
| HIP 22128
| Inside the Hull
| 6.329
|-
| 122
| -
| HIP 24984
| Inside the Hull
| 6.33
|-
| 123
| 62 Tau
| HIP 20533
| Inside the Hull
| 6.337
|-
| 124
| 25 G. Tau
| HIP 18658
| Inside the Hull
| 6.34
|-
| 125
| -
| HIP 22850
| Inside the Hull
| 6.347
|-
| 126
| -
| HIP 21408
| Inside the Hull
| 6.35
|-
| 127
| SZ Tau
| HIP 21517
| Inside the Hull
| 6.37
|-
| 128
| V766 Tau
| HIP 18033
| Inside the Hull
| 6.38
|-
| 129
| -
| HIP 20558
| Inside the Hull
| 6.39
|-
| 130
| NGC 1647
| NGC 1647
| Inside the Hull
| 6.4
|-
| 131
| -
| HIP 16924
| Inside the Hull
| 6.42
|-
| 132
| 70 Tau
| HIP 20661
| Inside the Hull
| 6.439
|-
| 133
| 26 Tau
| HIP 17832
| Inside the Hull
| 6.464
|-
| 134
| -
| HIP 21053
| Inside the Hull
| 6.491
|-
| 135
| -
| HIP 23949
| Inside the Hull
| 6.5
|-
| 136
| -
| HIP 24252
| Inside the Hull
| 6.79
|}

== IAU Working Group on Star Names ==
In November 2025, it was proposed to assign the cultural asterism name "Lembu" to a star in the region to preserve Balinese astronomical heritage. On May 17, 2026, WGSN adopted the name "Lembu" for the star 97 Tau (HIP 22565, HR 1547, HD 30780), which is in the neck part of the asterism. It was selected because bulls/oxen/ cows are the animals that are used to pull carts and chariots, and in this region of sky, many other cultures imagine these vehicles. The constellation Lembu is mentioned in Palelintangan Prasi, dating roughly 700 CE, and is still used in Bali.

The star 97 Tauri is a delta Scuti variable star of spectral type A9V star with apparent visual magnitude of 5.10 (Gray & Garrison 1989<ref>Gray, R.O., Garrison, R.F., "''The early F-type stars: refined classification, confrontation with Stroemgren photometry, and the effects of rotation,'''''"''' Astrophysical Journal Supplement v.69, p.301 (1989) doi:10.1086/191315</ref>, Abt & Morrell 1995<ref>Abt, H.A., Morrell, N.I., "''The Relation between Rotational Velocities and Spectral Peculiarities among A-Type Stars''," Astrophysical Journal Supplement v.99, p.135 (1995) doi:10.1086/192182</ref>, ESA 1997<ref>ESA, ''"The Hipparcos and Tycho catalogues. Astrometric and photometric star catalogues derived from the ESA Hipparcos Space Astrometry Mission"'', Publisher: Noordwijk, Netherlands: ESA Publications Division, Series: ESA SP Series vol no: 1200, ISBN: 9290923997 (set), https://cdsarc.cds.unistra.fr/viz-bin/cat/I/239</ref>). 97 Tau / Lembu appears in numerous membership lists for the Hyades open cluster, and is the 20th brightest member of the Hyades in the classic Hipparcos survey of the cluster completed by Perryman et al. (1998)<ref>Perryman, M.A.C., et al. "''The Hyades: distance, structure, dynamics, and age''", Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.331, p.81-120 (1998), doi:10.48550/arXiv.astro-ph/9707253</ref>. Because of its faintness, it requires exceptionally dark skies for naked-eye visibility.

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Indonesia]] [[Category:Southeast Asian]] [[Category:Asian]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]
[[Category:Balinese]] [[Category:Tau]] [[Category:Ori]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name]]

Lembu

2026-05-26T01:42:16Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:LintangLEMBU.jpg|thumb|Lintang Lembu in the cloth (CC-BY UPTD Museum Bali Inventary no. 09.752)]]
[[File:Lembu.png|thumb|Lintang Lembu in lontar Prasi Palelintangan (CC-BY Alfred Maaß, (1929), Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen)]]
[[File:Stellarium-20250920-122136092.png|thumb|Balinese constellation: Lembu (an ox), re-drawn by Jessica Gullberg for the planetarium software Stellarium (CC-BY Youla Azkarrula & Jessica Gullberg)]]
Lěmbu is an Oceanic name from Bali (Indonesia). The lintang of lěmbu is found in intersection of Coma (Monday, in saptawara) and Wage (in pancawara) in a series of palelintangan. Lintang lěmbu means ox constellation.<ref name=":1">Maass, Alfred, “Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen,” in Koninklijk Bataviaasch Genootschap van Kunsten en Wetenschappen, Feestbundel bij gelegenheid van zijn 150 jarig bestaan 1778-1928, 2 vols. (Weltevreden, 1929), Vol. 2, 126-157.</ref>

In 2026, based on the name of this Balinese constellation, the name Lembu was adopted as a modern star name, and assigned to the star 97 Tau in constellation [[Taurus]].

==Etymology and History==
Lembu (IPA: [ləmˈbu]) is inherited from the Malay, Proto-Mon-Khmer meaning cow, bull, ox: it is an animal that is used by farmers to plow the acres and for which all sexes are possible (male, female and even the castrated form). The constellation depictions in Balinese calendar schemas called Palelintangan always show a complete animal but the sex cannot be determined: it only matters that this animal does the hard work in the field and comes from the biological species of “bos taurus” or “bos indicus”; even buffalos (species “bubalus”) are included in this term.

=== Spelling Variants ===

*Sapi

=== Origin of Constellation ===
Lembu is a sacred animal in Bali. Although not as sacred as in India, Lembu still have an important place in traditional ceremonies, especially as a symbol of fertility, strength, and perseverance. In some villages, Lembu are used in agricultural rituals such as traditional ploughing of fields, which contains the meaning of respect for nature. In addition, the majority of Hindus do not eat cows because cows are the mounts of the god Shiva.

==== General information ====

[[File:AlfredMaas1929 Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen ocr IdentTab cut.jpg|thumb|Identification of Balinese constellations (Maaß 1929, appendix). ]]
The astronomical identification of the constellation is taken from Maaß (1929)<ref name=":1" /> who explains in general that these constellations and the according ritual practice <blockquote>"sind seit alten Zeiten in einem Werk ,,wariga" niedergelegt, in dem wir zwei Kulturschichten, nämlich indische unq malaio-polynesische Bestandteile wiederfinden." </blockquote><blockquote>'''English:''' "are written down in a work called "wariga" since old times; there we recognise two cultural layers, i.e. the Indian and the Malayo-Polynesian."</blockquote>He also quotes other scholars<ref>Friedrich, R. (1849). Voorloopig verslag van het eiland Bali, Batavia, Verb. Bat Gen. Deel 23, Nr. 13</ref><ref>HINLOOPEN LABBERT0N, D. VAN (1910). Geillustreerd handboek van Insulinde. Amsterdam: "Vivat"</ref><ref>PIGEAUD, TH. (1925). Een stuk over sterrenkunde uit het Anggastyaparwwa ...... Weltevreden: Albrecht. Tijdsch. v. lnd, T.-, L.- en Vk. deel LXV</ref><ref>Nieuwenkamp, W. O. J. (1905), Schetsen van Bali en Lombok. (Eigen Haard)</ref> and his earlier work<ref>MAASS, ALFRED (1920). Sterne und Sternbilder im malaiischen Archipel. Berlin. Zeitschrift für Ethnologie Jg. 1920/21, H. 1</ref><ref>MAASS, ALFRED (1924). Sternkunde und Sterndeuterei im malaiischen Archipel. Batavia, den Haag. Tijdsch. v. T.-, L.-en Vk. deel LX IV</ref> reporting that this work dates back to the 9th century CE when Bali was part of a Hindu empire on the neighbouring island of Java.<ref name=":1" /> Neubronner van der Tuuk even uses the Old Javanese spelling.

==== Identification ====
The identifications, Maaß (1929) gives according to the aforementioned and his own studies during visits of the country and in European and Batavian libraries (p.150).<ref name=":1" />
[[File:Screenshot 2026-02-05 114717.png|center|thumb|800x800px|Lembu in the identification table by Maaß (1929). He mentioned "der Stier" which means "the Taurus".]]
Maaß (1929), p. 142:<blockquote>lembu; - lembu; -,- ein Rind, ein weisser Stier.</blockquote>'''English:''' lembu; - lembu; -,- a cow, a white bull.
=== Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===

== Mythology / Religion ==
It is said that Bhatari Uma wanted to listen to the teachings of Bhatara Guru (Lord Shiva). However, before these teachings were given, Bhatari Uma was asked by Bhatara Guru to look for the milk of a female black cow. Bhatari Uma's loyalty was tested by Batara Guru. "Bhatari Uma went to Earth," he said. Unbeknownst to Bhatari Uma, Bhatara Guru also changed his form into a black cattle herder.

Furthermore, the herdsman was named Rare Angon. The black ox that Rare Angon grazes is the white ox belonging to Bhatara Guru who was cursed to become a female black ox. Next, Rare Angon met Bhatari Uma. Bhatari Uma appeared to buy milk from the black cow owned by Rare Angon.

Rare Angon in his dialogue asked Dewi Uma why she bought milk. However, Bhatari Uma answered that the milk would certainly be useful. In fact, Rare Angon was even offered gold as a substitute. Rare Angon was not interested in gold. He would give milk as long as his beauty was used as a ransom. Because according to him, Dewi Uma's beauty is very valuable, worthy of being bought with a thousand countries.

What Rare Angon said made Bhatari Uma's heart blush. Rare Angon's words were just let go. Her mind was confused, thinking about it again, there was no other way but to follow Rare Angon's wishes. In fact, Dewi Uma even hid that she was married. Rare Angon's heart was happy, then he did their deal. After completing her promise, Rare Angon gave the black cow's milk. Rare Angon excused himself to Bhatari Uma to go ride the female black cow.

Rare Angon disappeared, it is unimaginable where he went. Bhatari Uma thought about her cheating in getting her wish. While walking home, the milk was carried in a golden jug. It is not told on the journey. It is told that before Bhatari Uma met Batara Guru, Bhatara Guru was crowning Sang Hyang Pancadewata.

In his coronation, Sang Hyang Pancadewata was given advice, and given a title by Bhatara Guru, namely Sang Hyang Kusika, Sang Hyang Gargha, Sang Hyang Maitri, Sang Hyang Kurusya and Sang Hyang Pretanjala. He is a member of the Pancakasika group because he was born from the holiness of Bhatara Guru's hands. Sang Hyang Kusika was born from the thumb (Anggusta), in the form of Pradhana.

Sang Hyang Garga was born from the index finger (tarjini), in the form of Purusa. Sang Hyang Maitri was born from the middle finger (madiamika) in the form of Brahma. Sang Hyang Kurusya was born from the ring finger (manamika) in the form of Vishnu. Sang Hyang Pretanjala was born from the little finger (kanistika) in the form of Mahadewa. Thus his manifestation became Bhatara Pancasiwa. He is worthy of purifying the entire universe. Next they were asked to meditate by Bhatara Guru. Sang Hyang Pancasiwa excused himself, and worshiped at the feet of Bhatara Guru. It is said that Bhatari Uma came to worship at the feet of Bhatara Guru. He offered milk.

The milk was received by Bhatara Guru with a gentle gaze. Next Bhatara Guru asked Sang Hyang Ghana to divine the journey of his mother (Bhatari Uma) on her journey to find black cow's milk. Sang Hyang Ghana obeyed, then took the library, a gift from Bhatara Guru previously. Before the library was read, a mantra was given to it.

The image of his mother appearing to be unfaithful to the shepherd. This was conveyed to Bhatara Guru. Bhatara Guru looked blushing. How angry Bhatari Uma was and immediately said harshly.

“What did you say, Ghana? You are still a baby, pretending to know how to predict something unclear. You are so cruel to criticize your mother's behavior! You do not know the secret! If only you did not hold the sacred library, you would have been eaten by me. Who do you think your mother is? Am I not the embodiment of Durga? I can swallow the earth!

Thus said Bhatari Uma blaspheming. Fire came out of Bhatari Uma's eyes. It was very powerful and destroyed the library so that in an instant it turned into ashes. Sang Hyang Ghana's heart was saddened by the burning of the library. The script was rewritten by Sang Hyang Ghana. Bhatari Uma told Sang Hyang Kumara to trample on the dust of the library.

Immediately Sang Hyang Kumara trampled on the ashes of the library with both feet. Because of the trampling, the ashes of the library scattered and spread so that they could no longer be seen by the eye. Sang Hyang Ghana was angry with Sang Hyang Kumara. Sang Hyang Ghana transformed into Sang Hyang Ghanamurti, with four arms, and four fangs. Sang Hyang Kumara was captured and massacred. Soon Bhatara Guru came and greeted Sang Hyang Ghana in a friendly manner.

"O Ghana, don't do that! That is called Brahmatya, which can result in your purity being lost! He is still a child. If someone is not yet fourteen years old, don't be punished, stop your anger towards Sang Hyang Kumara! Later, when Sang Hyang Kumara is older, more than ten years old, there you will continue your anger towards Sang Hyang Kumara," said Bhatara Guru.

"From the short story above, a common thread can be drawn that the black cattle that exist in this world originate from white cattle which were cursed to become black cattle by Bhatara Guru when he transformed into a cattle herder," he explained.

The white ox found in Taro Village is the belief of the people of Taro Village that the ox belonged to Bhatara Guru who was entrusted to them to be looked after by a maharesi named Rsi Markandeya.

=== Image Variants ===
<gallery>
File:Lembu.png|Lintang Lembu (CC-BY Alfred Maaß, (1929), Astrologische Kalender der Balinesen)
File:LinLEMBU.jpg|Lintang Lembu in the cloth (CC-BY UPTD Museum Bali Inventary no. 09.746)
File:LintangLEMBU.jpg|Lintang Lembu in the cloth (CC-BY UPTD Museum Bali Inventary no. 09.752)
File:Lintang Lembu2.jpg|Lintang Lembu (CC-BY Youla Azkarrula taken in the ceiling of Taman Gili Klungkung Palace Bali)
</gallery>

== Cultural Beliefs ==

=== Numerology (Neptu/Urip) ===
Coma (Monday, in saptawara) has a value of 4 and Wage (in pancawara) has a value of 4. Thus, the total urip on this lintang is 8.<ref name=":0">Palelintangan Museum Study Team (Tim Kajian Palelintangan Museum), “Gabungan Kajian Palelintangan,” Museum Bali (2021), 1-149.</ref>

=== Astrological Characteristics ===
Rarely finds happiness, his life is in regret. Acts carefully and thoughtfully, honestly and attentively to other people's plight. When angry he loses self-control.<ref name=":0" />

=== Matching Gemstones ===
Daluman (Giok/Jade), Nari Gangga/ Mata Kucing (Chrysobery Cat Eye).<ref name=":0" />

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== All HIP Stars within this constellation ==
==== Stars within the Constellation Area ====
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible"
|+
|-
! id
! Label
! IAU design.
! description
! Vmag
|-
| 1
| Aldebaran
| HIP 21421
| within constellation lines
| 0.86
|-
| 2
| Elnath
| HIP 25428
| within constellation lines
| 1.65
|-
| 3
| Alcyone
| HIP 17702
| within constellation lines
| 2.87
|-
| 4
| Tianguan
| HIP 26451
| within constellation lines
| 3.03
|-
| 5
| λ Tauri
| HIP 18724
| within constellation lines
| 3.41
|-
| 6
| Chamukuy
| HIP 20894
| Inside the Hull
| 3.41
|-
| 7
| Ain
| HIP 20889
| within constellation lines
| 3.53
|-
| 8
| ο Tauri
| HIP 15900
| within constellation lines
| 3.6
|-
| 9
| Atlas
| HIP 17847
| Inside the Hull
| 3.63
|-
| 10
| Prima Hyadum
| HIP 20205
| within constellation lines
| 3.65
|-
| 11
| ξ Tauri
| HIP 16083
| within constellation lines
| 3.75
|-
| 12
| Secunda Hyadum
| HIP 20455
| Inside the Hull
| 3.76
|-
| 13
| θ 1 Tauri
| HIP 20885
| Inside the Hull
| 3.84
|-
| 14
| ν Tauri
| HIP 18907
| within constellation lines
| 3.883
|-
| 15
| 5 Tau
| HIP 16369
| Inside the Hull
| 4.1
|-
| 16
| κ 1 Tauri
| HIP 20635
| Inside the Hull
| 4.201
|-
| 17
| τ Tauri
| HIP 21881
| within constellation lines
| 4.258
|-
| 18
| 90 Tau
| HIP 21589
| Inside the Hull
| 4.27
|-
| 19
| μ Tauri
| HIP 19860
| Inside the Hull
| 4.279
|-
| 20
| υ Tauri
| HIP 20711
| Inside the Hull
| 4.282
|-
| 21
| δ 3 Tauri
| HIP 20648
| Inside the Hull
| 4.298
|-
| 22
| 37 Tau
| HIP 19038
| Inside the Hull
| 4.37
|-
| 23
| 71 Tau
| HIP 20713
| Inside the Hull
| 4.48
|-
| 24
| ι Tauri
| HIP 23497
| Inside the Hull
| 4.615
|-
| 25
| ρ Tauri
| HIP 21273
| Inside the Hull
| 4.65
|-
| 26
| σ 2 Tauri
| HIP 21683
| Inside the Hull
| 4.665
|-
| 27
| π Tauri
| HIP 20732
| Inside the Hull
| 4.69
|-
| 28
| ο 1 Orionis
| HIP 22667
| Inside the Hull
| 4.721
|-
| 29
| -
| HIP 21029
| Inside the Hull
| 4.764
|-
| 30
| δ 2 Tauri
| HIP 20542
| Inside the Hull
| 4.8
|-
| 31
| 114 Tau
| HIP 25539
| Inside the Hull
| 4.868
|-
| 32
| ω 2 Tauri
| HIP 19990
| Inside the Hull
| 4.914
|-
| 33
| 109 Tau
| HIP 24822
| Inside the Hull
| 4.948
|-
| 34
| * 47 Tau A
| HIP 19740
| Inside the Hull
| 4.95
|-
| 35
| 75 Tau
| HIP 20877
| Inside the Hull
| 4.969
|-
| 36
| 79 Tau
| HIP 20901
| Inside the Hull
| 5.014
|-
| 37
| 30 Tau
| HIP 17771
| Inside the Hull
| 5.07
|-
| 38
| σ 1 Tauri
| HIP 21673
| Inside the Hull
| 5.076
|-
| 39
| 97 Tau
| HIP 22565
| Inside the Hull
| 5.085
|-
| 40
| Pleione
| HIP 17851
| Inside the Hull
| 5.09
|-
| 41
| 66 Tau
| HIP 20522
| Inside the Hull
| 5.098
|-
| 42
| 4 Tau
| HIP 16322
| Inside the Hull
| 5.124
|-
| 43
| 43 G. Tau
| HIP 19799
| Inside the Hull
| 5.218
|-
| 44
| 58 Tau
| HIP 20261
| Inside the Hull
| 5.242
|-
| 45
| κ 2 Tauri
| HIP 20641
| Inside the Hull
| 5.264
|-
| 46
| l Tau
| HIP 23871
| Inside the Hull
| 5.28
|-
| 47
| 46 Tau
| HIP 19719
| Inside the Hull
| 5.29
|-
| 48
| 56 Tau
| HIP 20186
| Inside the Hull
| 5.346
|-
| 49
| χ Tauri
| HIP 20430
| Inside the Hull
| 5.378
|-
| 50
| 83 Tau
| HIP 21036
| Inside the Hull
| 5.395
|-
| 51
| -
| HIP 18975
| Inside the Hull
| 5.42
|-
| 52
| 93 Tau
| HIP 21735
| Inside the Hull
| 5.445
|-
| 53
| -
| HIP 17776
| Inside the Hull
| 5.45
|-
| 54
| 81 Tau
| HIP 21039
| Inside the Hull
| 5.454
|-
| 55
| 118 Tau
| HIP 25695
| Inside the Hull
| 5.48
|-
| 56
| 53 Tau
| HIP 20171
| Inside the Hull
| 5.482
|-
| 57
| -
| HIP 23043
| Inside the Hull
| 5.49
|-
| 58
| 103 Tau
| HIP 23900
| Inside the Hull
| 5.5
|-
| 59
| ω 1 Tauri
| HIP 19388
| Inside the Hull
| 5.504
|-
| 60
| 36 Tau
| HIP 19009
| Inside the Hull
| 5.512
|-
| 61
| 72 Tau
| HIP 20789
| Inside the Hull
| 5.514
|-
| 62
| 80 Tau
| HIP 20995
| Inside the Hull
| 5.552
|-
| 63
| 57 Tau
| HIP 20219
| Inside the Hull
| 5.568
|-
| 64
| 32 Tau
| HIP 18471
| Inside the Hull
| 5.617
|-
| 65
| 63 Tau
| HIP 20484
| Inside the Hull
| 5.625
|-
| 66
| 51 Tau
| HIP 20087
| Inside the Hull
| 5.631
|-
| 67
| * 80 Tau A
| HIP 20995
| Inside the Hull
| 5.666
|-
| 68
| 13 Tau
| HIP 17309
| Inside the Hull
| 5.69
|-
| 69
| 26 G. Tau
| HIP 18805
| Inside the Hull
| 5.691
|-
| 70
| 60 Tau
| HIP 20400
| Inside the Hull
| 5.71
|-
| 71
| -
| HIP 20842
| Inside the Hull
| 5.711
|-
| 72
| 6 Tau
| HIP 16511
| Inside the Hull
| 5.757
|-
| 73
| 89 Tau
| HIP 21588
| Inside the Hull
| 5.776
|-
| 74
| -
| HIP 22913
| Inside the Hull
| 5.776
|-
| 75
| 98 Tau
| HIP 23088
| Inside the Hull
| 5.785
|-
| 76
| 99 Tau
| HIP 23068
| Inside the Hull
| 5.806
|-
| 77
| -
| HR 1243
| Inside the Hull
| 5.81
|-
| 78
| * 118 Tau A
| HIP 25695
| Inside the Hull
| 5.84
|-
| 79
| HU Tau
| HIP 21604
| Inside the Hull
| 5.842
|-
| 80
| -
| HIP 18735
| Inside the Hull
| 5.865
|-
| 81
| -
| HIP 20804
| Inside the Hull
| 5.87
|-
| 82
| 76 Tau
| HIP 20873
| Inside the Hull
| 5.892
|-
| 83
| 39 Tau
| HIP 19076
| Inside the Hull
| 5.9
|-
| 84
| 105 Tau
| HIP 23883
| Inside the Hull
| 5.92
|-
| 85
| -
| HIP 19376
| Inside the Hull
| 5.927
|-
| 86
| -
| HIP 19284
| Inside the Hull
| 5.94
|-
| 87
| -
| HIP 18170
| Inside the Hull
| 5.946
|-
| 88
| -
| HIP 20417
| Inside the Hull
| 5.95
|-
| 89
| -
| HIP 20614
| Inside the Hull
| 5.965
|-
| 90
| -
| HIP 22176
| Inside the Hull
| 5.981
|-
| 91
| V1141 Tau
| HIP 20493
| Inside the Hull
| 5.986
|-
| 92
| 85 Tau
| HIP 21137
| Inside the Hull
| 5.998
|-
| 93
| V1116 Tau
| HIP 21459
| Inside the Hull
| 6.019
|-
| 94
| 33 Tau
| HIP 18485
| Inside the Hull
| 6.038
|-
| 95
| -
| HIP 17921
| Inside the Hull
| 6.07
|-
| 96
| -
| HIP 19261
| Inside the Hull
| 6.07
|-
| 97
| -
| HIP 17453
| Inside the Hull
| 6.074
|-
| 98
| -
| HIP 19641
| Inside the Hull
| 6.087
|-
| 99
| -
| HIP 20255
| Inside the Hull
| 6.094
|-
| 100
| -
| HIP 24820
| Inside the Hull
| 6.107
|-
| 101
| 96 Tau
| HIP 22441
| Inside the Hull
| 6.11
|-
| 102
| V1137 Tau
| HIP 19672
| Inside the Hull
| 6.12
|-
| 103
| 14 Tau
| HIP 17408
| Inside the Hull
| 6.14
|-
| 104
| -
| HIP 20284
| Inside the Hull
| 6.141
|-
| 105
| 95 Tau
| HIP 21961
| Inside the Hull
| 6.151
|-
| 106
| -
| HIP 17900
| Inside the Hull
| 6.153
|-
| 107
| -
| HIP 18508
| Inside the Hull
| 6.165
|-
| 108
| -
| HIP 17058
| Inside the Hull
| 6.168
|-
| 109
| -
| HIP 23589
| Inside the Hull
| 6.188
|-
| 110
| -
| HIP 21689
| Inside the Hull
| 6.2
|-
| 111
| -
| HIP 24977
| Inside the Hull
| 6.205
|-
| 112
| 40 G. Tau
| HIP 19720
| Inside the Hull
| 6.249
|-
| 113
| -
| HIP 19736
| Inside the Hull
| 6.25
|-
| 114
| 108 Tau
| HIP 24512
| Inside the Hull
| 6.27
|-
| 115
| -
| HIP 25806
| Inside the Hull
| 6.291
|-
| 116
| 48 Tau
| HIP 19877
| Inside the Hull
| 6.3
|-
| 117
| 47 G. Tau
| HIP 20188
| Inside the Hull
| 6.3
|-
| 118
| 84 Tau
| HIP 21082
| Inside the Hull
| 6.303
|-
| 119
| -
| HIP 18717
| Inside the Hull
| 6.305
|-
| 120
| -
| HIP 22949
| Inside the Hull
| 6.324
|-
| 121
| -
| HIP 22128
| Inside the Hull
| 6.329
|-
| 122
| -
| HIP 24984
| Inside the Hull
| 6.33
|-
| 123
| 62 Tau
| HIP 20533
| Inside the Hull
| 6.337
|-
| 124
| 25 G. Tau
| HIP 18658
| Inside the Hull
| 6.34
|-
| 125
| -
| HIP 22850
| Inside the Hull
| 6.347
|-
| 126
| -
| HIP 21408
| Inside the Hull
| 6.35
|-
| 127
| SZ Tau
| HIP 21517
| Inside the Hull
| 6.37
|-
| 128
| V766 Tau
| HIP 18033
| Inside the Hull
| 6.38
|-
| 129
| -
| HIP 20558
| Inside the Hull
| 6.39
|-
| 130
| NGC 1647
| NGC 1647
| Inside the Hull
| 6.4
|-
| 131
| -
| HIP 16924
| Inside the Hull
| 6.42
|-
| 132
| 70 Tau
| HIP 20661
| Inside the Hull
| 6.439
|-
| 133
| 26 Tau
| HIP 17832
| Inside the Hull
| 6.464
|-
| 134
| -
| HIP 21053
| Inside the Hull
| 6.491
|-
| 135
| -
| HIP 23949
| Inside the Hull
| 6.5
|-
| 136
| -
| HIP 24252
| Inside the Hull
| 6.79
|}

== IAU Working Group on Star Names ==
In November 2025, it was proposed to assign the cultural asterism name "Lembu" to a star in the region to preserve Balinese astronomical heritage. On May 17, 2026, WGSN adopted the name "Lembu" for the star 97 Tau (HIP 22565, HR 1547, HD 30780), which is in the neck part of the asterism. It was selected because bulls/oxen/ cows are the animals that are used to pull carts and chariots, and in this region of sky, many other cultures imagine these vehicles. The constellation Lembu is mentioned in Palelintangan Prasi, dating roughly 700 CE, and is still used in Bali.

The star 97 Tauri is a delta Scuti variable star of spectral type A9V star with apparent visual magnitude of 5.10 (Gray & Garrison 1989, Abt & Morrell 1995, ESA 1997). It appears in numerous membership lists for the Hyades open cluster, and is the 20th brightest member of the Hyades in the Hipparcos survey of the cluster completed by Perryman et al. (1998)<ref>Perryman, M.A.C., et al. "''The Hyades: distance, structure, dynamics, and age''", Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.331, p.81-120 (1998), doi:10.48550/arXiv.astro-ph/9707253</ref>. Because of its faintness, it requires exceptionally dark skies for naked-eye visibility.

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Indonesia]] [[Category:Southeast Asian]] [[Category:Asian]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]
[[Category:Balinese]] [[Category:Tau]] [[Category:Ori]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name]]

Bibing

2026-05-26T01:08:37Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
Bibing is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Chinese. It is the name of the star λ Tau in constellation [[Taurus]].

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
[[File:Lodge_Bi,_in_the_Eastern_Han_Tomb_Mural,_excavated_in_Qushuhao,_Jingbian_County,_Shannxi_Province.jpg|thumb|'''Fig 2. Lodge Bi, in the Eastern Han Tomb Mural, excavated in Qushuhao, Jingbian County, Shannxi Province.''' The rabbit represent the Pleiades, called Mao(昴, Hair) in China.]]
Bì ( Net, 畢), or Bì Xiù (Net Mansion/Lodge, 畢宿), one of the Twenty-Eight Mansions, is the fifth mansion of the White Tiger of the West. The 8th star is called by number, Bixiuba (畢宿八, The eighth star of Bixiu), or with the proper name "Bibing (畢柄, The handle of Bi)".

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was reviewed and adopted by the IAU WGSN on 17 May 2026, and assigned to λ Tauri, and added to the IAU-CSN. In 1848,<ref>Fekel, F. C. Jr.; Tomkin, J. (December 1982), "Secondaries of eclipsing binaries. IV - The triple system Lambda Tauri", ''Astrophysical Journal, Part 1'', '''263''': 289–301, Bibcode:1982ApJ...263..289F, doi:10.1086/160503, hdl:2152/34674</ref> the light from this system was found to vary periodically and it was determined to be an eclipsing binary system—the third such discovered. λ Tauri is a remarkably tight triple star system in the constellation Taurus, with two of the components eclipsing (orbital period ~4 days), with a third lower-mass non-eclipsing companion orbiting the inner pair in ~39 days. The Washington Double Star catalog does not report the triple system, so it does not appear to have been resolved before. At the time of the update of the Multiple Star Catalog by Tokovinin (2018) <ref>Tokovinin, A., "The Updated Multiple Star Catalog", ''The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series'', Volume 235, Issue 1, article id. 6, 11 pp. (2018).</ref>, the orbital period ratio (8.37) between the outer and inner components (33.07 d / 3.95259 d) was the smallest ratio for any known triple system.

Following WGSN guidelines for a previously unnamed multiple system, where a cultural name would have have usually referred to the unresolved light of the multiple, WGSN technically adopts the name for the primary star. The primary star of λ Tauri, is Bibing, and of type B3V. It is in a tight binary (~4 day orbital period) with a secondary of spectral type A4IV star. And the massive binary is orbited by a fainter tertiary component which orbits the pair in ~39 days.

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]] [[Category:Asian]]
[[Category:Chinese]]
[[Category:Tau]]

Bibing

2026-05-25T00:23:35Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
Bibing is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Chinese. It is the name of the star λ Tau in constellation [[Taurus]].

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
[[File:Lodge_Bi,_in_the_Eastern_Han_Tomb_Mural,_excavated_in_Qushuhao,_Jingbian_County,_Shannxi_Province.jpg|thumb|'''Fig 2. Lodge Bi, in the Eastern Han Tomb Mural, excavated in Qushuhao, Jingbian County, Shannxi Province.''' The rabbit represent the Pleiades, called Mao(昴, Hair) in China.]]
Bì ( Net, 畢), or Bì Xiù (Net Mansion/Lodge, 畢宿), one of the Twenty-Eight Mansions, is the fifth mansion of the White Tiger of the West. The 8th star is called by number, Bixiuba (畢宿八, The eighth star of Bixiu), or with the proper name "Bibing (畢柄, The handle of Bi)".

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was discussed and adopted by the IAU WGSN on 17 May 2026 for λ Tauri, and added to the IAU-CSN. In 1848,<ref>Fekel, F. C. Jr.; Tomkin, J. (December 1982), "Secondaries of eclipsing binaries. IV - The triple system Lambda Tauri", ''Astrophysical Journal, Part 1'', '''263''': 289–301, Bibcode:1982ApJ...263..289F, doi:10.1086/160503, hdl:2152/34674</ref> the light from this system was found to vary periodically and it was determined to be an eclipsing binary system—the third such discovered. λ Tauri is a remarkably tight triple star system in the constellation Taurus, with two of the components eclipsing (orbital period ~4 days), with a third lower-mass non-eclipsing companion orbiting the inner pair in ~39 days.

Following WGSN guidelines for a previously unnamed multiple system, where a cultural name would have have usually referred to the unresolved light of the multiple, WGSN technically adopts the name for the primary A. Bibing is the primary star, of type

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]] [[Category:Asian]]
[[Category:Chinese]]
[[Category:Tau]]

Harpa

2026-04-19T03:33:52Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:PsalteriumGeorgium_MaxHell.png|thumb|The original (first) drawing of Psalterium Georgium in Hell (1789).]]
Harpa is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Latin, based on a name variant of the obsolete constellation [[Psalterium Georgianum]]. It is the name of the star 10 Tau in constellation [[Taurus]].
==Concordance, Etymology, History==
The name variant "Harpa" for the constellation [[Psalterium Georgianum]] occured only in Bode (1801).

However, this variant is shorter and easier to pronounce than the others which is the reason why it was chosen for the modern star name.

==Mythology==
no mythology

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was proposed to the IAU WGSN in 2023 for 10 Tauri. This is a very nearby F dwarf star (d=13.9pc, Vmag=4.30): [https://simbad.cds.unistra.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=10+Tau SIMBAD]. Given the brightness and proximity of 10 Tau, it should make a good target for the future Habitable Worlds Observatory for imaging potentially habitable worlds. It is a F9IV-V standard star from the catalog of [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1989ApJS...71..245K/abstract Keenan & McNeil (1989)] , and it was the nearest bright star (Vmag<5) in Taurus that did not yet have a IAU WGSN-adopted name.

In 2026, the WGSN chose ... (not to apply/ to apply the name to a neighbouring star/ to ...) in the IAU-CSN.
== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )

[[Category:Tau‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:European]]
[[Category:Modern]]

Sapaki

2026-04-19T03:23:46Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
Sapaki is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Quechuan. It is the name of the star WR-67-1 in constellation [[Circinus]].

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
The name was suggested in a research paper by '''M. S. Zarricueta Plaza, A. Roman-Lopes and D. Sanmartim''' '''(2023)'''<ref>M. S. Zarricueta Plaza, A. Roman-Lopes and D. Sanmartim (2023). Sapaki: Galactic O3If* star possibly born in isolation,

A&A, '''Volume''' 675, July 2023, A22, [https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/abs/2023/07/aa45856-23/aa45856-23.html A&A online],

https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202345856</ref> with the argument:<blockquote>"The word translates into solitary from the Quechua language, which is spoken by several indigenous peoples in the North of Chile."</blockquote>

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was discussed and approved by the IAU WGSN in 2026, following a proposal by the SIMBAD team. This Nitrogen-rich Wolf-Rayet star (type WN) has apparent V magnitude 16, and, thus, beyond the naked eye visibility limit.

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]

[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Quechua]]
[[Category:Modern]]
[[Category:South America]]

Stella Ludoviciana

2026-04-19T03:21:50Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
Stella Ludoviciana is a modern star name for HD 116798 (Vmag=7.58) adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is modern Latin. It is the name of a faint star between [[Alcor]] and [[Mizar]] in constellation [[Ursa Major]].

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
'''Variants:'''

* "Sidus Ludovicianum",<ref name=":0">Allen, Richard Hinckley (1899). Star Names - Their Lore and Meaning. Dover Publications, Inc., New York</ref>
* "Sidus Ludoviciana",<ref>J. Kelly Beatty (2009). "The Big Dipper Adds a Star". ''Sky & Telescope''. 2009-12-11</ref>
* "Stella Ludoviciana"

The name was made popular with its mention in Allen (1899)<ref name=":0" />.

The star was observed on 2 December 1722 by the German theologian and scientist Johann Georg Liebknecht (1679-1749). He thought he observed relative motion (proper motion) to the neighbouring stars, Mizar and Alcor, and, therefore, mistook it for a planet. Subsequently, he named it after Louis V, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt. Unknown to Liebknecht, it had been previously observed by the Italian mathematician and Benedictine monk Benedetto Castelli (1578 – 1643) in 1616.<ref>Siebert, Harald (2005). "The early search for stellar parallax: Galileo, Castelli, and Ramponi". [[wikipedia:Journal_for_the_History_of_Astronomy|Journal for the History of Astronomy]]. 36 (3): 251–271. Bibcode:[https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2005JHA....36..251S 2005JHA....36..251S]. [https://doi.org/10.1177%2F002182860503600301 doi:10.1177/002182860503600301]</ref>

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was discussed by the IAU WGSN in 2026, following a suggestion by the SIMBAD team. NO DECISION so far.

The star [https://simbad.cds.unistra.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=HD+116798 HD 116798] is a white (A-type) giant star with apparent V magnitude 7.59, and lies 92 parsecs away. The star rotates rapidly (rotation period is only 8 hours) and it is a member of Latyshev 2 stellar group (also called Coma Berenices Neighbor Moving Group or [TPY2019] Group-X) ([https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022AJ....164..115N/abstract Newton et al. 2022], [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/search/p_=0&q=identifier%3A(2022A%26A...657L...3M) Messina et al. 2022]).

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )

[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:Modern]]

Tepiamenit

2026-04-18T04:57:15Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
Tepiamenit, Predecessor of the Pole, is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is ancient Egyptian. It is the name of the star τ Boo (HIP 67275, HR 5185) in constellation [[Bootes]].

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
Tepiamenit (spelled ''tpy` mnỉt''6) as a term is mentioned in the Ramesside Star Clocks (RSC) that are found in tombs of some Ramses kings.
[[File:Menit.png|thumb|Menit in hieroglyphs]]
"[[Menit]]" is the Pole or Mooring post and refers to the Celestial and Ecliptic Poles. In depictions it is drawn as a triangular device held at its position by [[Reret]], the Hippopotamus. [[Reret]] and [[Menit]] together form a super-constellation of high cultural importance in the ancient Egyptian sky.

[[File:Eg_const_pole1250BCE_stellarium.jpg|thumb|Egyptian constellation of the late (Roman time) Dendera Zodiac with the precession circle and the circumpolar circle for Northern Egypt in 1250 BCE. Simulation with Stellarium<ref>Zotti, Georg; Hoffmann, Susanne M.; Wolf, Alexander; Chéreau, Fabien & Chéreau, Guillaume, "The Simulated Sky: Stellarium for Cultural Astronomy Research", ''Journal of Skyscape Archaeology'', '''6(2)''' (2020), 221--258 <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1558/jsa.17822</nowiki>.</ref>.]]As there has been no pole star in the 2nd millennium BCE, the "pole" was in a dark area and Belmonte (2003)<ref>Belmonte, J. A., 2003. The Ramesside star clocks and the ancient Egyptian constellations. In M. Blomberg, P. E. Blomberg and G. Henriksson (Eds.), ''Calendars, Symbols, and Orientations: Legacies of Astronomy in Culture'' (pp. 57–65). ''Uppsala Astronomical Observatory report'', 59. Uppsala Ocarina Books.</ref> identifies its right ascension with [[Alkaid]] (η UMa) in [[Ursa Major]].

Between Tepiamenit, Predecessor of the Pole, and the Pole itself, there is [[Muphrid]] (η Boo). In the epoch around 1250 BCE, Muphrid (11h 14m) and Alkaid (11h 18m) have almost the same right ascension. Therefore, it appears consequent to search Tepiamenit also at roughly the same right ascension and in the vicinity of Muphrid. Tepiamenit as a term is directly written in hieroglyphs in some RSCs, but without a number, close to the neighbouring right ascension (the one given for Muphrid). So, it has to be located in the area of [[Bootes]] (or Ursa Major).

Belmonte (2003) identifies τ Boo, which is separated from Muphrid by only 2°.

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was proposed as a candidate proper name for a naked eye star in the vicinity of Muphrid that would preserve the heritage of this ancient Egyptian asterism. The WGSN adopted the name '''Tepiamenit''' for the star τ Bootis and added it to the IAU-CSN on April 16, 2026.

The name was assigned specifically to the bright (V=4.50 magnitude) F7V-type star τ Boo A (HD 120136, GJ 527A, HR 5185, HIP 67275) , which is in a binary system with a faint red dwarf companion τ Boo B. Orbiting τ Boo A / Tepiamenit on a very close-in 3.3-day orbital period orbit is the famous exoplanet τ Boo Ab, which was one of the first 'hot Jupiter' type exoplanets discovered (by [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1997ApJ...474L.115B/abstract Paul Butler and collaborators 1997)]. τ Boo Ab and its host star were one of the initial exoplanetary systems selected for public naming in the first IAU NameExoWorlds (2015) campaign, however the top vote-getting selection was disqualified, and the system went unnamed ([https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-international-astronomical-union/article/iau-from-new-worlds-to-exoworlds-recollections-of-a-mandate/3169A64226F084E3BF80B30F2FDBB4D5 Montmerle 2019]).

== Weblinks ==

* NASA Exoplanet Archive entry for τ Bootis system: https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/overview/tau%20Boo
* SIMBAD entry for star τ Bootis A: https://simbad.cds.unistra.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=tau+Boo

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )

[[Category:Single star-asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Africa]]
[[Category:Egyptian]]

Tepiamenit

2026-04-18T04:42:27Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
Tepiamenit, Predecessor of the Pole, is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is ancient Egyptian. It is the name of the star τ Boo (HIP 67275, HR 5185) in constellation [[Bootes]].

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
Tepiamenit (spelled ''tpy` mnỉt''6) as a term is mentioned in the Ramesside Star Clocks (RSC) that are found in tombs of some Ramses kings.
[[File:Menit.png|thumb|Menit in hieroglyphs]]
"[[Menit]]" is the Pole or Mooring post and refers to the Celestial and Ecliptic Poles. In depictions it is drawn as a triangular device held at its position by [[Reret]], the Hippopotamus. [[Reret]] and [[Menit]] together form a super-constellation of high cultural importance in the ancient Egyptian sky.

[[File:Eg_const_pole1250BCE_stellarium.jpg|thumb|Egyptian constellation of the late (Roman time) Dendera Zodiac with the precession circle and the circumpolar circle for Northern Egypt in 1250 BCE. Simulation with Stellarium<ref>Zotti, Georg; Hoffmann, Susanne M.; Wolf, Alexander; Chéreau, Fabien & Chéreau, Guillaume, "The Simulated Sky: Stellarium for Cultural Astronomy Research", ''Journal of Skyscape Archaeology'', '''6(2)''' (2020), 221--258 <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1558/jsa.17822</nowiki>.</ref>.]]As there has been no pole star in the 2nd millennium BCE, the "pole" was in a dark area and Belmonte (2003)<ref>Belmonte, J. A., 2003. The Ramesside star clocks and the ancient Egyptian constellations. In M. Blomberg, P. E. Blomberg and G. Henriksson (Eds.), ''Calendars, Symbols, and Orientations: Legacies of Astronomy in Culture'' (pp. 57–65). ''Uppsala Astronomical Observatory report'', 59. Uppsala Ocarina Books.</ref> identifies its right ascension with [[Alkaid]] (η UMa) in [[Ursa Major]].

Between Tepiamenit, Predecessor of the Pole, and the Pole itself, there is [[Muphrid]] (η Boo). In the epoch around 1250 BCE, Muphrid (11h 14m) and Alkaid (11h 18m) have almost the same right ascension. Therefore, it appears consequent to search Tepiamenit also at roughly the same right ascension and in the vicinity of Muphrid. Tepiamenit as a term is directly written in hieroglyphs in some RSCs, but without a number, close to the neighbouring right ascension (the one given for Muphrid). So, it has to be located in the area of [[Bootes]] (or Ursa Major).

Belmonte (2003) identifies τ Boo, which is separated from Muphrid by only 2°.

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was proposed as a candidate proper name for a naked eye star in the vicinity of Muphrid that would preserve the heritage of this ancient Egyptian asterism. The WGSN adopted the name '''Tepiamenit''' for the star τ Bootis and added it to the IAU-CSN on April 16, 2026.

The name was assigned specifically to the bright star τ Boo A (HD 120136, GJ 527A, HR 5185, HIP 67275) , which is in a binary system with a faint red dwarf companion τ Boo B. Orbiting τ Boo A / Tepiamenit is the famous τ Boo Ab, which was one of the first 'hot Jupiter' type exoplanets, discovered by Butler et al. (1997).

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )

[[Category:Single star-asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Africa]]
[[Category:Egyptian]]

Qigong

2026-04-17T06:09:53Z

Ericmamajek: description of star

{{DISPLAYTITLE: Qigong (七公)}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
''Qī Gōng'' (Seven Excellencies, 七公) is a Chinese asterism composed of seven stars. Its configuration resembles that of ''[[Tianji]]'' (Celestial Discipline, 天紀), forming an east–west alignment that stretches across the modern constellations ''Hercules'', ''Corona Borealis'', and ''Boötes''. The coordinate of its determinative star was first measured in the Western Han period (around 100 BCE), indicating that the asterism has existed for at least twenty-one centuries.

== Concordance, Etymology, History ==
The name ''Qigong'' (“Seven Dukes”) refers to a group of high-ranking officials responsible for deliberation and judicial review. As explained in the ''Shì shi zan'' (Star Canon of Master Shi, 石氏星經):<blockquote>“The Seven Dukes deliberate on doubts and distinguish good from evil; they serve as the ministers who administer justice in Heaven.”</blockquote>The asterism symbolically comprises the officials ''Sān Gōng'' (Three Excellencies，三公), ''Zuǒ Fǔ'' (Left Assistant，左辅), ''Yòu Bì'' (Right Aide，右弼), ''Qián Yí'' (Front Counselor，前疑), and ''Hòu Chéng'' (Rear Minister，后丞). Together they were imagined as adjudicating doubtful legal cases, examining punishments, and ensuring careful judicial deliberation. Astrological interpretation held that if the stars appeared orderly and bright, the laws of the state would be just and well administered; if they appeared irregular(in position or brightness), wrongful judgments and miscarriages of justice would increase.

The ''Wei shu'' (Book of Wei, 魏書), juan 91 (“Treatise on Arts and Techniques”), explicitly associates ''Qī Gōng'' with ''Guàn Suǒ'' (Heavenly Prison, 貫索):<blockquote>“The Seven Dukes, seven stars, lie east of ''Zhāo Yáo'' and close to ''Guàn Suǒ''. ''Guàn Suǒ'' represents the celestial prison; when punishments and judgments lose their proper balance, the Seven Dukes deliberate and rectify injustices.”</blockquote>In addition, the asterism ''Tiān Jì'' (Celestial Discipline, 天紀) lies immediately to the lower left of ''Qī Gōng''. Together, these three asterisms form a closely related symbolic complex representing the judicial institutions of Heaven.

=== Identification of stars ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Star Names or Orders(Qing)
!Ho PENG YOKE<ref>P.-Y. Ho, “Ancient And Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae in Chinese Sources,” ''Vistas in Astronomy'', 5(1962), 127-225.</ref>
!Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981: 56.</ref>
Based on catalogue in 18th century
!Pan Nai<ref name=":0">Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 1989. p226.</ref>
based on Xinyixiangfayao Star Map
!Pan Nai<ref>Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 2009. p443.</ref>
based on catalogues in Yuan dynasty
!SUN X. & J. Kistemaker<ref>Sun Xiaochun. & Kistemaker J. ''The Chinese sky during the Han''. Leiden: Brill. 1997, Pp241-6.</ref>
Han Dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1">B.-S. Yang杨伯顺, ''Zhongguo Chuantong Hengxing Guance Jingdu ji Xingguan Yanbian Yanjiu'' 中国传统恒星观测精度及星官演变研究 (A Research on the Accuracy of Chinese Traditional Star Observation and the Evolution of Constellations), PhD thesis, (Hefei: University of Science and Technology of China, 2023). 261.</ref>
before Tang dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1" />
Song Huangyou(1052)
|-
| 1st(determinative)
| 42 Her
| 42 Her
| gamma Boo
| del Boo
| beta Boo
| beta Boo
| gamma Boo
|-
| 2nd
| tau Her
| tau Her
| beta Boo
| mu1 Boo
| mu1 Boo
| mu1 Boo
| beta Boo
|-
| 3rd
| phi Her
| phi Her
| mu1 Boo
| zeta1 CrB
| zeta1 CrB
| zeta1 CrB
| mu1 Boo
|-
|4th
| chi Her
| chi Her
| gamma CrB
| kappa CrB
| kappa CrB
| kappa CrB
| zeta1 CrB
|-
|5th
|nu1 Boo
|nu1 Boo
|25 Her
|tau CrB
|tau CrB
|tau CrB
|kappa CrB
|-
|6th
|mu1 Boo
|mu1 Boo
|eta He
|25 Her
|
|25 Her
|tau CrB
|-
|7th
|del Boo
|del Boo
|HIP 83947
|eta Her
|eta Her
|eta Her
|sigma Her
|}

=== Maps (Gallery) ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!historical map
!modern identification
!same in Stellarium
|-
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Dunhuang Star Map.jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in Dunhuang Star Map]]
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo before Tang dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang based on Dunhuang Star Map and Master Shi's Star Catalogue (about 100 BCE).jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo before Tang dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang(2023) based on Dunhuang Star Map and Master Shi's Star Catalogue (about 100 BCE)]]
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo before Tang dynasty reconstructed based on Dun Huang Star Map and Master Shi's Star Catalogue (about 100 BCE).jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo before Tang dynasty reconstructed based on Dun Huang Star Map and Master Shi's Star Catalogue (about 100 BCE)]]
|-
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido.jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in ''Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido'']]
|
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo before Tang dynasty based on Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido (by Boshun Yang).jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo before Tang dynasty based on ''Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido'' (by Boshun Yang)]]
|-
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Gezi yuejin tu.jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in ''Gezi yuejin tu'']]
|
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Song dynasty reconstructed by Pan Nai (in Stellarium).jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in Song dynasty reconstructed by Pan Nai (in Stellarium)]]
|-
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Xin yixiang fayao Star Map.jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in ''Xin yixiang fayao'' Star Map]]
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Song dynasty reconstructed by Pan Nai.jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in Song dynasty reconstructed by Pan Nai based on ''Xin yixiang fayao'' Star Map and Huangyou Star Catalogue]]
|-
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Suzhou Star Map.jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in Suzhou Star Map]]
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Song dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang based on Suzhou Star Map and Huangyou Star Catalogue (about 1052 CE).jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in Song dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang(2023) based on Suzhou Star Map and Huangyou Star Catalogue (about 1052 CE)]]
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Song dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang(in Stellarium).jpg|thumb|'''Qigong and Guansuo in Song dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang(in Stellarium)''']]
|-
|
|[[File:Qigong in Yuan dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang based on Tianwen huichao Star Catalogue (1360s).jpg|thumb|Qigong in Yuan dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang based on ''Tianwen huichao'' Star Catalogue (1360s)]]
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Yuan dynasty (1360s) in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|'''Qigong and Guansuo in Yuan dynasty (1360s) in Stellarium''']]
|-
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Yixiang kaocheng Stat Map (18th century).jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in ''Yixiang kaocheng'' Stat Map (18th century)]]
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Qing dynasty reconstructed by YI Shitong based on Yixiang kaocheng Star Catalogue (18th century).jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in Qing dynasty reconstructed by YI Shitong based on ''Yixiang kaocheng'' Star Catalogue (18th century)]]
|[[File:Qigong and Guansuo in Qing dynasty (18th century) in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Qigong and Guansuo in Qing dynasty (18th century) in Stellarium]]
|}
== IAU Working Group on Star Names ==
In 2026, the name of the historical constellation Qī Gōng (Seven Excellencies, 七公) was suggested to be used for one of the stars in this constellation. The star δ Boo was recommended, for this star has an highly-accurate observed coordinate in 1630s and is the westmost star in this constellation (In China, the west star of a constellation is usually the determinative star).

On April 15, 2026, the WGSN adopted the name '''Qigong''' for the naked eye bright star δ Boo (HR 5681, HD 135722, HIP 74666). The star has apparently V magnitude 3.49, and is a yellow giant star (spectral type G8III) that is approximately 37 parsecs distant. δ Boo / Qigong is the primary star of an very wide double star catalogued as STFA 27. Its fainter companion is a 7th magnitude G-type main sequence star that lies 105 arcseconds away (projected separation 38,600 astronomical units). Using Gaia DR3 astrometry, Kervella (2022) estimates the companion δ Boo B is sharing the projected tangential motion with δ Boo A / Qigong within only 0.36 kilometers per second,. Combined with the very similar parallaxes for A and B, the astrometric evidence suggests that the δ Boo / STFA 27 binary is indeed a bound binary star system.

==References ==
[[References (Chinese)]]

[[Category:Asterism ]]
[[Category:Constellation ]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]
[[Category:Chinese ]]

Genghe

2026-04-17T05:49:51Z

Ericmamajek: update on star itself

Authors:
{{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----Gěnghé (Celestial Lance, 梗河), is a Chinese constellation Consists of 3 stars north of the Dajiao (Great Horn, 大角, α Boo, [[Arcturus]]) in [[Bootes]].

== Concordance, Etymology, History ==
It may be because the three stars lie almost along a single straight line that '''Genghe''' was regarded as the long spear or lance, located north of the Dizuo ('''Imperial Seat, 帝座/帝席)''' of '''Dajiao (Great Horn, 大角)'''. It was said to govern the emperor’s military edge (or martial authority), and also to preside over foreign (Hu) troops and matters of mourning.

=== Identification of stars ===
The identification of Genghe is very consistent, corresponding to the three stars ε, σ, and ρ in the constellation Bootes.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Star Names or Orders(Traditional/Qing)
!Ho PENG YOKE<ref>P.-Y. Ho, “Ancient And Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae in Chinese Sources,” ''Vistas in Astronomy'', 5(1962), 127-225.</ref>
!Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981: 56.</ref>
Based on catalogue in 18th century
!Pan Nai<ref name=":0">Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 1989. p226.</ref>
based on Xinyixiangfayao Star Map
!Pan Nai<ref>Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 2009. p443.</ref>
based on catalogues in Yuan dynasty
!SUN X. & J. Kistemaker<ref>Sun Xiaochun. & Kistemaker J. ''The Chinese sky during the Han''. Leiden: Brill. 1997, Pp241-6.</ref>
Han Dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1">B.-S. Yang杨伯顺, ''Zhongguo Chuantong Hengxing Guance Jingdu ji Xingguan Yanbian Yanjiu'' 中国传统恒星观测精度及星官演变研究 (A Research on the Accuracy of Chinese Traditional Star Observation and the Evolution of Constellations), PhD thesis, (Hefei: University of Science and Technology of China, 2023). 261.</ref>
before Tang dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1" />
Song Jingyou(1034)
|-
|1st/determinative
|ε Boo
|ε Boo
|ε Boo
|ε Boo
|ε Boo
|ε Boo
|ε Boo
|-
|2nd
|σ Boo
|σ Boo
|σ Boo
|σ Boo
|σ Boo
|σ Boo
|σ Boo
|-
|3rd
|ρ Boo
|ρ Boo
|ρ Boo
|ρ Boo
|ρ Boo
|ρ Boo
|ρ Boo
|}
In the Huangyou (皇祐) Star Catalog of the Northern Song Dynasty (1052), the determinative star for Genghe is the southeast star ε Boo. However, in the earlier Shishi (石氏) Star Catalog and Jingyou (景祐) Star Catalog (1034), it is the northwest star ρ Boo.

=== Maps (Gallery) ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!historical map
!modern identification
(Yang 2023)
!same in Stellarium 24.4
|-
|[[File:Genghe, Dizuo and Dajiao before Tang dynasty in Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido.jpg|thumb|'''Genghe, Dizuo and Dajiao before Tang dynasty in ''Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido''''']]
|[[File:Genghe, Dizuo and Dajiao before Tang dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang.png|thumb|Genghe, Dizuo and Dajiao before Tang dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang]]
|[[File:Genghe, Dizuo and Dajiao before Tang dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang in stellarium.png|thumb|Genghe, Dizuo and Dajiao before Tang dynasty reconstructed by Boshun Yang in Stellarium]]
|}
== IAU Working Group on Star Names ==
On April 15, 2026, IAU Working Group Star Names adopted the name '''Genghe''' for the naked eye star designated σ Boötis (HR 5447, HD 128167, HIP 71284, GJ 557). The star is a main sequence F-type star of apparent V magnitude of 4.47, and lies at a distance of only 15.8 parsecs.

==References ==
[[References (Chinese)]]

[[Category:Asterism ]]
[[Category:Constellation ]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]
[[Category:Chinese ]]
[[Category:Boo]]

Maenalus

2026-04-17T05:40:00Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:MonsMaenalus Heweliusz.jpg|thumb|Mons Maenalus in Hevelius (1690), cf. "[https://polona.pl/item-view/1d2e5166-4750-48f6-9839-b695a7a99813?page=217 Polona.pl]"]]
[[File:Mons Maenalus and Boötes Constellation Position.jpg|thumb|Mons Maenalus and Boötes Constellation Position on a modern map (CC BY Ultima Thulean).]]
Mons Maenalus is an early modern European constellation or asterism introduced by Hevelius. Its position was south of Boötes (several degrees south of Arcturus), but north of Virgo, and west of Serpens Caput. The term is Latin, and the constellation was not included among the 88 IAU constellations and is now obsolete.<ref name=":0">Ian Ridpath, Star Tales, [http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/monsmaenalus.html Online Edition]</ref>

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
[[File:MonsMaenalus Hevel.png|thumb|Screenshot from Hevelius's atlas with the "u" in Maenalus clearly visible.]]
'''Spelling Variants'''

* Mons Maenalis
* Mons Menalis

=== Origin of the Constellation ===
Mons Maenalus was a subdivision of Boötes introduced by Hevelius.

Ian Ridpath writes:<ref name=":0" /> <blockquote>
Representing a real mountain of Arcadia in the central Peloponnese, Mons Maenalus was a subdivision of Boötes introduced by Johannes Hevelius in his ''Firmamentum Sobiescianum'' star atlas published in 1690, where it was depicted with Boötes standing on its slopes. However, in his accompanying catalogue Hevelius listed its stars under Boötes, not as a separate constellation. The mountain appeared on many later maps made by other astronomers including Bode, below, but always as part of Boötes, and it never had an independent existence.</blockquote>

The ancient Greek name for the mountain was Μαίναλος or Μαίναλον, with a modern Greek spelling of Μαίναλο (Romanized as ''Mainalo'').

=== Transformations & Variants ===
<gallery>
File:Bootes - Prodromus astronomiae 1690 (5590255).jpg|Bootes - Prodromus astronomiae 1690
File:MonsMaenalus Bode.png|Mons Maenalus in Bode (1801).
File:Bode mons.jpg|Mons Maenalus in Bode (1801), coloured.
</gallery>

==Mythology==
Ian Ridpath's Star Tales:<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>Mons Maenalus took its name from a character in Greek mythology. Maenalus was said by some mythologists to have been the eldest son of Lycaon, king of Arcadia; this would have made Maenalus brother of Callisto and hence uncle of her son Arcas, whom the constellation Boötes represents. Others, though, say he was actually the son of Arcas and hence the grandson of Callisto. Either way, Maenalus gave his name to the mountain in Arcadia and to the city of Maenalon which he founded. Its modern name is Mainalo.</blockquote><blockquote>Mons Maenalus was sacred to the god Pan who frequented it. Ovid in his ''Metamorphoses'' said that Mons Maenalus bristled with the lairs of wild beasts and was a favourite hunting ground of Diana and her entourage, including Callisto. In saying this, Ovid clearly rejected the story that Maenalus was Callisto’s grandson, as the mountain would not yet have got its name.</blockquote>

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The stars in the area of the extinct constellation Mons Maenalus are rather faint, with the brightest stars in the region outlined by Hevelius being 109 Vir (Vmag=3.72), 110 Vir (Vmag=4.40), 31 Boo (Vmag=4.86).

On April 15, 2026, the IAU Working Group Star Names adopted the name '''Maenalus''' for the star 109 Virginis (HR 5511, HD 130109, HIP 72220). The star is noteworthy as being one of the 6 stars classified A0V (at the time) by Johnson & Morgan (1953) which they used to define the zero point colors for the famous Johnson UBV photometric system (the averaged U-B and B-V colors of the 6 stars, which included Vega, were set to zero). Gray & Garrison (1987) spectrally classified the star as A0IVnn, with the "nn" implying very fast projected rotational velocity. With a projected rotational velocity (vsini) of 340 kilometers per second, van Belle (2008) predicted the star to be extremely oblate, with its rapid rotation resulting in an equatorial radius being 31% larger than its polar radius.

== Weblinks ==

* Hevelius' Atlas (1690) in Biblioteka Narodowa, [https://polona.pl/item-view/1d2e5166-4750-48f6-9839-b695a7a99813?page=217 polona.pl]

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Constellation‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:European]]

Maenalus

2026-04-17T05:32:06Z

Ericmamajek: update on discussion about the star

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:MonsMaenalus Heweliusz.jpg|thumb|Mons Maenalus in Hevelius (1690), cf. "[https://polona.pl/item-view/1d2e5166-4750-48f6-9839-b695a7a99813?page=217 Polona.pl]"]]
[[File:Mons Maenalus and Boötes Constellation Position.jpg|thumb|Mons Maenalus and Boötes Constellation Position on a modern map (CC BY Ultima Thulean).]]
Mons Maenalus is an early modern European constellation or asterism introduced by Hevelius. Its position was south of Boötes (several degrees south of Arcturus), but north of Virgo, and west of Serpens Caput. The term is Latin, and the constellation was not included among the 88 IAU constellations and is now obsolete.<ref name=":0">Ian Ridpath, Star Tales, [http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/monsmaenalus.html Online Edition]</ref>

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
[[File:MonsMaenalus Hevel.png|thumb|Screenshot from Hevelius's atlas with the "u" in Maenalus clearly visible.]]
'''Spelling Variants'''

* Mons Maenalis
* Mons Menalis

=== Origin of the Constellation ===
Mons Maenalus was a subdivision of Boötes introduced by Hevelius.

Ian Ridpath writes:<ref name=":0" /> <blockquote>
Representing a real mountain of Arcadia in the central Peloponnese, Mons Maenalus was a subdivision of Boötes introduced by Johannes Hevelius in his ''Firmamentum Sobiescianum'' star atlas published in 1690, where it was depicted with Boötes standing on its slopes. However, in his accompanying catalogue Hevelius listed its stars under Boötes, not as a separate constellation. The mountain appeared on many later maps made by other astronomers including Bode, below, but always as part of Boötes, and it never had an independent existence.</blockquote>

The ancient Greek name for the mountain was Μαίναλος or Μαίναλον, with a modern Greek spelling of Μαίναλο (Romanized as ''Mainalo'').

=== Transformations & Variants ===
<gallery>
File:Bootes - Prodromus astronomiae 1690 (5590255).jpg|Bootes - Prodromus astronomiae 1690
File:MonsMaenalus Bode.png|Mons Maenalus in Bode (1801).
File:Bode mons.jpg|Mons Maenalus in Bode (1801), coloured.
</gallery>

==Mythology==
Ian Ridpath's Star Tales:<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>Mons Maenalus took its name from a character in Greek mythology. Maenalus was said by some mythologists to have been the eldest son of Lycaon, king of Arcadia; this would have made Maenalus brother of Callisto and hence uncle of her son Arcas, whom the constellation Boötes represents. Others, though, say he was actually the son of Arcas and hence the grandson of Callisto. Either way, Maenalus gave his name to the mountain in Arcadia and to the city of Maenalon which he founded. Its modern name is Mainalo.</blockquote><blockquote>Mons Maenalus was sacred to the god Pan who frequented it. Ovid in his ''Metamorphoses'' said that Mons Maenalus bristled with the lairs of wild beasts and was a favourite hunting ground of Diana and her entourage, including Callisto. In saying this, Ovid clearly rejected the story that Maenalus was Callisto’s grandson, as the mountain would not yet have got its name.</blockquote>

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The stars in the area of the extinct constellation Mons Maenalus are rather faint, with the brightest stars in the region outlined by Hevelius being 109 Vir (Vmag=3.72), 110 Vir (Vmag=4.40), 31 Boo (Vmag=4.86).

On April 15, 2026, the IAU Working Group Star Names adopted the name '''Maenalus''' for the star 109 Virginis (HR 5511, HD 130109, HIP 72220). The star has spectral type A0IVnn, with the "nn" implying very fast projected rotational velocity (Gray & Garrison 1987). The star is noteworthy as being one of the 6 stars classified A0V (at the time) by Johnson & Morgan (1953) which they used to define the zero point colors for the famous Johnson UBV photometric system (the averaged U-B and B-V colors of the 6 stars, which included Vega, were set to zero).

== Weblinks ==

* Hevelius' Atlas (1690) in Biblioteka Narodowa, [https://polona.pl/item-view/1d2e5166-4750-48f6-9839-b695a7a99813?page=217 polona.pl]

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Constellation‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:European]]

Pulcherrima

2026-04-17T05:03:35Z

Ericmamajek: description of the star

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Struve1837 Mensurae-Micrometricae1824-1837 Pulcherrima.jpg|thumb|Pulcherrima in Struve (1837) Mensurae Micrometricae 1824-1837 ]]
[[File:A photo of the star Epsilon Bootis.jpg|thumb|photo of Epsilon Bootis (CC BY Nikolay Nikolov).]]
The name Pulcherrima was given to the double star Epsilon Boötis (mags. 2.5 and 4.8) by Friedrich G. W. von Struve in 1837.<ref>Struve (1837). ''Mensurae Micrometricae'' 1824-1837. </ref> The Latin name translates to "most beautiful" or "loveliest," referring to its striking, contrasting colors — a bright yellow primary and a blue-white secondary star. The official IAU name for Epsilon Boötis A (ε Boo A) is [[Izar]], adopted in 2016.

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
[[File:Pulcherrima Smyth1844.png|thumb|Pulcherrima in Smyth 1844]]
19th century German-Russian astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve, known for his study of double stars, described the star as ''duplex pulcherrima'', Latin for “the loveliest double”. Perhaps, Struve was inspired to write 'Duplex pulcherrima' based on Herschel highlighting it as his first double in 1782 'Catalog of Double Stars'<ref name=":2">Herschel (1782). 'Catalog of Double Stars'. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London , 1785, Vol. 75 (1785), pp. 40-126 [https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/106749.pdf JSTOR-PDF]</ref>. Herschel wrote "A very beautiful object" and Struve Latinized Herschel's English "very beautiful" with the result of "pulcherrima". Struve himself appears not to convey any personal opinion on the star's beauty in his 1827 'Catalogus Novus'<ref>Struve, (1827). Catalogus novus stellarum duplicium et multiplicium. [https://books.google.de/books?id=428OmAF-61kC&q=pulcherrima&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false GoogleBooks]</ref>. There seems to be no mention of the description by Struve in Catalogus Novus (1827) [[https://books.google.com/books?id=428OmAF-61kC&q=pulcherrima#v=onepage&q=1877 star #1877], p.84; long discussion on measurements of the binary, compared to Herschel's observations]. He only mentions Herschel and South as having reported measurements for it.

In lower case, i.e. as a description of the star, the term "pulcherrima" occurs occasionally in the 19th century, but in the capitalised form, it appeared later. Before Burnham, there are two other notable instances of mentions that Struve dubbed it with the capitalized form: mainly Allen (1899)<ref name=":0">Allen, Richard Hinckley (1899). Star Names - Their Lore and Meaning. Dover Publications, Inc., New York</ref> and Darby (1864)<ref name=":1">Darby (1864). '''The Astronomical Observer''': A Handbook To The Observatory And The Common Telescope</ref>.

=== Concordance ===

==== Lower Case ====

* Struve (1837): "Duplex pulcherrima."
* Smyth (1844): "which Σ [Struve] calls "pulcherrima",..."
* Smyth (1860): "This beautiful star, the pulcherrima of Struve,..."
* Chambers (1881) revised version of Smyth ("This loverly object, which [Struve] calls "pulcherrima," is...")
* Higgins (1882): "Also Stellar pulcherrima = Very beautiful star."
* Clark & Sadler (1886): "Duplex pulcherrima"

==== Upper Case ====

* Darby ('''1864''')<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>"This beautiful star is the '''Pulcherrima of Professor Struve'''..." </blockquote>see this assertion with the capitalized name repeated by Allen and Burnham. So far, this ''is the earliest instance'' ''we can find of the capitalization of the name.''

* Proctor ('''1866''') for name "Pulcherissima" states <blockquote>"A name given by modern astronomers to express the extreme beauty of this double star (orange and green), viewed with a good telescope." </blockquote>However the spelling "Pulcherrima" appeared much more often after mid-19th century. Admiral Smyth (1844)<ref>William Henry SMYTH (1844). A Cycle of Celestial Objects, for the use of naval, military and private astronomers, Volume 2, p 325</ref> cites Struve as the source of the name.

* Mary Proctor "A Romance of the Stars" in the Chautauquan '''1896:''' <blockquote>"Epsilon Bootes, known also as Mirac, and '''called Pulcherrima by Admiral Smyth''' on account of its extreme beauty" </blockquote>We can find no instance of Smyth capitalizing it.

* Richard Proctor ('''1872''') "and, on account of its extreme beauty, Pulcherrima."
This book (Essays on astronomy) is likely to have been strongly influential.
* Flammarion "Sideral Astronomy: Double Stars- Far-off Worlds" in Dobeck (1878), Flammarion (1882)
* Gore ('''1893''') <blockquote>"Pulcherrima. A name sometimes applied to the beautiful double star ε Bootis."</blockquote>

* Richard Proctor ('''1895''') "A New Star Atlas for..."

* Allen ('''1899'''):<ref name=":0" /> <blockquote>"Why it was so favored in nomenclature is not known, for with us it is noticeable only from its exquisite beauty in the telescope, whence it is fast monopolizing the name '''Pulcherrima, given to it by the elder Struve.'''" </blockquote>[note this is most likely the source of Burnham's statement]

The Norton Atlases (Norton 1910 (1st ed.), Norton 1964 (15th ed.), Ridpath 1989 (Norton 18th ed.), Ridpath 2003 (Norton 20th ed.)

* Becvar (1951, 1964), BSC (4th ed, 5th ed.), Kerhousse (1995), Kostjuk (2002), Kunitzsch & Smart (2006)

* Burnham (1978)<blockquote>"The star was discovered by '''F.G.W.Struve in 1829, who honored it with the poetic title "Pulcherrima"''' in appreciation of the fine color contrast" </blockquote>We have seen no evidence that Struve capitalized it. Ironically Herschel (1872)<ref name=":2" /> stated: "A very beautiful object"!

=== Note on the date of first appearance ===
Some books claim that Struve invented this name in 1829, but the earliest we can find is on p. 49 of his ''Stellarum duplicium multiplicium mensurae micrometricae'' of 1837. There he describes it as ''duplex pulcherrima'', “the most beautiful double”. The error seems to stem from Robert Burnham's well-known 3-volume ''Celestial Handbook: An Observer's Guide to the Universe Beyond'' ''the Solar System'' (1978): [https://archive.org/details/burnhams-celestial-handbook-volume-3/Burnhams%20Celestial%20Handbook%2C%20Volume%201/page/n155/mode/1u archive]. He may have obtained this date from Smyth who lists an observation of the separation and position angle of the pair by Struve in 1829. The erroneous attribution of the capitalised name "Pulcherrima" to Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve also appears books by Darby (1864; "The Astronomical Observer") and Allen (1899; "Star-names and Their Meanings").
[[File:Herschel epsBoo double.png|thumb|Herschel, W. (1779). Catalogue of Double Stars, p 60]]

Burnham also errs in claiming that the binary character of Epsilon Boötis was first discovered by Wilhelm Struve; it was actually discovered by William Herschel in 1779. Indeed, it was the first double star listed in W. Herschel's first "Catalog of Double Stars" (1782) and he noted it as "a very beautiful object".
As "very beautiful" can translate to "pulcherrima" in Latin, it is possible that Struve was simply acknowledging Herschel's description in his Latin notes on the system. Struve did not mention the "beauty" of the double in his original Catalogus Novus in 1827, but only described it as ''duplex pulcherrima'' in his 1837 work.

<gallery>
File:Struve1837 Mensurae-Micrometricae1824-1837 Pulcherrima.jpg|Struve 1837
File:Pulcherrima Smyth1844.png|Smyth 1844
File:Herschel epsBoo double.png|Herschel 1779
File:Burnham1978 pulcherrimaStruve.png|Burnham (1978) about Struve's name
</gallery>

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name '''Pulcherrima''' was adopted by the IAU Working Group Star Names for Epsilon Boötis B (HR 5505, HD 129988, HIP 72105 B) on April 15, 2026. The companion star to Epsilon Boötis was unknown before its discovery by Herschel in the late 18th century, so it has no earlier cultural names, and the name Pulcherrima would recognize the descriptions of the "beautiful" double star by the famous double star observers William Herschel and Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve.

Pulcherrima (Epsilon Boo B) has apparent V magnitude 4.08 and spectral type A0V (Abt & Morrell 1995). According to the Washington Double Star catalog, where the binary is IDed as WDS J14450+2704 or STF 1877, the position angle of the binary has only moved by about 29 degrees between the time of Struve (1822) and recently (2024), with the separation changing negligible (2.2 to 2.4 arcseconds). The slow change in the position angle suggests that the orbital period might be of the order a few thousand years, and indeed no computed orbit appears in the ORB6 catalog of double star orbits. The system appears to be approximately 70 parsecs away. A distant third component (IDed in SIMBAD as eps Boo C or Gaia DR3 1279752168030730496) lies 78 arcseconds away from Izar and Pulcherrima, and its colors and absolute magnitude are consistent with a M dwarf.

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's ''Star Tales'' – Boötes([http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/bootes.html#arcturus])

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:European]]
[[Category:Modern]]

Al-Rumḥ

2026-04-17T04:19:52Z

Ericmamajek: update on summary of star 34 Boo

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Al-Rumḥ (الرُمْح)}}

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Al-Rumḥ figure.png|thumb|320x320px|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation including the figure as described by al-Ṣūfī. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]
Al-Rumḥ (الرُّمْح) is an asterism in the Arabian constellation [[Al-Simakan|al-Simākān]] in [[Bootes]].<ref>Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī, Abū Muḥammad ʿAbdallah b. Muslim. 1956. ''Kitāb al-anwāʾ (fī mawāsim al-ʿArab)''. Hyderabad: Maṭbaʿat Majlis Dāʾirat al-Maʿārif al-ʿUthmāniyya.</ref><ref>Kunitzsch, Paul. 1961. ''Untersuchungen zur Sternnomenklatur der Araber.'' Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz.</ref><ref>al-Ṣūfī, Abū al-Ḥusayn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān b. ʿUmar. 1981. ''Kitāb ṣuwar al-kawākib al-thamāniya wa al-arbaʿīn.'' Beirut: Dār al-Āfāq al-Jadīda.</ref>

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
'''Headword (Arabic):''' الرُّمْح

'''Transliteration:''' al-Rumḥ

'''IPA:''' ar.rumħ

=== Historical ===
[[File:EtaBoo Ideler1809.jpeg|thumb|on eta Bootis in Ideler (1809).]]
Ideler (1809)<ref>Ludwig Ideler (1809). "Untersuchungen Über Den Ursprung Und Die Bedeutung Der Sternnamen: Ein Beytrag Zur Geschichte Des Gerstirnten Himmels", reprint: Legare Street Press</ref> translates "Rumh el-râmih, Lanze des Lanzenträgers" (the lance of the lance-carrier) and mentions that some sources add "Sâk el-auwâ", the shinbone of Bootes. He also points out a mistake in Ulugh Beg's identification with stars in Hercules.

=== Modern Authors ===
Adams (2018),<ref>Danielle Adams, ''Rain Stars Set, Lunar Stations Rise'', 2018</ref> pp. xx-xx.

==== Khalid AlAjaji ====
<blockquote>
[[File:Al-Rumh.png|thumb|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]</blockquote>

===== ''Al-Rumḥ'' (The Spear) =====
<blockquote>
In classical Arabic astronomy, '''''al-Rumḥ''''' (الرمح, "the lance" or "the spear") refers to an asterism associated with the star '''Arcturus''' (α Boötis). Historical interpretations of its composition and nomenclature vary between the philological ''Anwāʾ'' tradition and the astronomical tradition.</blockquote>

===== Overview and Etymology =====
<blockquote>
The presence of this asterism is the defining factor in the naming of Arcturus as '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' (السماك الرامح, "The Uplifted One Armed with a Spear"). This designation serves to distinguish it from the star Spica (α Virginis), known as '''al-Simāk al-A‘zal''' (السماك الأعزل, "The Unarmed Uplifted One"), so named because it lacks an associated weaponized asterism.

The term ''Simāk'' (from the root ''s-m-k'', "to elevate") refers to the high meridian altitude these stars reach in the northern sky.</blockquote>

===== Historical Traditions =====

====== The ''Anwāʾ'' Tradition: ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' ======
<blockquote>
Philologists and ''Anwāʾ'' authors, such as Ibn Qutaybah and al-Marzūqī, identified the "weapon" of the Lancer primarily as a single star, which they termed '''Rāyat al-Simāk''' ("The Banner of the Simāk").

'''Ibn Qutaybah''' accounts for the naming of the "Lancer" by identifying a small star situated near Arcturus:
<blockquote>"It was named 'The Lancer' because of a small star positioned near it called ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' (The Banner of the Simāk). Thus, it became 'The Lancer' by virtue of [the banner], while the other became 'The Unarmed' (''al-A‘zal'') because there is nothing before it." <ref>Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī, Abū Muḥammad ʿAbdallah b. Muslim. 1956. ''Kitāb al-anwāʾ (fī mawāsim al-ʿArab)''. Hyderabad: Maṭbaʿat Majlis Dāʾirat al-Maʿārif al-ʿUthmāniyya, p. 62.</ref></blockquote>

'''Al-Marzūqī''' provides a more specific spatial orientation, placing this star in relation to the constellation Corona Borealis ''al-Fakkah'':
<blockquote>"When ''al-Fakkah'' reaches the meridian, or nears it... you will see ''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ'' (Arcturus) positioned before it. You will also see ''Rāyat al-Simāk'' [ε Boötis] behind it, situated between [Arcturus] and ''al-Fakkah''. This is a star set apart from it, joined by another nearby star that resembles a streamer (''‘adhabah'') on a lance. For this reason, it is called 'The Lancer' (''al-Rāmiḥ'') and 'The Possessor of the Weapon' (''Dhū al-Silāḥ''), while the other Simāk is called 'The Unarmed' (''al-A‘zal'')." <ref>Al-Marzūqī, Abū ʿAli Aḥmad b. Muḥammad b. al-Ḥassan (d. 1030). 2002. ''Al-Azminah wa al-amkinah'' (Times and Places). Critical edition by Dr. Mohammad Nayef al-Dulaymi. Beirut: World of Books, vol. 2, p. 343.</ref></blockquote></blockquote>

====== Al-Ṣūfī’s Synthesis: ''Al-Rumḥ'' and ''Al-Silāḥ'' (The Weapon) ======
<blockquote>
In his astronomical book ''Kitāb al-Kawākib'', |al-Ṣūfī provides a more detailed celestial map, describing ''al-Rumḥ'' as a complex configuration of stars marking the head and the foot of the lance. He distinguishes the "Lancer" (Arcturus) from its armament (''al-Silāḥ''):

<blockquote>[[File:Al-Rumḥ figure.png|thumb|320x320px|Star chart of the Arabian asterism al-Rumh (الرُّمْح) as defined by al-Ṣūfī in the area of Boötis constellation including the figure as described by al-Ṣūfī. (CC BY Khalid AlAjaji 2026).]]"As for the single [star] outside the figure [of Boötes], it is the bright red one located between its thighs... it is this which is called '''al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' [α Boo]. The Arabs... called it ''Rāmiḥ'' (The Lancer) because they likened the sixteenth star on its thigh [ε Boo] and the twentieth star on its left leg [η Boo] to a '''lance''' (''rumḥ'') belonging to it. They likened the two close stars on the waist—the seventeenth and eighteenth [σ and ρ Boo]—to a '''streamer''' (''‘adhabah'') for the end of the lance where the sixteenth star is located; and they likened the twenty-first and twenty-second stars [τ and υ Boo] to a streamer for the end where the twentieth star is located." <ref name=":0">Ibn al-Ṣūfī, Abū ʿali al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān. 2021. ''Urjuzat al-kawākib'' (The Poem of the Stars). Critical edition with commentary by Khalid al-Ajaji, digital edition. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1s6JXzftwjMQ5rgZoGE3718EtBLBZtjzr (online)], p 232.</ref></blockquote>
Al-Ṣūfī also identifies a broader group of faint stars not described by Ptolemy:
<blockquote>"The stars surrounding the Simāk among these stars [ζ, ο, ξ, and π Boo] are called by the Arabs al-Silāḥ (The Weapon). Sometimes the twentieth star on the left leg [η Boo] is specifically called al-Rumḥ (The Lance) on its own, while the two stars with it are called al-Silāḥ." <ref name=":0" /></blockquote></blockquote>

===== Summary of Star Identifications =====
<blockquote>
{| class="wikitable"
! Classical Arabic Name !! Modern Designation !! Role in the Asterism
|-
| '''Al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ''' || α Boötis ([[Arcturus]]) || The Lancer
|-
| '''Rāyat al-Simāk''' || ε Boötis ([[Izar]]) || The Banner / Head of the Spear
|-
| '''Al-Rumḥ''' (per al-Ṣūfī) || ε and η Boötis ([[Muphrid]]) || The shaft and points of the Spear
|-
| '''‘Adhabah''' || σ, ρ and τ, υ Boötis || The streamers or pennants
|-
| '''Al-Silāḥ''' || ζ, ο, ξ, and π Boötis || The "Weapon" or equipment
|}

</blockquote>

==== Roland Laffitte ====
[[File:Rumh of Simakan RL map+draw.png|thumb|Arabian constellation al-Simak with Lances and Armes (CC BY Roland Laffitte 2025).]]
Laffitte (2012<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Le ciel des Arabes'', 2012</ref>, 2025<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Nommer les étoile: 500 noms hérités des Arabes - Apport de l'uranographie arabe'', Orient des Mots, 2025 ([https://uranos.fr/500-noms-herites-des-arabes/ online])</ref>) treats Al-Rumh as an alternative name for [[Muphrid]] (η Boo) in the constellation [[Al-Simakan|al-Simākān]], The Two Supporters, one armed, one disarmed:

* '''''Rumh''.''' Ar. الرمح ''al-Rumḥ'', ‘the Spear’, al-Ṣūfī > Lat. ''Alromh'', Yehūda b. Mošè, ''Lancea'', Apian. Later, ''al-Rumḥ'', al-Qazwīnī, not transcribed by Ideler, who gives ''Rumḥ'' ''al-Rāmiḥ'' according to al-Tīzīnī > ''‘Rumh el-râmih’''. Hence ''Ruma'' c/ Buttmann, ‘''Al-Rumḥ’'' p/ Allen, Nit. 02. ''Rumh al Ramih, Wiki''/en
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="6" valign="top" |Adjacent Star Names of al-Simākān
|-
! valign="top" |Name
(orig.)
! valign="top" |Name
! valign="top" |translation
! valign="top" |identification
(RL)
! valign="top" |author
! valign="top" |note
|-
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |''al-Rumḥ''
| valign="top" |la Lance
| valign="top" |''η Boo''
| valign="top" |Ṣūfī
|
|-
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |''Mirzam al-Simāk''
| valign="top" |the Predecessor of Simak
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |Marzūqī
|
|-
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |''Mufrad al-Rāmiḥ''
| valign="top" |The Isolated One of Alramech
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |Tīzīnī
|
|-
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |''Rāyat al-Simāk''
| valign="top" |the Standard of Simak
| valign="top" |''ε Boo''
| valign="top" |Qutayba
|
|-
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |''Tābiᶜ al-Simāk''
| valign="top" |the Follower of Simak
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |Ṣūfī
|
|-
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |''al-ᶜAḍaba''
| valign="top" |the Belt
| valign="top" |''ρσ Boo''
| valign="top" |Ṣūfī
|
|-
| valign="top" |
| valign="top" |''al-Silāḥ''
| valign="top" |the Arms
| valign="top" |''τυ Boo''
| valign="top" |Ṣūfī
|
|}

=== Discussion ===
Obviously, modern authors give different names and identifications.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Classical Arabic Name
!Translation
!Ident.
Adams
!Ident.
AlAjaji
!Ident.
Laffitte
|-
|'''Al-Simāk al-Rāmiḥ'''
|The Lancer
|
|α Boötis ([[Arcturus]])
| valign="top" |
|-
|'''Al-Rumḥ''' (per al-Ṣūfī)
|The shaft and points of the Spear
|
|ε and η Boötis ([[Muphrid]])
| valign="top" |''η Boo''
|-
|'''‘Adhabah'''
|The streamers or pennants
|
|σ, ρ and τ, υ Boötis
| valign="top" |''ρ, σ Boo''
|-
|'''Al-Silāḥ'''
|The "Weapon" or equipment
|
|ζ, ο, ξ, and π Boötis
| valign="top" |''τ, υ Boo''
|-
| valign="top" |''Mirzam al-Simāk''
| valign="top" |the Predecessor of Simak
|
|
|
|-
| valign="top" |''Mufrad al-Rāmiḥ''
| valign="top" |The Isolated One of Alramech
|
|
|
|-
|'''Rāyat al-Simāk'''
|The Banner / Head of the Spear
|
|ε Boötis ([[Izar]])
| valign="top" |''ε Boo''
|-
| valign="top" |''Tābiᶜ al-Simāk''
| valign="top" |the Follower of Simak
|
|
| valign="top" | -
|}

==IAU Working Group Star Names==
The name "Alrumh" (or similar) was suggested to WGSN in 2026, as there is a Chinese asterism of The Lance in the same area of the sky (but not exactly the same stars). The proposal was to give the name "The Lance" in two different languages to two stars in the area pointing to a random coincidence of similar names in the sky. The Lance is a longish object, covering an area - and it is held by a person (whose constellation covers an even larger area). The two stars identified with the al-Rumh (epsilon, eta Boo) already had IAU WGSN-adopted names (Izar and Muphrid, respectively). On April 15, 2026, WGSN adopted the name '''Alrumh''' for the star 34 Boo (HR 5490, HD 129712, HIP 71995, W Boo), which is part of the ''Al-Rumḥ'' asterism, and in the vicinity of Izar.

Alrumh (34 Boo) is a red giant star with spectral type M3-III (Keenan & McNeil 1989), and from its trigonometric parallax measured by the ESA Gaia mission one estimates its distance to be approximately 181 parsecs (Gaia Data Release 3). The star has a wide range of reported average V magnitudes: V=4.26 (Hipparcos, ESA 1997), V=4.81 (Bright Star Catalog 5th ed., Hoffleit & Warren 1991). This reflects the star's status as semi-regular variable star (also designated W Bootis) with photometric amplitudes of tenths of a magnitude and periodicity ranging from ~25 days to ~50 days. Further documentation of the star's complex photometric variability can be found in the study by Percy & Desjardins (1996; https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1996PASP..108..847P/abstract).

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==

[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:Arabic]]
[[Category:Constellation]]
[[Category:Star Name]]
[[Category:Asterism]]

Maenalus

2026-04-09T00:42:23Z

Ericmamajek: /* Concordance, Etymology, History */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:MonsMaenalus Heweliusz.jpg|thumb|Mons Maenalus in Hevelius (1690), cf. "[https://polona.pl/item-view/1d2e5166-4750-48f6-9839-b695a7a99813?page=217 Polona.pl]"]]
[[File:Mons Maenalus and Boötes Constellation Position.jpg|thumb|Mons Maenalus and Boötes Constellation Position on a modern map (CC BY Ultima Thulean).]]
Mons Maenalus is an early modern European constellation or asterism introduced by Hevelius. Its position was south of Boötes (several degrees south of Arcturus), but north of Virgo, and west of Serpens Caput. The term is Latin, and the constellation was not included among the 88 IAU constellations and is now obsolete.<ref name=":0">Ian Ridpath, Star Tales, [http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/monsmaenalus.html Online Edition]</ref>

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
[[File:MonsMaenalus Hevel.png|thumb|Screenshot from Hevelius's atlas with the "u" in Maenalus clearly visible.]]
'''Spelling Variants'''

* Mons Maenalis
* Mons Menalis

=== Origin of the Constellation ===
Mons Maenalus was a subdivision of Boötes introduced by Hevelius.

Ian Ridpath writes:<ref name=":0" /> <blockquote>
Representing a real mountain of Arcadia in the central Peloponnese, Mons Maenalus was a subdivision of Boötes introduced by Johannes Hevelius in his ''Firmamentum Sobiescianum'' star atlas published in 1690, where it was depicted with Boötes standing on its slopes. However, in his accompanying catalogue Hevelius listed its stars under Boötes, not as a separate constellation. The mountain appeared on many later maps made by other astronomers including Bode, below, but always as part of Boötes, and it never had an independent existence.</blockquote>

The ancient Greek name for the mountain was Μαίναλος or Μαίναλον, with a modern Greek spelling of Μαίναλο (Romanized as ''Mainalo'').

=== Transformations & Variants ===
<gallery>
File:Bootes - Prodromus astronomiae 1690 (5590255).jpg|Bootes - Prodromus astronomiae 1690
File:MonsMaenalus Bode.png|Mons Maenalus in Bode (1801).
File:Bode mons.jpg|Mons Maenalus in Bode (1801), coloured.
</gallery>

==Mythology==
Ian Ridpath's Star Tales:<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>Mons Maenalus took its name from a character in Greek mythology. Maenalus was said by some mythologists to have been the eldest son of Lycaon, king of Arcadia; this would have made Maenalus brother of Callisto and hence uncle of her son Arcas, whom the constellation Boötes represents. Others, though, say he was actually the son of Arcas and hence the grandson of Callisto. Either way, Maenalus gave his name to the mountain in Arcadia and to the city of Maenalon which he founded. Its modern name is Mainalo.</blockquote><blockquote>Mons Maenalus was sacred to the god Pan who frequented it. Ovid in his ''Metamorphoses'' said that Mons Maenalus bristled with the lairs of wild beasts and was a favourite hunting ground of Diana and her entourage, including Callisto. In saying this, Ovid clearly rejected the story that Maenalus was Callisto’s grandson, as the mountain would not yet have got its name.</blockquote>

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The stars in the area of the extinct constellation Mons Maenalus are rather faint, with the brightest stars in the region outlined by Hevelius being 109 Vir (Vmag=3.72), 110 Vir (Vmag=4.40), 31 Boo (Vmag=4.86). In 2026, there was a proposal to assign the name "Maenalus" specifically to the star 109 Vir. This proposal is still under review by WGSN.

== Weblinks ==

* Hevelius' Atlas (1690) in Biblioteka Narodowa, [https://polona.pl/item-view/1d2e5166-4750-48f6-9839-b695a7a99813?page=217 polona.pl]

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Constellation‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:European]]

Pulcherrima

2026-03-30T06:30:36Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Struve1837 Mensurae-Micrometricae1824-1837 Pulcherrima.jpg|thumb|Pulcherrima in Struve (1837) Mensurae Micrometricae 1824-1837 ]]
The name Pulcherrima was given to the double star Epsilon Boötis (mags. 2.5 and 4.8) by Friedrich G. W. von Struve in 1837.<ref>Struve (1837). ''Mensurae Micrometricae'' 1824-1837. </ref> The Latin name translates to "most beautiful" or "loveliest," referring to its striking, contrasting colors — a bright yellow primary and a blue-white secondary star. The official IAU name for Epsilon Boötis A (ε Boo A) is [[Izar]], adopted in 2016.

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
[[File:Pulcherrima Smyth1844.png|thumb|Pulcherrima in Smyth 1844]]
19th century German-Russian astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve, known for his study of double stars, described the star as ''duplex pulcherrima'', Latin for “the loveliest double”.

Proctor (1866) for name "Pulcherissima" states <blockquote>"A name given by modern astronomers to express the extreme beauty of this double star (orange and green), viewed with a good telescope." </blockquote>However the spelling "Pulcherrima" appeared much more often after mid-19th century. Admiral Smyth (1844)<ref>William Henry SMYTH (1844). A Cycle of Celestial Objects, for the use of naval, military and private astronomers, Volume 2, p 325</ref> cites Struve as the source of the name.

=== Note on the date of first appearance ===
Some books claim that Struve invented this name in 1829, but the earliest we can find is on p.49 of his ''Stellarum duplicium multiplicium mensurae micrometricae'' of 1837. There he describes it as ''duplex pulcherrima'', “the most beautiful double”. The error seems to stem from Robert Burnham's well-known 3-volume ''Celestial Handbook: An Observer's Guide to the Universe Beyond'' ''the Solar System'' (1978): [https://archive.org/details/burnhams-celestial-handbook-volume-3/Burnhams%20Celestial%20Handbook%2C%20Volume%201/page/n155/mode/1u archive]. He may have obtained this date from Smyth who lists an observation of the separation and position angle of the pair by Struve in 1829. The erroneous attribution of the capitalized name "Pulcherrima" to Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve also appears books by Darby (1864; "The Astronomical Observer") and Allen (1899; "Star-names and Their Meanings").
[[File:Herschel epsBoo double.png|thumb|Herschel, W. (1779). Catalogue of Double Stars, p 60]]

Burnham also errs in claiming that the binary character of Epsilon Boötis was first discovered by Wilhelm Struve; it was actually discovered by William Herschel in 1779. Indeed, it was the first double star listed in W. Herschel's first "Catalog of Double Stars" (1782) and he noted it as "a very beautiful object".
As "very beautiful" can translate to "pulcherrima" in Latin, it is possible that Struve was simply acknowledging Herschel's description in his Latin notes on the system. Struve did not mention the "beauty" of the double in his original Catalogus Novus in 1827, but only described it as ''duplex pulcherrima'' in his 1837 work.

<gallery>
File:Struve1837 Mensurae-Micrometricae1824-1837 Pulcherrima.jpg|Struve 1837
File:Pulcherrima Smyth1844.png|Smyth 1844
File:Herschel epsBoo double.png|Herschel 1779
File:Burnham1978 pulcherrimaStruve.png|Burnham (1978) about Struve's name
</gallery>

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
In the course of the WGSN's research on historical star names, the name "Pulcherrima" is being considered for Epsilon Boötis B (HR 5505, HD 129988, HIP 72105 B), but has not been adopted as yet.

The companion star to Epsilon Boötis was unknown before its discovery by Herschel in the late 18th century, so it has no earlier cultural names, and the proposed name would recognize the descriptions by the famous double star observers W. Herschel and F.G.W. Struve.

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's ''Star Tales'' – Boötes([http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/bootes.html#arcturus])

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:European]]
[[Category:Modern]]

Pulcherrima

2026-03-30T06:21:43Z

Ericmamajek: /* Note on the date of first appearance */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Struve1837 Mensurae-Micrometricae1824-1837 Pulcherrima.jpg|thumb|Pulcherrima in Struve (1837) Mensurae Micrometricae 1824-1837 ]]
The name Pulcherrima was given to the double star Epsilon Boötis (mags. 2.5 and 4.8) by Friedrich G. W. von Struve in 1837.<ref>Struve (1837). ''Mensurae Micrometricae'' 1824-1837. </ref> The Latin name translates to "most beautiful" or "loveliest," referring to its striking, contrasting colors — a bright yellow primary and a blue-white secondary star. The official IAU name for Epsilon Boötis A (ε Boo A) is [[Izar]], adopted in 2016.

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
[[File:Pulcherrima Smyth1844.png|thumb|Pulcherrima in Smyth 1844]]
19th century German-Russian astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve, known for his study of double stars, described the star as ''duplex pulcherrima'', Latin for “the loveliest double”.

Proctor (1866) for name "Pulcherissima" states <blockquote>"A name given by modern astronomers to express the extreme beauty of this double star (orange and green), viewed with a good telescope." </blockquote>However the spelling "Pulcherrima" appeared much more often after mid-19th century. Admiral Smyth (1844)<ref>William Henry SMYTH (1844). A Cycle of Celestial Objects, for the use of naval, military and private astronomers, Volume 2, p 325</ref> cites Struve as the source of the name.

=== Note on the date of first appearance ===
Some books claim that Struve invented this name in 1829, but the earliest we can find is on p.49 of his ''Stellarum duplicium multiplicium mensurae micrometricae'' of 1837. There he describes it as ''duplex pulcherrima'', “the most beautiful double”. The error seems to stem from Robert Burnham's well-known 3-volume ''Celestial Handbook: An Observer's Guide to the Universe Beyond'' ''the Solar System'' (1978): [https://archive.org/details/burnhams-celestial-handbook-volume-3/Burnhams%20Celestial%20Handbook%2C%20Volume%201/page/n155/mode/1u archive]. He may have obtained this date from Smyth who lists an observation of the separation and position angle of the pair by Struve in 1829. The erroneous attribution of the capitalized name "Pulcherrima" to Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve also appears books by Darby (1864; "The Astronomical Observer") and Allen (1899; "Star-names and Their Meanings").
[[File:Herschel epsBoo double.png|thumb|Herschel, W. (1779). Catalogue of Double Stars, p 60]]

Burnham also errs in claiming that the binary character of Epsilon Boötis was first discovered by Wilhelm Struve; it was actually discovered by William Herschel in 1779. Indeed, it was the first double star listed in W. Herschel's first "Catalog of Double Stars" (1782) and he noted it as "a very beautiful object".
As "very beautiful" can translate to "pulcherrima" in Latin, it is possible that Struve was simply acknowledging Herschel's description in his Latin notes on the system. Struve did not mention the "beauty" of the double in his original Catalogus Novus in 1827, but only described it as ''duplex pulcherrima'' in his 1837 work.

<gallery>
File:Struve1837 Mensurae-Micrometricae1824-1837 Pulcherrima.jpg|Struve 1837
File:Pulcherrima Smyth1844.png|Smyth 1844
File:Herschel epsBoo double.png|Herschel 1779
File:Burnham1978 pulcherrimaStruve.png|Burnham (1978) about Struve's name
</gallery>

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was suggested to the IAU WGSN in 2023 for HIP 72105 '''B'''. WGSN chose ... (not to apply/ to apply the name to a neighbouring star/ to ...) in the IAU-CSN.

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's ''Star Tales'' – Boötes([http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/bootes.html#arcturus])

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:European]]
[[Category:Modern]]

Pulcherrima

2026-03-30T06:08:21Z

Ericmamajek: /* Concordance, Etymology, History */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Struve1837 Mensurae-Micrometricae1824-1837 Pulcherrima.jpg|thumb|Pulcherrima in Struve (1837) Mensurae Micrometricae 1824-1837 ]]
The name Pulcherrima was given to the double star Epsilon Boötis (mags. 2.5 and 4.8) by Friedrich G. W. von Struve in 1837.<ref>Struve (1837). ''Mensurae Micrometricae'' 1824-1837. </ref> The Latin name translates to "most beautiful" or "loveliest," referring to its striking, contrasting colors — a bright yellow primary and a blue-white secondary star. The official IAU name for Epsilon Boötis A (ε Boo A) is [[Izar]], adopted in 2016.

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
[[File:Pulcherrima Smyth1844.png|thumb|Pulcherrima in Smyth 1844]]
19th century German-Russian astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve, known for his study of double stars, described the star as ''duplex pulcherrima'', Latin for “the loveliest double”.

Proctor (1866) for name "Pulcherissima" states <blockquote>"A name given by modern astronomers to express the extreme beauty of this double star (orange and green), viewed with a good telescope." </blockquote>However the spelling "Pulcherrima" appeared much more often after mid-19th century. Admiral Smyth (1844)<ref>William Henry SMYTH (1844). A Cycle of Celestial Objects, for the use of naval, military and private astronomers, Volume 2, p 325</ref> cites Struve as the source of the name.

=== Note on the date of first appearance ===
Some books claim that Struve invented this name in 1829, but the earliest we can find is on p.49 of his ''Stellarum duplicium multiplicium mensurae micrometricae'' of 1837. There he describes it as ''duplex pulcherrima'', “the most beautiful double”. The error seems to stem from Robert Burnham's well-known 3-volume ''Celestial Handbook: An Observer's Guide to the Universe Beyond'' ''the Solar System'' (1978): [https://archive.org/details/burnhams-celestial-handbook-volume-3/Burnhams%20Celestial%20Handbook%2C%20Volume%201/page/n155/mode/1u archive]. He may have obtained this date from Smyth who lists an observation of the separation and position angle of the pair by Struve in 1829. The erroneous attribution of the capitalized name "Pulcherrima" to Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve also appears books by Darby (1864; "The Astronomical Observer") and Allen (1899; "Star-names and Their Meanings").
[[File:Herschel epsBoo double.png|thumb|Herschel, W. (1779). Catalogue of Double Stars, p 60]]

Burnham also errs in claiming that the binary character of Epsilon Boötis was first discovered by Wilhelm Struve; it was actually discovered by William Herschel in 1779. <gallery>
File:Struve1837 Mensurae-Micrometricae1824-1837 Pulcherrima.jpg|Struve 1837
File:Pulcherrima Smyth1844.png|Smyth 1844
File:Herschel epsBoo double.png|Herschel 1779
File:Burnham1978 pulcherrimaStruve.png|Burnham (1978) about Struve's name
</gallery>

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was suggested to the IAU WGSN in 2023 for HIP 72105 '''B'''. WGSN chose ... (not to apply/ to apply the name to a neighbouring star/ to ...) in the IAU-CSN.

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's ''Star Tales'' – Boötes([http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/bootes.html#arcturus])

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:European]]
[[Category:Modern]]

Darlugal

2026-03-25T06:16:40Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

{{distinguish|DAR.LUGAL}}

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
Darlugal is a modern IAU-star name in [[Lepus]], derived from Sumerian [[DAR.LUGAL]] = Akkadian ''tarlugallu/tarnugallu'', The Rooster, which is the Mesopotamian constellation that covers this area.

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
The Sumerian term is written syllabically as an Akkadian loan-word ''tarlugallu/'' ''tarnugallu'' (from the Sumerian)''.'' The identification with roosters is confirmed by the Mesopotamian Bird-Call texts where the bird’s cry is ''taḫtatâ ana tutu'' - "You have committed a sin against the god Tutu", this being the Akkadian equivalent of English “cook-a-doodle-doo.”

Archaeological evidence suggests that chickens were domesticated in southeast Asia, modern-day Thailand in particular, by the middle of the 2nd millennium BCE. They are documented with certainty in the Indus culture and in Egypt from around -1400 on. Chickens appear in the archaeological and iconographic record in Mesopotamia during Iron Age I (∼1150 to 965 BCE; Peters et al. 2022). It is assumed that they were initially kept mainly for amusement by organising cockfights on which bets could be placed (this cultural practice is documented by Homer in the 8th century BCE). Domesticated roosters (actually francolins) therefore date to the same period as the oldest known astronomical compendium, MUL.APIN, written in cuneiform.

The Sumerian term consists of a noun-adjective pair: the noun DAR (a bird) and LUGAL (king, adj. royal), i.e. the royal dar-bird - this being a loan-word into Sumerian and Akkadian which both preserved the sound of the name the foreign bird being introduced into the Ancient Near East, as well as providing a nice Sumerian explanation of the bird-name.

==Mythology/ Religion==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name '''Darlugal''' was adopted for the naked eye star Zeta Leporis (HR 1998, HD 38678, HIP 27288, GJ 217.1, GJ 9190) by the IAU WGSN on 22 March 2026 and added to the IAU Catalog of Star Names. The name honours the indigenous Sumerian constellation Darlugal.

The star '''Darlugal''' (Zeta Leporis) is a relatively nearby (21.6 parsecs), fast-rotating, young (~300 million year-old) A-type star. The star is famous for hosting a dusty debris disks first detected with the IRAS infrared observatory in the 1980s. The dust disk appears to be replenished by collisions of asteroids, as the survival timescales for micron-sized dust grains are only thousands of years. This star was notable as it was one of the only two field stars (including Beta Pictoris) for which excess emission was detected by IRAS at 12 microns, implying the existent of relatively warm (~320 Kelvin) dust (Chen & Jura 2001). The star and its dust disk was later resolved using the large ground-based Keck telescope at 18 microns, demonstrating that the infrared excess was coming from dust grains orbiting at a few AU (Moerchen et al. 2007).

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )
* SIMBAD entry for zet Lep: https://simbad.cds.unistra.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=zet+Lep
* Chen & Jura 2001 https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2001ApJ...560L.171C/abstract
* Moerchen et al. 2007 https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2007ApJ...655L.109M/abstract
* Peters et al. 2022 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9214543/

[[Category:Single star-asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]

Darlugal

2026-03-25T05:56:49Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

{{distinguish|DAR.LUGAL}}

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
Darlugal is a modern IAU-star name in [[Lepus]], derived from Sumerian [[DAR.LUGAL]] = Akkadian ''tarlugallu/tarnugallu'', The Rooster, which is the Mesopotamian constellation that covers this area.

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
The Sumerian term is written syllabically as an Akkadian loan-word ''tarlugallu/'' ''tarnugallu'' (from the Sumerian)''.'' The identification with roosters is confirmed by the Mesopotamian Bird-Call texts where the bird’s cry is ''taḫtatâ ana tutu'' - "You have committed a sin against the god Tutu", this being the Akkadian equivalent of English “cook-a-doodle-doo.”

Archaeological evidence suggests that chickens were domesticated in southeast Asia, modern-day Thailand in particular, by the middle of the 2nd millennium BCE. They are documented with certainty in the Indus culture and in Egypt from around -1400 on. Chickens appear in the archaeological and iconographic record in Mesopotamia during Iron Age I (∼1150 to 965 BCE; Peters et al. 2022). It is assumed that they were initially kept mainly for amusement by organising cockfights on which bets could be placed (this cultural practice is documented by Homer in the 8th century BCE). Domesticated roosters (actually francolins) therefore date to the same period as the oldest known astronomical compendium, MUL.APIN, written in cuneiform.

The Sumerian term consists of a noun-adjective pair: the noun DAR (a bird) and LUGAL (king, adj. royal), i.e. the royal dar-bird - this being a loan-word into Sumerian and Akkadian which both preserved the sound of the name the foreign bird being introduced into the Ancient Near East, as well as providing a nice Sumerian explanation of the bird-name.

==Mythology/ Religion==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name Darlugal was adopted for the naked eye star Zeta Leporis (HR 1998, HD 38678, HIP 27288, GJ 217.1, GJ 9190) by the IAU WGSN on 22 March 2026. The name honours the indigenous Sumerian constellation Darlugal.

As this star is already named ..., the WGSN chose ... (not to apply/ to apply the name to a neighbouring star/ to ...) in the IAU-CSN.

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )
* Peters et al. 2022 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9214543/

[[Category:Single star-asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]

Pherkad Minor

2026-03-19T04:26:31Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

{{distinguish|Pherkad}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:PherkadMinor stellarium.jpg|thumb|Pherkad Minor in Stellarium (2026).]]
"Pherkad Minor" is the a common name for 11 UMi (5.01 mag) in [[Ursa Minor]].

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
The name "[[Pherkad]]" has been used in recent times. It is derived from the singular form of the ind-A asterism name al-farqadan, "the Two Calves", for β and γ UMi. The name Pherkad was adopted by WGSN for the 3rd magnitude star γ UMi into the IAU-Catalog of Star Names in 2016.

The star [https://simbad.cds.unistra.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=Pherkad+Minor 11 UMi] ((HR 5714, HD 136726, HIP 74793) is a somewhat fainter (Vmag = 5.01) neighbour to γ UMi (Vmag = 3.00 mag), approximately 17 arcminutes away westward.

In the years after his 1801 discovery of the dwarf planet Ceres, Giuseppe Piazzi published the "Palermo Catalogue" containing positions for over 7000 stars, with a first edition in 1802 and a second edition in 1814 ("[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433087548214&view=1up&seq=5 Praecipuarum Stellarum Inerrantium Positiones Mediae Ineunte Saeculo XIX. Ex Observationibus Habitis In Specula Panormitana Ab anno 1792 ad annum 1813]") . In compiling this catalog, Piazzi included nearly 200 proper names for stars, some of which were new. Some names were borrowed from names of Arabian asterisms but with transliterated names, sometimes with descriptors, and assigned to individual stars. Piazzi labeled the brighter star γ UMi as "Pherkad ma." [i.e. "major"] and the fainter nearby star 11 UMi was labeled "Pherkad mi." [i.e. "minor"]. Shortly afterwards, Franz Xaver von Zach (1816) reproduced a list of the star names from Piazzi's Palermo Catalog ("[https://books.google.com/books?id=O3lbAAAAQAAJ&q=Pherkad+Minor Verzeichnifs der in Piazzi's neustem Stern-Catalog (Edit. Panormi 1814.) vorkommenden arabischen Stern-Namen]"), writing out "Pherkad minor" for 11 UMi.

Despite their relative proximity, γ UMi and 11 UMi are unrelated. 11 UMi is a red giant star (spectral type K4III) approximately 411 light years away, while the brighter star γ UMi is a white giant (spectral type A2III) star at distance 493 light years.

In 2009, a candidate giant exoplanet was reported by [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2009A%26A...505.1311D/abstract Dollinger et al.] orbiting 11 UMi with a ~1.4 year period. The minimum mass of the companion has been reported to be between about [https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/overview/11%20UMi#planet_11-UMi-b_collapsible 10 and 15 Jupiter masses], and with an unknown inclination, the true mass of the companion may correspond to a brown dwarf rather than giant exoplanet.

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name Pherkad Minor was in sufficiently common use that it has been in SIMBAD for some time. IAU WGSN adopted the name for the IAU Catalog of Star Names in 202x.
== Weblinks ==

* [https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/overview/11%20UMi NASA Exoplanet Archive link for 11 UMi]

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )

[[Category:Single star-asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]

Pherkad Minor

2026-03-19T04:24:23Z

Ericmamajek: added to history (Palermo Catalog, Piazzi, von Zach)

{{distinguish|Pherkad}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:PherkadMinor stellarium.jpg|thumb|Pherkad Minor in Stellarium (2026).]]
"Pherkad Minor" is the a common name for 11 UMi (5.01 mag) in [[Ursa Minor]].

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
The name "[[Pherkad]]" has been used in recent times. It is derived from the singular form of the ind-A asterism name al-farqadan, "the Two Calves", for β and γ UMi. The name Pherkad was adopted by WGSN for the 3rd magnitude star γ UMi into the IAU-Catalog of Star Names in 2016.

The star [https://simbad.cds.unistra.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=Pherkad+Minor 11 UMi] ((HR 5714, HD 136726, HIP 74793) is a somewhat fainter (Vmag = 5.01) neighbour to γ UMi (Vmag = 3.00 mag), approximately 17 arcminutes away westward.

In the years after his 1801 discovery of the dwarf planet Ceres, Giuseppe Piazzi published the "Palermo Catalogue" containing positions for over 7000 stars, with a first edition in 1802 and a second edition in 1814 ("[https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433087548214&view=1up&seq=5 Praecipuarum Stellarum Inerrantium Positiones Mediae Ineunte Saeculo XIX. Ex Observationibus Habitis In Specula Panormitana Ab anno 1792 ad annum 1813]") . In compiling this catalog, Piazzi included nearly 200 proper names for stars, some of which were new. Some names were borrowed from names of Arabian asterisms but with transliterated names, sometimes with descriptors, and assigned to individual stars. Piazzi labeled the brighter star γ UMi as "Pherkad ma." [i.e. "major"] and the fainter nearby star 11 UMi was labeled "Pherkad mi." [i.e. "minor"]. Shortly afterwards, Franz Xaver von Zach (1816) reproduced a list of the star names from Piazzi's Palermo Catalog ("[https://books.google.com/books?id=O3lbAAAAQAAJ&q=Pherkad+Minor Verzeichnifs der in Piazzi's neustem Stern-Catalog (Edit. Panormi 1814.) vorkommenden arabischen Stern-Namen]"), writing out "Pherkad minor" for 11 UMi.

Despite their relative proximity, γ UMi and 11 UMi are unrelated. 11 UMi is a red giant star (spectral type K4III) approximately 411 light years away, while the brighter star γ UMi is a white giant (spectral type A2III) star at distance 493 light years.

In 2009, a candidate giant exoplanet was reported by [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2009A%26A...505.1311D/abstract Dollinger et al.] orbiting 11 UMi with a ~1.4 year period. The minimum mass of the companion has been reported to be between about [https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/overview/11%20UMi#planet_11-UMi-b_collapsible 10 and 15 Jupiter masses], and with an unknown inclination, the true mass of the companion may correspond to a brown dwarf rather than giant exoplanet.

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name has been in SIMBAD for long time and was approved by the IAU WGSN in 202x. As this star is already named ..., the WGSN chose ... (not to apply/ to apply the name to a neighbouring star/ to ...) in the IAU-CSN.

== Weblinks ==

* [https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/overview/11%20UMi NASA Exoplanet Archive link for 11 UMi]

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )

[[Category:Single star-asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]

Rangifer

2025-12-14T20:33:15Z

Ericmamajek: /* Stars inside the Constellation Area */

[[File:Reindeer LeMonnier1743 hi.png|thumb|Reindeer in Le Monnier (1743), see also: [https://www.e-rara.ch/zut/content/zoom/694976 rara Zurich]]]
''Rangifer'', the Reindeer, is an extinct constellation first introduced by Pierre-Charles Le Monnier in 1743 in the book ''La Théorie des Comètes''.
==Concordance, Etymology, History==
[[File:Elk Sami stellarium.jpg|thumb|Sarva, The Elk, in Sami uranography (Stellarium).]]
[[File:Sidney Hall - Urania's Mirror - Camelopardalis, Tarandus and Custos Messium.jpg|thumb|Rangifer in Sidney Hall (1825) plate 2 in ''Urania's Mirror'']]
[[File:Bode custom rengifer.jpg|thumb|Rangifer and Custom Messium (Bode 1801)]]
The constellation is discussed at length on Ian Ridpath's Star Tales<ref name=":0">Ian Ridpath (online edition), Star Tales, http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/rangifer.html</ref> and John Barentine (2016)<ref>John Barentine's (2016) "''The Lost Constellations: A History of Obsolete, Extinct, or Forgotten Star Lore.''" Springer</ref>, Chapter 20 (p.307). Le Monnier was part of the 1736-1737 expeditions by Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis to Lapland which improved the measurement of the length of a degree of latitude and convincingly demonstrated the oblateness of the Earth. The reindeer and placement of the constellation just below the north celestial pole appear to commemorate the expedition and achievement.

=== Origin of Constellation ===
Ridpath<ref name=":0" /> elaborates: <blockquote>A faint, far-northern constellation introduced in 1743 on a star chart published by the Frenchman Pierre-Charles Le Monnier (1715–99) in his book ''La Théorie des Comètes''. The chart showed the track of the comet of 1742 through the north polar region of the sky and Le Monnier was inspired to place a new constellation representing a reindeer on the comet’s course, close to the north celestial pole between [[Cepheus]] and [[Camelopardalis]]. Le Monnier chose a reindeer as a reminder of his trip to Lapland in 1736–37 with the expedition of Pierre Louis de Maupertuis to measure the length of a degree of latitude in the far north. (The Sami people of northern Scandinavia also visualized a reindeer called Sarvvis, or Sarva, among the stars, but theirs was much bigger, incorporating Auriga, [[Perseus]], [[Cassiopeia]], and [[Cepheus]].)</blockquote><blockquote>The same chart was republished in 1746 in Le Monnier’s book Institutions astronomiques but with no further explanation of the new constellation that appeared on it. Le Monnier seems never to have published a list of its stars, but Bode in his catalogue ''Allgemeine Beschreibung und Nachweisung der Gestirne'' of 1801 assigned it 46 stars of 5th to 7th magnitude plus one deep-sky object, the galaxy NGC 1184. Most of these are now within the borders of northern Cepheus.</blockquote><blockquote>On Le Monnier’s chart the constellation was named ‘''le Réene''’, a spelling that was adopted by his fellow Frenchman Jean Fortin in his ''Atlas Céleste'' of 1776 (with the addition of an accent over the first letter ''e'': Réene). However, the name should more accurately have been ‘le Renne’, and Fortin changed it on his revised edition of 1795. Bode Latinized it as Rangifer on his ''Uranographia'' of 1801. An alternative name found on some maps was Tarandus from the reindeer’s scientific name, Rangifer tarandus. </blockquote>As summarized by Ridpath and Barentine, the constellation of the reindeer appeared by several names during its life during the 18th and 19th centuries: "''Le Reene''" (in Le Monnier 1743), "''le Réene''" (Le Monnier 1746, Fortin 1776), "''le Renne''" (Fortin 1795), "''Rennthier''" (Bode 1876), "''Rangifer''" (Latin name, Bode 1801 Uranographia), "''Tarandus''" (Urania's Mirror 1825, Chambers 1877).

Carl Linnaeus (1758) dubbed the reindeer species of the Eurasian tundra "''cervus tarandus''", and Charles Hamilton Smith (1827) introduced the genus name ''Rangifer.'' Species and subspecies of ''Rangifer'' are called reindeer in Eurasia and caribou in North America. In a recent review by Lee Harding (2022, ZooKeys (1119): 117–151), 18 species or subspecies are now recognized in North America and 31 in Europe and Asia. "Reindeer" may have its origin from the Old Norse ''hreindýri.''

Rangifer was comprised of very faint stars, indeed Bode's (1801) catalog, ''Allgemeine Beschreibung und Nachweisung der Gestirne'' listed 47 stars in the constellation, most of which were magnitudes 6 and 7, and only one of 5th magnitude.

==== Stars inside the Constellation Area ====
Barentine (2016, Fig. 8.20) overlays the Urania's Mirror version of the constellation over a modern star map. It appears that the brightest stars in Rangifer were the following:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!design.
!HIP
!HR
!Vmag
|-
|2 UMi
|5372
|285
|4.25
|-
|HD 19275
|14862
|932
|4.92
|-
|OV Cep
|37391
|2609
|5.07
|-
|49 Cas
|9763
|592
|5.22
|-
|40 Cas
|7650
|456
|5.25
|-
|47 Cas
|9727
|581
|5.38
|}
The brightest and northernmost (declination 86°) of these Rangifer stars is [https://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=2+UMi 2 Ursae Minoris], which is actually in modern-day Cepheus. The star marks the tip of the tail in LeMonnier's original drawing and in Bode (1782) but is not part of the figure in Bode (1801).
===Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation===
<gallery>
File:Reindeer LeMonnier1743 hi.png|Le Monnier (1743)
File:Bode custom rengifer.jpg|Bode (1801)
File:Sidney Hall - Urania's Mirror - Camelopardalis, Tarandus and Custos Messium.jpg|Hall (1825)
</gallery>

==Mythology==

==Weblinks==

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangifer_(constellation)

==References==

*[[References]] (general)
*[[References (Babylonian)]]
*[[References (Greco-Roman)|References (ancient Greco-Roman)]]
*[[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (medieval)]]

[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:Constellation]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:European]]
[[Category:Modern]]

<references />

Rangifer

2025-12-14T09:42:39Z

Ericmamajek:

''Rangifer'' - the reindeer - is an extinct constellation first introduced by Pierre-Charles Le Monnier in 1743 in the book ''La Théorie des Comètes''.

The constellation is discussed at length on Ian Ridpath's Star Tales website (http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/rangifer.html) and Chapter 20 (p.307) of John Barentine's (2016) "''The Lost Constellations: A History of Obsolete, Extinct, or Forgotten Star Lore.''"

Le Monnier was part of the 1736-1737 expeditions by Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis to Lapland which improved the measurement of the length of a degree of latitude and convincingly demonstrated the oblateness of the Earth. The reindeer and placement of the constellation just below the north celestial pole appear to commemorate the expedition and achievement.

As summarized by Ridpath and Barentine, the constellation of the reindeer appeared by several names during its life during the 18th and 19th centuries: "''Le Reene''" (in Le Monnier 1743), "''le Réene''" (Le Monnier 1746, Fortin 1776), "''le Renne''" (Fortin 1795), "''Rennthier''" (Bode 1876), "''Rangifer''" (Latin name, Bode 1801 Uranographia), "''Tarandus''" (Urania's Mirror 1825, Chambers 1877).

Carl Linnaeus (1758) dubbed the reindeer species of the Eurasian tundra "''cervus tarandus''", and Charles Hamilton Smith (1827) introduced the genus name ''Rangifer.'' Species and subspecies of ''Rangifer'' are called reindeer in Eurasia and caribou in North America. In a recent review by Lee Harding (2022, ZooKeys (1119): 117–151), 18 species or subspecies are now recognized in North America and 31 in Europe and Asia. "Reindeer" may have its origin from the Old Norse ''hreindýri.''

Rangifer was comprised of very faint stars, indeed Bode's (1801) catalog ''Allgemeine Beschreibung und Nachweisung der Gestirne'' listed 47 stars in the constellation, most of which were magnitudes 6 and 7, and only one of 5th magnitude.

Barentine (2016, Fig. 8.20) overlays the Urania's Mirror version of the constellation over a modern star map. It appears that the brightest stars in Rangifer were 2 UMi (V=4.25 mag), HR 932 (V=4.92), OV Cep (V=5.07), 49 Cas (V=5.22), 40 Cas (V=5.25), and 47 Cas (V=5.38).

The brightest and northernmost (declination 86 deg) of these Rangifer stars is 2 Ursa Minoris, which is actually in modern-day Cepheus.

References:

http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/rangifer.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangifer_(constellation)

Rangifer

2025-12-14T09:28:07Z

Ericmamajek: added etymology and uses of different names

''Rangifer'' - the reindeer - is an extinct constellation first introduced by Pierre-Charles Le Monnier in 1743 in the book ''La Théorie des Comètes''.

The constellation is discussed at length on Ian Ridpath's Star Tales website (http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/rangifer.html) and Chapter 20 (p.307) of John Barentine's (2016) "''The Lost Constellations: A History of Obsolete, Extinct, or Forgotten Star Lore.''"

Le Monnier was part of the 1736-1737 expeditions by Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis to Lapland which improved the measurement of the length of a degree of latitude and convincingly demonstrated the oblateness of the Earth. The reindeer and placement of the constellation just below the north celestial pole appear to commemorate the expedition and achievement.

As summarized by Ridpath and Barentine, the constellation of the reindeer appeared by several names during its life during the 18th and 19th centuries: "''Le Reene''" (in Le Monnier 1743), "''le Réene''" (Le Monnier 1746, Fortin 1776), "''le Renne''" (Fortin 1795), "''Rennthier''" (Bode 1876), "''Rangifer''" (Latin name, Bode 1801 Uranographia), "''Tarandus''" (Urania's Mirror 1825, Chambers 1877).

Carl Linnaeus (1758) dubbed the reindeer species of the Eurasian tundra "''cervus tarandus''", and Charles Hamilton Smith (1827) introduced the genus name ''Rangifer.'' Species and subspecies of ''Rangifer'' are called reindeer in Eurasia and caribou in North America. In a recent review by Lee Harding (2022, ZooKeys (1119): 117–151), 18 species or subspecies are now recognized in North America and 31 in Europe and Asia. "Reindeer" may have its origin from the Old Norse ''hreindýri.''

Rangifer was comprised of very faint stars, indeed Bode's (1801) catalog ''Allgemeine Beschreibung und Nachweisung der Gestirne'' listed 47 stars in the constellation, most of which were magnitudes 6 and 7, and only one of 5th magnitude.

References:

http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/rangifer.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangifer_(constellation)

Rangifer

2025-12-14T08:36:54Z

Ericmamajek:

Rangifer (or Tarandus) is an extinct constellation first introduced by Pierre-Charles Le Monnier in 1743 in the book ''La Théorie des Comètes''.

The constellation is discussed at length on Ian Ridpath's Star Tales website (http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/rangifer.html) and Chapter 20 (p.307) of John Barentine's (2016) "''The Lost Constellations: A History of Obsolete, Extinct, or Forgotten Star Lore.''"

Rangifer was comprised of very faint stars, indeed Bode's (1801) catalog ''Allgemeine Beschreibung und Nachweisung der Gestirne'' listed 47 stars in the constellation, most of which were magnitudes 6 and 7, and only one of 5th magnitude.

References:

http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/rangifer.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangifer_(constellation)

Rangifer

2025-12-14T08:25:59Z

Ericmamajek: start of page

Rangifer

Bardardi

2025-12-14T04:08:31Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Bardardi, a ceremonial meeting place, is a name for an asterism in [[Aquila]] from the Australian Wardaman people.

==Etymology and History==
"Bardardi" is the Wardaman Aboriginal name from Cairns & Harney (2003,<ref>Cairns, H. and Harney, B.Y. (2003) Dark Sparklers - Yidumduma's Aboriginal Astronomy. H.C. Cairns, Merimbula, NSW</ref> p.198) for a ceremonial meeting place.

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was discussed by IAU WGSN in 2018 but no action was taken. The name may be revisited in a future WGSN meeting.

Mu Aquilae lacks a proper name in SIMBAD, [[wikipedia:Mu_Aquilae|wikipedia]], Bright Star Catalog (4th, 5th editions), and Kunitzsch & Smart (2006).
== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Australia_and_New_Zealand‏‎]]
[[Category:Wardaman]]
[[Category:Aql]]

Jirradella

2025-12-14T04:03:41Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Jirradella, rainbow signs, is a name for the star β TrA (in [[Triangulum Australe]]) from the Australian Wardaman people.

==Etymology and History==
The Wardaman name "Jirradella" means "rainbow's sign" (Cairns & Harney, 2003,<ref>Cairns, H. and Harney, B.Y. (2003) Dark Sparklers - Yidumduma's Aboriginal Astronomy. H.C. Cairns, Merimbula, NSW</ref> p.201).

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was discussed by the IAU WGSN in 2018, however no action was taken in adopting it for a star. The name may be revisited at a future WGSN meeting.

Beta Trianguli Australis lacks a proper name in [https://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=bet+TrA SIMBAD], the [[wikipedia:Beta_Trianguli_Australis|wikipedia]], Bright Star Catalog (4th, 5th editions), and Kunitzsch & Smart (2006). see also http://stars.astro.illinois.edu/sow/betatra.html
== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Australia_and_New_Zealand‏‎]]
[[Category:Wardaman]]
[[Category:TrA]]

Muning

2025-12-14T04:02:22Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

[[File:Lotella rhacina.jpg|thumb|A Beardie (''Lotella rhacina''). Blue Fish Point, Sydney, NSW (CC BY Richard Ling).]]
Muning is a name for two stars (γ and β Ser) in [[Serpens]] from the Australian Wardaman people.

==Etymology and History==
"Muning" is the Wardaman name, meaning "the Small Rock Cod" (Cairns & Harney, 2003,<ref name=":0">Cairns, H. and Harney, B.Y. (2003) Dark Sparklers - Yidumduma's Aboriginal Astronomy. H.C. Cairns, Merimbula, NSW</ref> p. 200)

Cairns & Harney (2003,<ref name=":0" /> p.110): <blockquote>"The other two stars seen in Serpens Caput are Muning, the Small Rock Cod, also to do with rebirth - and the Wulanggman Mungamunga Spiritual Women themselves. These important Spirituals and their places in the night Sky are said to abound in the rock ant sites in Wardaman lands below, and the meeting places which make Corona Borealis outstanding in the night sky are also presented in the cultural landscape down below. The practical way that Bill Yidumduma Harney has the observation of animals meeting linked with the geography of his land and the ancestral Dreaming Creation is clear with the ancestral stories about and importance of this Northern Crown."</blockquote>

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was discussed by IAU WGSN in 2018, however no action was taken in adopting it for a given star. WGSN may revisit the name in a future meeting.

Gamma Serpentis (γ Ser) does not have a proper name in [http://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=gam+Ser SIMBAD], the Bright Star Catalog (4th, 5th editions), the [[wikipedia:Gamma_Serpentis|wikipedia]] or Kunitzsch & Smart (2006). see also http://stars.astro.illinois.edu/sow/gammaser.html
== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Australia_and_New_Zealand‏‎]]
[[Category:Wardaman]]
[[Category:Ser]]

Lardlung

2025-12-14T04:00:35Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

Lardlung, Big Trading Place, is a name for an asterism in [[Aquila]] from the Australian Wardaman people.

==Etymology and History==
The Wardaman name "Lardlung" is the name of a "big trading place", adjacent to the [[Bardardi]] "meeting place" in the constellation [[Aquila]] (Cairns & Harney, 2003,<ref>Cairns, H. and Harney, B.Y. (2003) Dark Sparklers - Yidumduma's Aboriginal Astronomy. H.C. Cairns, Merimbula, NSW</ref> p. 198).

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name Lardlung was discussed by WGSN in 2018, but no action was taken on adopting it for a star. It may be reconsidered in the future.

sig Aql currently has no proper name in [https://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/simbad/sim-id?Ident=sig+Aql SIMBAD], the [[wikipedia:Sigma_Aquilae|wikipedia]], Bright Star Catalog (4th, 5th editions), or Kunitzsch & Smart (2006).

== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]

[[Category:Asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Australia_and_New_Zealand‏‎]]
[[Category:Wardaman]]
[[Category:Aql]]

Custos Messium

2025-12-13T21:33:18Z

Ericmamajek: /* Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation */

This constellation was invented in Early Modern Time by the French astronomer Joseph Jérôme de Lalande (1732–1807). Custos Messium is recognized as an 'extinct constellation' that fell into obscurity after the early 19th century.

==Etymology and History==

=== Origin of Constellation ===
[[File:Young1807 Custos-hi.JPG|thumb|Custos Messium as Vineyard Keeper in Young (1807). A Course of Lectures on Natural Philosophy and the Mechanical Arts.]]
Ian Ridpath writes:<ref>Ian Ridpath, Star Tales (online edition) on [http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/custosmessium.html Custos Messium].</ref> <blockquote>This far-northern constellation was introduced by the French astronomer Joseph Jérôme de Lalande (1732–1807) on his celestial globe of 1775, and was described by him in an accompanying pamphlet titled Explication des nouveaux globes céleste et terrestre (see this review from the Journal des Sçavans of 1776 November). The name Custos Messium is a punning reference to his countryman Charles Messier, the famed comet hunter, and in fact the constellation was often known simply as Messier, particularly in France. Its brightest star was the present-day 50 Cassiopeiae, of 4th magnitude.
(...)

Lalande chose this previously anonymous area of sky because it was here that the [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Umxbb68tmZMC&lpg=PA461&ots=QII3PM4hTf&dq=c%2F1774%20P1%20montaigne&pg=PA461#v=onepage&q=c%2F1774%20P1%20montaigne&f=false comet of 1774 (now known as C/1774 P1)] was first seen. The comet was extensively observed by Messier but, ironically, was not discovered by him – the discoverer in this case was actually another Frenchman, Jacques Laibats-Montaigne (1716–88).

The British scientist Thomas Young (1773–1829) renamed the figure the Vineyard Keeper on his chart of the northern hemisphere sky published in 1807 in A Course of Lectures on Natural Philosophy and the Mechanical Arts, but even this was not enough to broaden its appeal and it withered into obscurity.

John Barentine has a chapter on Custos Messium in Chapter 7 of his 2016 book "The Lost Constellations: A History of Obsolete, Extinct, or Forgotten Star Lore." Figure 8.10 of his book shows Custos Messium outlined in a modern star map.

Some of the naked eye stars within the region of sky covered by Custos Messium include (in order of apparent V magnitude): 50 Cas (HIP 9598, HD 12216; V=3.95), BE Cam (HIP 17884, HD 23475; V=4.39), 48 Cas (HIP 9480, HD 12111; V=4.49), gam Cam (HIP 17959, HD 23401; V=4.59), BK Cam (HIP 15520, HD 20336; V=4.74), ome Cas (HIP 9009, HD 11529; V=4.97), 42 Cas (HIP 8016, HD 10250; V=5.18), 49 Cas (HIP 9763, HD 12339; V=5.22), 47 Cas (HIP 9727, HD 12230; V=5.27), 40 Cas (HIP 7650, HD 9774; V=5.28), 23 Cas (HIP 3721, HD 4382; V=5.42), 21 Cas (HIP 3572, HD 4161; V=5.64), 38 Cas (HIP 7078, HD 9021; V=5.82), SU Cas (HIP 13367, HD 17463; V=5.94), RZ Cas (HIP 13133, HD 17138; V=6.26), 54 Cas (HIP 10031, HD 12800; V=6.57).

The only star brighter than 4th magnitude in Custos Messium is 50 Cas (HIP 9598, HD 12216) a V=3.95 magnitude A2V main sequence star at distance 48 parsecs. </blockquote>

=== Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
The name "Custos" (Latin for "''guard''") has been proposed as a proper name for a star in the vicinity of Custos Messium to be discussed by WGSN.

== Mythology ==
no mythology.

== Weblinks ==

*

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)
* [[References (Greco-Roman)|References (ancient Greco-Roman)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (medieval)]]

[[Category:Eurasia]] [[Category:Constellation]] [[Category:European]] [[Category:Modern]]

Custos Messium

2025-12-13T21:29:27Z

Ericmamajek: added text on brightest star(s) in the constellation

This constellation was invented in Early Modern Time by the French astronomer Joseph Jérôme de Lalande (1732–1807). Custos Messium is recognized as an 'extinct constellation' that fell into obscurity after the early 19th century.

==Etymology and History==

=== Origin of Constellation ===
[[File:Young1807 Custos-hi.JPG|thumb|Custos Messium as Vineyard Keeper in Young (1807). A Course of Lectures on Natural Philosophy and the Mechanical Arts.]]
Ian Ridpath writes:<ref>Ian Ridpath, Star Tales (online edition) on [http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/custosmessium.html Custos Messium].</ref> <blockquote>This far-northern constellation was introduced by the French astronomer Joseph Jérôme de Lalande (1732–1807) on his celestial globe of 1775, and was described by him in an accompanying pamphlet titled Explication des nouveaux globes céleste et terrestre (see this review from the Journal des Sçavans of 1776 November). The name Custos Messium is a punning reference to his countryman Charles Messier, the famed comet hunter, and in fact the constellation was often known simply as Messier, particularly in France. Its brightest star was the present-day 50 Cassiopeiae, of 4th magnitude.
(...)

Lalande chose this previously anonymous area of sky because it was here that the [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Umxbb68tmZMC&lpg=PA461&ots=QII3PM4hTf&dq=c%2F1774%20P1%20montaigne&pg=PA461#v=onepage&q=c%2F1774%20P1%20montaigne&f=false comet of 1774 (now known as C/1774 P1)] was first seen. The comet was extensively observed by Messier but, ironically, was not discovered by him – the discoverer in this case was actually another Frenchman, Jacques Laibats-Montaigne (1716–88).

The British scientist Thomas Young (1773–1829) renamed the figure the Vineyard Keeper on his chart of the northern hemisphere sky published in 1807 in A Course of Lectures on Natural Philosophy and the Mechanical Arts, but even this was not enough to broaden its appeal and it withered into obscurity.

John Barentine has a chapter on Custos Messium in Chapter 7 of his 2016 book "The Lost Constellations: A History of Obsolete, Extinct, or Forgotten Star Lore." Figure 8.10 of his book shows Custos Messium outlined in a modern star map.

Some of the naked eye stars within the region of sky covered by Custos Messium include (in order of apparent V magnitude): 50 Cas (HIP 9598, HD 12216; V=3.95), BE Cam (HIP 17884, HD 23475; V=4.39), 48 Cas (HIP 9480, HD 12111; V=4.49), gam Cam (HIP 17959, HD 23401; V=4.59), BK Cam (HIP 15520, HD 20336; V=4.74), ome Cas (HIP 9009, HD 11529; V=4.97), 42 Cas (HIP 8016, HD 10250; V=5.18), 49 Cas (HIP 9763, HD 12339; V=5.22), 47 Cas (HIP 9727, HD 12230; V=5.27), 40 Cas (HIP 7650, HD 9774; V=5.28), 23 Cas (HIP 3721, HD 4382; V=5.42), 21 Cas (HIP 3572, HD 4161; V=5.64), 38 Cas (HIP 7078, HD 9021; V=5.82), SU Cas (HIP 13367, HD 17463; V=5.94), RZ Cas (HIP 13133, HD 17138; V=6.26), 54 Cas (HIP 10031, HD 12800; V=6.57).

The only star brighter than 4th magnitude in Custos Messium is 50 Cas (HIP 9598, HD 12216) a V=3.95 magnitude A2V main sequence star at distance 48 parsecs. </blockquote>

=== Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===

== Mythology ==
no mythology.

== Weblinks ==

*

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)
* [[References (Greco-Roman)|References (ancient Greco-Roman)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (medieval)]]

[[Category:Eurasia]] [[Category:Constellation]] [[Category:European]] [[Category:Modern]]

Al-Aybasan

2025-11-16T00:00:13Z

Ericmamajek: added text about star

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Alaybasān (الأيبسان)}}
[[File:Bodleian-Library-MS-Marsh-144 00183 p-173 reduced.jpg|thumb|A page from the manuscript related to the constellation Triangulum from Ṣuwar al-Kawākib by al-Ṣūfī, belonging to the Marsh 144 manuscript at the Bodleian Library, where the names of Alpha and Beta Trianguli are mentioned as "al-Ayibasān".]]
al-Aybasān (الأيبسان), the Two Joints (of bones), is an Indigenous Arabian asterism. Name variants are Al-Anīsān (الأنيسان) and Al-Baysan. The later spelling variant al-Anīsān that originated from a mistake changed the meaning, as it translates The Two Friends.

It is also a modern IAU-star name, then spelled without hyphen: "Alaybasan" is the name for β Tri in [[Triangulum]].

==Concordance, Etymology and History==

===Spelling Variants===

* al-Aybasān '''(الأيبسان)'''
** al-Ayibsān (transliteration variant)
** al-Aybasān (transliteration variant)
** al-Ayibānān (transliteration variant)
** al-Baysan (transliteration variant)
** Al-Ubaysān (no meaning, misspelling)
* al-Anīsān ('''''الأنيسان ,''''' variant / alternative name)
** Al-Unṯayān (no meaning, misspelling)

Based on classical Arabic sources,<ref>''[https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/c1caa84c-f6d2-483f-9eb4-2439cccdc801/ Bodleian Library, Marsh 144]'' – A manuscript of ''Ṣuwar al-Kawākib'' by al-Ṣūfī, dated ca. 400 AH </ref> the name Al-Aybisan, meaning "the two joints (bones) of Aries", while "Al-Anisan" may be a variant or alternative spelling of this name<ref>'''Khalid al-ʿAjjājī’s''' commentary on ''Urjūzat al-Kawākib''</ref> (see below).

===Concordance ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
!
!Al-Anīsān (الأنيسان)
!'''al-Aybisān (الأيبسان)'''
!Al-Ubaysān
'''(al-Baysān)'''
(no meaning)
!Al-Unṯayān
(no meaning)
|-
|
|
|[[File:Laffitte Tri Friends.png|thumb|Al-Anīsān, The Two Friends, in Laffitte (2012)]]
|[[File:01S alHamalblue.png|thumb|The Arabian Ram (al-Hamal), CC BY Khalid Al-Ajaji (2025)]]
|
|
|-
|
|Ibn Qutayba(al-Anwāʾ fī Mawāsim al-ʿarab)<ref>Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī, Abū Muḥammad ʿAbdallah b. Muslim. 1956. ''Kitāb al-anwāʾ (fī mawāsim al-ʿArab)''. Hyderabad: Maṭbaʿat Majlis Dāʾirat al-Maʿārif al-ʿUthmāniyya.</ref>
|x
|
|
|
|-
|
|Ibn Sīda (al-Muḫaṣṣaṣ, 9th book)
|
|
|x
|
|-
|
|Al-Marzūqī (al-Azmina wa al-Amkina)
|
|
|
|x
|-
|~1010
|Bodleian Library MS. Marsh 144<ref>''Bodleian Library, Marsh 144'' – A manuscript of ''Ṣuwar al-Kawākib'' by al-Ṣūfī, dated ca. 400 AH</ref>
|
|x
|
|
|-
|~1270
|Libros del saber (1262-1279)
|x
|
|
|
|-
|1318
|Urjuzat ibn al-Ṣūfī's Poem of the Stars<ref>''Süleymaniye Library, Istanbul – Lala Mustafa Pasha Collection 2698'' – A copy of Ibn al-Ṣūfī’s ''Urjūza'', dated 718 AH (copied from an earlier version dated 519 AH)</ref>
|
|x
|
|
|-
|1319
|ibn Sīda<ref>''Ibn Sīda, al-Mukhaṣṣaṣ'', vol. 9 – Printed in Bulaq, Egypt (1319 AH)</ref>
|
|
|x
|
|-
|
|al-Marzūqī
|x
|
|
|x
|-
|1834/5
|Sédillo (1834/5)
|x
|
|
|
|-
|1959
|Kunitzsch (1959: 37, No 12)<ref>Kunitzsch, Paul (1961). ''Untersuchungen zur Sternnomenklatur der Araber.'' Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz.</ref>
|x
|
|
|
|}

===Identifications & Maps===

===='''''al-Aybasān''''' per Khalid AlAjaji====
[[File:01S alHamalblue.png|thumb|The Arabian Ram (al-Hamal), CC BY Khalid Al-Ajaji (2025)]]
I believe that “Al-Anīsān” - Arabic (الأنيسان) is a scribal error that went undetected for a very very long time. The correct name for the two stars α,β Tri is “al-Aybasān” - Arabic (الأيبسان).

For Ibn Qutayba, the editors said in a footnote that the word in the manuscript was without dots (n, i, or b letters all have the same shape but n has a dot over, the letter ya (i) has two dots under and b has one dot under). I inspected the manuscript myself and found the word without dots. The editors of Ibn Qutayba manuscript said that correcting the word to be “Al-Anīsān” is according to the edition of al-Ṣūfī<ref>al-Ṣūfī, Abū al-Ḥusayn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān b. ʿUmar. 1981. ''Kitāb ṣuwar al-kawākib al-thamāniya wa al-arbaʿīn.'' Beirut: Dār al-Āfāq al-Jadīda.</ref> book. This edition of al-Ṣūfī book was based mainly on the manuscript of Ulug Beg MS 5036 of BNF, where the name was without dots.

For ibn Sīda, the name “Al-Ubaysān” – Arabic (الأبيسان) has no meaning. The two letters يـ (ya) and بـ(b) have been switched and the dots were confused. The original should be “al-Aybasān” - Arabic (الأيبسان).

For al-Marzūqī printed book (Dār al-Maʿārif al-ʿuṯmāniya), the whole edition is full of errors and is not reliable, so we cannot trust that “ Al-Unṯayān” is a good reading of what was in the manuscript.

Another edition of al-Marzūqī (al-Azmina wa al-Amkina) by Dr. Moḥammad Nayef al-Dulaymī is based on the edition of Dār al-Maʿārif al-ʿuṯmāniya. Dr. al-Dulaymī tried to correct the errors on the first edition by comparing the text with other references and lexicons. He corrected “Al-Unṯayān” to be “Al-Anīsān”. His source was Dozy, Reinhart, Supplément aux dictionnaires arabes. We find there : الأنيسان : deux étoiles du Triangle, Sédillot 132, Alf. Astr. I, 55. Dozy is referring to Sédillo (1834/5)<ref>Sédillot, Jean-Jacques (1834/5).Traite des instruments astronomiques des Arabes compose au Treizieme siecle par Aboul Hhasan Ali De Maroc, Jean-Jacques Sedillot, volume 1, page 140</ref>:

*La boréale des Anisaine, ou boréale de la base du Triangle.
*L'australe des Anisaine, ou australe de la base du Triangle.

And to the Libros del saber de astronomía del Rey Alfonso X de Castilla, Tomo I, 55:

* “et en aráuiguo almucalec. et a en esta figura cuatro estrellas. et es la primera en la cabeça del triángulo. et dízenle en aráuiguo raçalmucelet. que quier dezir la cabeça del triángulo. La segunda es la delantrera de las tres que son en ell fondon. et llaman á estas dos estrellas en aráuiguo alanicen.”

These two resources are dated ~ 1262-1279 AD and indicate that the printed material mentioning Al-Anīsān does not come from early sources.

The name "al-Aybasān" (Arabic: الأيبسان) appears in two key manuscripts from earlier periods. The first is Bodleian Library MS. Marsh 144, where it is written alongside the image of the Triangulum constellation. The second is Urjuzat ibn al-Ṣūfī's Poem of the Stars, found in the Laleli collection at Süleymaniye Library, MS 2698.

MS. Marsh 144 dated 400 H, (~ 1010 AD), was written by the son of al-Ṣūfī.

MS 2698, dated 718H (1318 AD), was copied from a manuscript dated 519H (1125 AD). It traces back to a manuscript written by the son of al-Ṣūfī, who authored the poem around 380H (990 AD).

One argument supporting “al-Aybasān” is its compatibility with the image of the Arabic Lamb.<ref>Kitāb al-ʿayn, al-Ḫalīl ibn Aḥmad al-Farāhīdī (~719 – 790 AD), volume 6, page 234, edition by Dr. Mahdī al-Maḫzūmī and Dr. Ibrahīm al-Sāmirrāī. See also: ibn Qutayba, al-Anwāʾ, pg 17, al-Marzūqī, al-Azmina wa al-Amkina, ch 6 and 18.</ref><ref>ibn Qutayba, al-Anwāʾ, pg 20, 21 and al-Marzūqī, al-Azmina wa al-Amkina, ch 6.</ref> Al-Aybasān refers to the two thin bones in the shins of the legs. The positioning of the stars aligns with the placement of the Lamb's front legs. Additionally, the name appears in the poem fitting the poem's metre, unlike “Al-Anīsān”.

Conclusion

*The name of the two stars α,β Tri is “al-Aybasān” - Arabic (الأيبسان).
*“Al-Anīsān” - Arabic (الأنيسان) should not have an independent entry and should be noted as a scribal error.
*The name “al-Ayibsān” mentioned by Mr. Laffitte and Mr. Sadegh is a wrong transliteration of Arabic (الأَيْبَسان).
*The two names: al-Baysān and al-Ayibsān mentioned in the ASE: Al-Anīsān entry as spelling variants cannot be as such, and there is no clear meaning of these two words.

[[File:Laffitte Tri Friends.png|thumb|Al-Anīsān, The Two Friends, in Laffitte (2012); map and drawing. ]]

===='''''Al-Anīsān الأنيسان''''' in Laffitte (2012<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Le ciel des Arabes'', 2012</ref>, 2025<ref>Roland Laffitte, ''Nommer les étoile: 500 noms hérités des Arabes - Apport de l'uranographie arabe'', Orient des Mots, 2025 ([https://uranos.fr/500-noms-herites-des-arabes/ online])</ref>).====
{| class="wikitable"
|''αβ Tri''
|''al-Anīsān''
|the Two Friends
|Qutayba
|-
|
|''al-Ḫiṣaṣ''
|the Notables
|''Ḏ. man.''
|}

==Transfer and Transformation==
<gallery>
File:01S alHamalblue.png|The Arabian Ram (al-Hamal), CC BY Khalid Al-Ajaji (2025)
File:Laffitte Tri Friends.png|Al-Anisan, Friends (Laffitte 2012).
</gallery>

==IAU Working Group Star Names==
In 2025, WGSN discussed names for the stars in [[Triangulum]].

# alpha was already named: [[Mothallah]]
# beta - there was a Chinese suggestion, but the Arabic Subgroup has strong reasons to get this star, as there is an old name "Al-Anisan" which only covers alf+bet Tri, while the Chinese constellation is much larger and its name can be used for other stars.
# The Arabic Subgroup studied the names and found that - indeed - ''Al-Anisan'' derives from a misreading, but it is as old as the original name ''Al-Aybasan''.
# In respect and appreciation of the native people, the decision was given to the native Arabic group member.

The name "Alaybasan" was adopted by Beta Tri on 7 Nov. 2025. Hyphens are allowed in star names, but are depreciated due to common practice for centuries (see Aldebaran, Altair...).

Beta Trianguli was originally listed as a A5III (giant luminosity class) in the Morgan-Keenan (1943) and Johnson-Morgan (1953) compilations of MK spectral type standard stars. It is a bright (V=3.00 mag) star at distance 39 parsecs, and was among the most luminous stars with a dusty debris disk resolved by the Herschel Space Observatory (Pawellek et al. 2014). Beta Tri was discovered to be a spectroscopic binary by Samuel Mitchell in 1909, and resolved into its component stars using the Mark III interferometer on Mt. Wilson by Hummels et al. (1995). A recent detailed analysis by Picotti et al. (2020) finds the P=31 day binary is a case where the brighter star is actually the lower mass of the pair. Picotti et al. (2020) model star #1 as having brightness V=4.19 mag, spectral type A3III, and mass 3.5Msun, while star #2 has V=3.44 mag, spectral type A8III, and mass 1.4 Msun.

Following WGSN policy for a cases where proposed historical star names apply to the unresolved light of a stellar multiple, for this first named body in the system WGSN applies the name "Alaybasan" specifically to the brighter component (V=3.44).

==Weblinks==

*

==Reference==
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:Arabic]]
[[Category:Constellation]]
[[Category:Star Name]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name]]
[[Category:Asterism]]
[[Category:Tri]]

<references />

Cexing

2025-11-15T23:12:01Z

Ericmamajek: minor edits to text

[[Ce|Cè]] (Whip, 策) or Cexing (whip star) is a traditional Chinese star name representing the horsewhip, located beside the asterism [[Wangliang|Wangliang (王良)]] and closely associated with both [[Wangliang]] and [[Tiansi|Tiansi (天駟)]]. It belongs to the Gān school. A name variant is Tiance (celestial whip).

The name Cexing was adopted by WGSN for the star designated Kappa Cassiopeiae in 2025.

== Concordance, Etymology, History ==
The main asterism here is Wangliang, a legendary general sitting in a chariot driven by four horses (quadriga).
<gallery>
File:Qin bronze chariot.jpg|thumb|Bronze chariot in Qin dynasty (220 BCE -206 BCE). This chariot was unearthed in 1980 to the west of the burial mound of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in Lintong, Shaanxi Province. After its excavation, it was housed in the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of the First Qin Emperor. In May 2021, the second bronze chariot was relocated to the Bronze Chariot and Horse Museum of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
File:(Left) The end of jade horsewhip in late Shang and early Zhou dynasty and (Right) the demonstration of the horsewhip.jpg|thumb|(Left) The end of jade horsewhip in late Shang and early Zhou dynasty and (Right) the demonstration of the horsewhip. (credit: Palace Museum in Taiwan)
File:Wangliang and Ce in Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido.jpg|thumb|Wangliang and Ce in ''Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido''
File:Wangliang and Ce before 17th Century in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Wangliang and Ce before 17th Century in Stellarium
</gallery>

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name Cexing was proposed for Kappa Cas in 2025. After reviewing the literature and deliberation, WGSN adopted for the name for Kappa Cas for the Catalog of Star Names on 12 November 2025.

Cexing is a distant blue supergiant at a distance of about 1000 parsecs. The star served a spectral standard star of type B1Ia (Morgan, Abt, Tapscott 1978, "''Revised MK Spectral Atlas for Stars Earlier than the Sun''"). The star is a bright example of an Alpha Cygni-type variable star, as a hot supergiant showing variability at the ~0.07 mag level with a periodicity of 2.6 days. The star is a "runaway star" which is ploughing through its neighboring gas and dust, illuminating a bow shock nebula detected in the infrared by the Spitzer Space Telescope.

== Weblinks ==

* "The Shocking Behavior of a Speedy Star" https://www.nasa.gov/missions/spitzer/the-shocking-behavior-of-a-speedy-star/

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )

[[Category:Single star-asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]][[Category:Chinese]]
[[Category:Cas]]

Cexing

2025-11-15T22:56:42Z

Ericmamajek: added some text on star

Cexing is a modern IAU-star name for κ Cas. [[Ce|Cè]] (Whip, 策) or Cexing (whip star) is a traditional Chinese star name representing the horsewhip, located beside the asterism [[Wangliang|Wangliang (王良)]] and closely associated with both [[Wangliang]] and [[Tiansi|Tiansi (天駟)]]. It belongs to the Gān school.

The name "Cexing" that was adopted to the IAU-CSN was already used in ancient times. A name variant is Tiance (celestial whip).

== Concordance, Etymology, History ==
The main asterism here is Wangliang, a legendary general sitting in a chariot driven by four horses (quadriga).
<gallery>
File:Qin bronze chariot.jpg|thumb|Bronze chariot in Qin dynasty (220 BCE -206 BCE). This chariot was unearthed in 1980 to the west of the burial mound of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in Lintong, Shaanxi Province. After its excavation, it was housed in the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of the First Qin Emperor. In May 2021, the second bronze chariot was relocated to the Bronze Chariot and Horse Museum of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
File:(Left) The end of jade horsewhip in late Shang and early Zhou dynasty and (Right) the demonstration of the horsewhip.jpg|thumb|(Left) The end of jade horsewhip in late Shang and early Zhou dynasty and (Right) the demonstration of the horsewhip. (credit: Palace Museum in Taiwan)
File:Wangliang and Ce in Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido.jpg|thumb|Wangliang and Ce in ''Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido''
File:Wangliang and Ce before 17th Century in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Wangliang and Ce before 17th Century in Stellarium
</gallery>

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name Cexing was proposed for Kappa Cas in 2025. After reviewing the literature and deliberation, WGSN adopted for the name for Kappa Cas for the Catalog of Star Names on 12 November 2025.

Cexing is a distant blue supergiant at a distance of about 1000 parsecs. The star served a spectral standard star of type B1Ia (Morgan, Abt, Tapscott 1978, "''Revised MK Spectral Atlas for Stars Earlier than the Sun''"). The star is a bright example of an Alpha Cygni-type variable star, as a hot supergiant showing variability at the ~0.07 mag level with a periodicity of 2.6 days.
== Weblinks ==

*

== Reference ==
* [[References|References (general)]]
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
* Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )

[[Category:Single star-asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]][[Category:Chinese]]
[[Category:Cas]]

Tiansi

2025-11-15T22:43:06Z

Ericmamajek: /* Star Name Discussion (IAU) */

{{DISPLAYTITLE: Tiansi (天駟)}}
[[File:Qin bronze chariot.jpg|thumb|Bronze chariot in Qin dynasty (220 BCE -206 BCE) with four hourses]]
Tiān Sì (Heavenly Quadriga, 天駟) comprises four of the five stars forming the constellation [[Wangliang]] and represents the four horses pulling the chariot. It may thus be regarded as a constituent sub-constellation/asterism of [[Wangliang]].

== Concordance, Etymology, History ==
Given the intimate cultural association between Tiansi and Wangliang, the two must have been conceived simultaneously. In their earliest stage, however, they might be regarded as distinct constellations, as recorded in the ''Tianguan shu'' (Book of Heaven Officials, 天官書). Only later, in the ''Shishi xing jing'' (Shi’s Star Canon, 石氏星經) later , were they formally unified into a single constellation under the name Wang Liang. Nevertheless, even long after their amalgamation, tradition continued to recognize the leftmost four stars of Wangliang as the “Quadriga” and some star map explicitly marked them as Tian Si.

It should be noted that the lodge Fang (the fourth of the Twenty-Eight Lodges) also bore the alternate name Tian Si (“Heavenly Quadriga”), a designation that had already been in use at least as early as the late sixth century BCE—earlier than the historical figure of Wang Liang himself. The only difference lies in that Fang comprises four stars representing the quadriga, yet it lacks a corresponding charioteer such as Wang Liang.

=== Identification of stars ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Star Names
!Orders(Qing)
!Ho PENG YOKE<ref>P.-Y. Ho, “Ancient And Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae in Chinese Sources,” ''Vistas in Astronomy'', 5(1962), 127-225.</ref>
!Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981: 56.</ref>
Based on catalogue in 18th century
!Pan Nai<ref name=":02">Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 1989. p226.</ref>
based on Xinyixiangfayao Star Map and Huangyou Catalogue
!SUN X. & J. Kistemaker<ref>Sun Xiaochun. & Kistemaker J. ''The Chinese sky during the Han''. Leiden: Brill. 1997, Pp241-6.</ref>
Han Dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":12">B.-S. Yang杨伯顺, ''Zhongguo Chuantong Hengxing Guance Jingdu ji Xingguan Yanbian Yanjiu'' 中国传统恒星观测精度及星官演变研究 (A Research on the Accuracy of Chinese Traditional Star Observation and the Evolution of Constellations), PhD thesis, (Hefei: University of Science and Technology of China, 2023). 261.</ref>
before Tang dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":12" />
Song Jingyou(1034)
|-
|[[Wangliang]] (Determinative)
|1st
|beta Cas
|beta Cas
|beta Cas
|beta Cas
|beta Cas
|beta Cas
|-
| rowspan="4" |Tiansi
|2nd
|kappa Cas
|kappa Cas
|gamma Cas
|gamma Cas
|gamma Cas
|gamma Cas
|-
|3rd
|gamma Cas
|eta Cas
|eta Cas
|eta Cas
|eta Cas
|eta Cas
|-
|4th
|eta Cas
|alpha Cas
|alpha Cas
|alpha Cas
|alpha Cas
|alpha Cas
|-
|5th
|alpha Cas
|lambda Cas
|zeta Cas
|zeta Cas
|zeta Cas
|zeta Cas
|}
=== Maps (Gallery) ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!historical map
!modern identification
(Yang 2023)
!same in Stellarium 24.4
|-
|[[File:Wangliang and Ce in Suzhou Star Map.jpg|thumb|Wangliang in Suzhou Star Map]]
|[[File:Wangliang and Ce Reconstructed by Boshun Yang (2023) based on Huangyou Star Catalogue in 1052 CE.jpg|thumb|Wangliang Reconstructed by Boshun Yang (2023) based on Huangyou Star Catalogue in 1052 CE]]
|[[File:Wangliang and Ce before 17th Century in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Wangliang before 17th Century in Stellarium]]
|-
|[[File:Wangliang and Ce in Jesuits Star Map in 17th Century.jpg|thumb|Wangliang in Jesuits Star Map in 17th Century]]
|[[File:Wangliang and Ce Reconstructed by Yi Shitong (1981) based on Qing Star Catalogue in 18th Century.jpg|thumb|Wangliang Reconstructed by Yi Shitong (1981) based on Qing Star Catalogue in 18th Century]]
|[[File:Wangliang and Ce after 17th Century in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Wangliang after 17th Century in Stellarium]]
|}

== Star Name Discussion (IAU) ==
In 2025, the name of the historical constellation Tiān Sì (Heavenly Quadriga, 天駟) was proposed for a star in its region, with discussion focusing on γ Cassiopeiae.

On November 12, 2025 adopted the name Tiansi for γ Cas (27 Cas, HR 264, HD 5394, HIP 4427). γ Cas is a multiple system, and the name specifically refers to the massive primary star γ Cas Aa, which is a B0.5IVe star. The star is a famous eruptive variable, indeed the prototype of the γ Cas class, whose magnitude has varied historically between about magnitude 1.6 and 3.4. In recent years, the mean Johnson V magnitude has been around 2.17 (Smith & Henry 2021).

==References ==
[[References (Chinese)]]

[[Category:Asterism ]]
[[Category:Constellation ]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]
[[Category:Chinese ]]

Apdu

2025-11-15T22:12:52Z

Ericmamajek: /* IAU Working Group on Star Names */

[[File:The tomb of Seti I 6.jpg|thumb|Tomb of Sethy I - front (CC BY Leon Petrosyan)]]
Apd(w), ''ȝpd'', The Bird, is an ancient Egyptian constellation. There are at least 21 spelling variants<ref>Bojowald, Stefan (2024). Überlegungen zu den Schreibungen des ägyptischen Wortes ȝpd „Vogel“, Équipe Égypte Nilotique et Méditerranéenne: [http://www.enim-egyptologie.fr/revue/2024/16/Bojowald_ENiM17_p267-272.swf.pdf PDF]</ref> throughout the millennia in hierglyphs, and it is probably not any specific one.

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
=== Origin of Constellation ===
[[File:Lepsius-228-III-ramsèsVI-détail.jpg|thumb|schema of a Ramesside Star Clock (Fonctionnement d'une horloge ramesside.) from Karl Richard Lepsius - Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien: Nach den Zeichnungen der von Seiner Majestät dem Könige von Preussen Friedrich Wilhelm IV nach diesen Ländern gesendeten und in den Jahren 1842-1845 ausgeführten wissenschaftlichen Expedition.]]
The constellation is mentioned in the Ramesside Star Clocks and identified by right ascension. Ramesside Star clocks (RSC) are astronomical devices developed in ancient Egypt to measure time by the, most likely, meridian or close to meridian transit of stars. These hour stars were single stars in a few cases or belong to constellations, some of them very large, of Egyptian sky maps.

There has been two dedicated approaches including an attempt to identify these hour stars: Leitz (1995)<ref name=":0">Leitz, Ch., 1995. Altägyptische Sternuhren. OLA, 62. Leuven: Peeters.</ref> and Belmonte (2003)<ref name=":1">Belmonte, J. A., 2003. The Ramesside star clocks and the ancient Egyptian constellations. In M. Blomberg, P. E. Blomberg and G. Henriksson (Eds.), ''Calendars, Symbols, and Orientations: Legacies of Astronomy in Culture'' (pp. 57–65). ''Uppsala Astronomical Observatory report'', 59. Uppsala Ocarina Books.</ref>. Pioneers Neugebauer and Parker (1969)<ref>Neugebauer, O. and Parker, R. A., 1969. ''Egyptian Astronomical Texts'', vol. III. Providence: Brown University.</ref> thought this was a worthless exercise.

Leitz (1995)<ref name=":0" /> followed N&P hypothesis of stars transiting close to the southern horizon and reached a solution which for Belmonte (2003) was not satisfactory for varios motives. These are amply discussed in Lull and Belmonte (2006 & 2009)<ref name=":2">Belmonte, J.A. andd Lull, J., 2023. Astronomy in ancient Egypt: a cultural perspective. Cham: Springer. </ref>. This new hypothesis suggests that several RSC constellations were located in the northern skies such as the Giant (Nekht), the She-Hippo (Reret), the Mooring Post (Menyt) and the Bird (Apdu), among others of lesser entity (see also Davies, 1985<ref>Davis, V. L., 1985. Identifying Ancient Egyptian Constellations. ''Journal of the History of Astronomy'', ''16'', 102–104.</ref>). The constellation Bird could be the one represented in the northern sector of several celestial diagrams.

Belmonte first defended his ideas at SEAC2001 in Stockholm (Belmonte, 2003)<ref name=":1" /> that were later used for posterior works such as Belmonte and Lull (2023)<ref>Belmonte, J.A. andd Lull, J., 2023. Astronomy in ancient Egypt: a cultural perspective. Cham: Springer. </ref>.

Among these hypotheses, it was proposed to locate the 4 stars of the Ramesside Star clocks located in the constellation Apd (Apdu) in Triangulum and close to Algol (proposal recently endorsed by Belmonte and Lull, 2023)<ref name=":2" />. Pegasus is far in RA.

Belmonte (2003)<ref name=":1" /> proposal was, considering the corresponding RA:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Egyptian
!
!Translation
!Identification<ref name=":2" />
|-
|b'nt nt apd
|Banat net Apdu
|(the Peak of the Bird)
|Alpha Tri ([[Mothallah|Mothalla]])
|-
|tp n apd
|Tep en Apdu
|(the Head of the Bird)
|Beta Tri
|-
|htyt nt apd
|Hetyt net Apdu
|(the Throat of the Bird)
|A star in the area of [[Algol]]
|-
|kft=f
|
|Its rump (of the Bird)
|Alpha Per ([[Mirfak]])
|}
Being imaginative and avoiding interference with the stars in the Ramesside tables, which were probably the brightest in the constellation, we may even suggest for γ Tri a name of something certainly located in the head of Apdu, for example the Eye (the peak is already another hour-star).

==== Spelling Variants ====

* Apedu

*Apdu
*Apd(w)
[[File:Stellarium ApduBird.gif|thumb|Apdu bird as falcon (like the one depicted in the tomb of Sethy I in the King's Valley) mapped to Stellarium]]

==== Identifications ====
The area of The Bird must cover a region in Triangulum and close to Algol. Belmonte and Lull (2011) proposed the following identifications:

* (a) Banat net Apdu (the Peak of the Bird) - α Tri
* (b) Tep en Apdu (the Head of the Bird) - β Tri
* (c) Hetyt net Apdu (The Throat of the Bird) - a star close to Algol
* (d) Iret net Apdu (the Eye of the Bird) - γ Tri

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
There is no identification of this constellation in Neugebauer and Parker, or in Leitz (1995), as their works focussed on the so-called decan-constellation (further south).

== Religion/ Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== IAU Working Group on Star Names ==
Alpha and Beta Trianguli are already named but Gamma is not. Apdu is the name of a constellation so it is not appropriate for a single star. Considering RA, γ Tri could have served as an hour-star as well as β Tri (similar RA) and possibly formed part of the head of the Bird "Tep en Apdu" which could be a good name for it but this can cause confusion with β Tri. Hence, Irt-nt-apd(w) or "Iret net Apdu", the Eye of the Bird, would describe the position of γ Tri. Irtentapdu (for the eye of the bird, γ Tri) was proposed as a star name in 2023/5 in WGSN. Egyptian language does not spell all letters; in Irt-nt-Apd(w) some vowels can be added for easier pronounciation.

In November 2025, WGSN decided to adopt the name of the attested constellation "Apdu" rather than an invented star name within this ancient constellation. The name was adopted for γ Tri (Gamma Trianguli) as proposed.

γ Tri is a bright (V=4.0 mag) star of type A0Vn (Abt 1995) at distance of approximately 36 parsecs. [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012A%26A...537A.120Z/abstract Zorec & Royer (2012)] estimate the star to have an effective temperature of 9940 K, luminosity of about 32x that of the Sun, radius of 2.11 Rsun, mass 2.26 Msun, projected rotational velocity (vsini) 254 km/s, and age of 407+-39 million years. Fetherolf+ (2023) detects variability with period 0.450848 day in TESS photometric data, consistent with rotation. Combining the radius calculated from the Zorec and adopting the rotation period from Fetherolf, this would suggest an equatorial rotation velocity of about 236 km/s, similar to the vsini value. This suggests that the star is seen equator-on. The star also has a dusty debris disk detected by the IRAS, Spitzer, and WISE missions (e.g., [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2014ApJS..211...25C/abstract Chen et al. 2014, ApJS], 268, 4). All of its properties, including its color, equatorial rotational velocity, and even its dusty debris disk, make the star very similar to Vega, except Vega is seen nearly pole-on, and γ Tri is apparently seen nearly equator-on.

== Weblinks ==

*

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Africa]] [[Category:Egyptian]]
[[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name]]
[[Category:Tri]][[Category:Per]]

Bagu

2025-11-15T21:49:23Z

Ericmamajek: /* Star Name Discussion (IAU) */

{{DISPLAYTITLE: Bagu (八谷)}}

Bā Gǔ ( Eight Kinds of Crops, 八穀) is a Chinese constellation consisting of eight stars located within the constellations Lynx'','' Auriga, and Camelopardalis. It belongs to the asterisms introduced by Gan De and originated during the Han dynasty.

== Concordance, Etymology, History ==
The name Bagu refers to the eight types of staple grains. In the ''Kaiyuan zhanjing'' (''Divination Canon of Kaiyuan Reign'', 開元占經, compiles between 712–718 CE), a note appended to the entry for Bagu explains: “The Eight Grains are rice, millet, panicled millet, barley, wheat, soybeans, adzuki beans, and hemp.” The ancients believed that observing the asterism ''Bagu'' could be used to divine the harvest of the year: if one of its stars became invisible, it foretold that one type of grain would fail to grow; if the stars appeared dim, it signified that all eight grains would suffer a poor harvest.

=== Identification of stars ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Star Names or Orders(Traditional/Qing)
!Ho PENG YOKE<ref>P.-Y. Ho, “Ancient And Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae in Chinese Sources,” ''Vistas in Astronomy'', 5(1962), 127-225.</ref>
!Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981: 56.</ref>
Based on catalogue in 18th century
!Pan Nai<ref name=":0">Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 1989. p226.</ref>
based on Xinyixiangfayao Star Map
!SUN X. & J. Kistemaker<ref>Sun Xiaochun. & Kistemaker J. ''The Chinese sky during the Han''. Leiden: Brill. 1997, Pp241-6.</ref>
Han Dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1">B.-S. Yang杨伯顺, ''Zhongguo Chuantong Hengxing Guance Jingdu ji Xingguan Yanbian Yanjiu'' 中国传统恒星观测精度及星官演变研究 (A Research on the Accuracy of Chinese Traditional Star Observation and the Evolution of Constellations), PhD thesis, (Hefei: University of Science and Technology of China, 2023). 261.</ref>
before Tang dynasty
|-
| 1st/Determinative
| delta Aur
| delta Aur
| beta Cam
| beta Cam
| delta Aur
|-
| 2nd
| xi Aur
| xi Aur
| HIP 21601
| 17 Cam
| 16 Cam
|-
| 3rd
| 26 Cam
| 26 Cam
| HIP 20376
| 16 Cam
| beta Cam
|-
|4th
|17 Cam
|14 Cam
|HIP 21452
|delta Aur
|alpha Cam
|-
|5th
| 5 Cam
| 7 Cam
| HIP 22783
| 2 Lyn
| 29997
|-
|6th
|7 Cam
|9 Aur
|HIP 24017
|1 Lyn
|15 Lyn
|-
|7th
|HIP 24479
|11 Cam
|HIP 22626
|12 Lyn
|7 Cam
|-
|8th
|31 Cam
|31 Cam
|HIP 24914
|15 Lyn
|9 Aur
|}

=== Maps (Gallery) ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!historical map
!modern identification
!same in Stellarium 25.3
|-
|[[File:Bagu in Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido.jpg|thumb|Bagu in ''Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido'']]
|[[File:Bagu before Tang Dynasty Reconstructed by Boshun Yang (2023) .jpg|thumb|Bagu before Tang Dynasty Reconstructed by Boshun Yang (2023)]]
|[[File:Bagu before Tang dynasty demonstrated in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Bagu before Tang dynasty demonstrated in Stellarium]]
|-
|[[File:Bagu in Suzhou Star Map.jpg|thumb|Bagu in Suzhou Star Map]]
|[[File:Bagu in Song Dynasty Reconstructed by Pan Nai (2009).jpg|thumb|Bagu in Song Dynasty Reconstructed by Pan Nai (2009)]]
|[[File:Bagu in Song dynasty demonstrated in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Bagu in Song dynasty demonstrated in Stellarium]]
|-
|[[File:Bagu in Jesuits Star Map in 17th Century.jpg|thumb|Bagu in Jesuits Star Map in 17th Century]]
|[[File:Bagu Reconstructed by Yi Shitong (1981) based on Qing Star Catalogue in 18th Century.jpg|thumb|Bagu Reconstructed by Yi Shitong (1981) based on Qing Star Catalogue in 18th Century]]
|[[File:Bagu in 18th century demonstrated in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Bagu in 18th century demonstrated in Stellarium]]
|}

== Star Name Discussion (IAU) ==
In 2025, the name of the historical constellation Bā Gǔ (八穀) was suggested to WGSN to be used for one of the stars in this constellation based on a review of Chinese cultural astronomy literature. Discussion focused on the bright star Delta Aurigae, which was the determinative star following multiple published versions of the asterism.

WGSN adopted the name "Bagu" for the bright star designated Delta Aurigae (HR 2077, HD 40035, HIP 28358) on 12 November 2025.

Bagu is a bright (V=3.72 mag) star at distance 43 parsecs. Since the middle of the 20th century, the star served as a Morgan-Keenan spectral standard for K0 giants. The star has a diameter about 12 times larger than that of our Sun. The star is a single-lined spectroscopic binary catalogued in SBC9, i.e. it has a faint companion on a period of 3.51 years (Griffin 2009). Specifically the name is applied to the primary Aa.

==References ==
[[References (Chinese)]]

[[Category:Asterism ]]
[[Category:Constellation ]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]
[[Category:Chinese ]]
[[Category:Aur ]][[Category:Cam ]]

Bagu

2025-11-15T21:41:50Z

Ericmamajek: added brief summary about star

{{DISPLAYTITLE: Bagu (八谷)}}

Bā Gǔ ( Eight Kinds of Crops, 八穀) is a Chinese constellation consisting of eight stars located within the constellations Lynx'','' Auriga, and Camelopardalis. It belongs to the asterisms introduced by Gan De and originated during the Han dynasty.

== Concordance, Etymology, History ==
The name Bagu refers to the eight types of staple grains. In the ''Kaiyuan zhanjing'' (''Divination Canon of Kaiyuan Reign'', 開元占經, compiles between 712–718 CE), a note appended to the entry for Bagu explains: “The Eight Grains are rice, millet, panicled millet, barley, wheat, soybeans, adzuki beans, and hemp.” The ancients believed that observing the asterism ''Bagu'' could be used to divine the harvest of the year: if one of its stars became invisible, it foretold that one type of grain would fail to grow; if the stars appeared dim, it signified that all eight grains would suffer a poor harvest.

=== Identification of stars ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Star Names or Orders(Traditional/Qing)
!Ho PENG YOKE<ref>P.-Y. Ho, “Ancient And Mediaeval Observations of Comets and Novae in Chinese Sources,” ''Vistas in Astronomy'', 5(1962), 127-225.</ref>
!Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981: 56.</ref>
Based on catalogue in 18th century
!Pan Nai<ref name=":0">Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 1989. p226.</ref>
based on Xinyixiangfayao Star Map
!SUN X. & J. Kistemaker<ref>Sun Xiaochun. & Kistemaker J. ''The Chinese sky during the Han''. Leiden: Brill. 1997, Pp241-6.</ref>
Han Dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1">B.-S. Yang杨伯顺, ''Zhongguo Chuantong Hengxing Guance Jingdu ji Xingguan Yanbian Yanjiu'' 中国传统恒星观测精度及星官演变研究 (A Research on the Accuracy of Chinese Traditional Star Observation and the Evolution of Constellations), PhD thesis, (Hefei: University of Science and Technology of China, 2023). 261.</ref>
before Tang dynasty
|-
| 1st/Determinative
| delta Aur
| delta Aur
| beta Cam
| beta Cam
| delta Aur
|-
| 2nd
| xi Aur
| xi Aur
| HIP 21601
| 17 Cam
| 16 Cam
|-
| 3rd
| 26 Cam
| 26 Cam
| HIP 20376
| 16 Cam
| beta Cam
|-
|4th
|17 Cam
|14 Cam
|HIP 21452
|delta Aur
|alpha Cam
|-
|5th
| 5 Cam
| 7 Cam
| HIP 22783
| 2 Lyn
| 29997
|-
|6th
|7 Cam
|9 Aur
|HIP 24017
|1 Lyn
|15 Lyn
|-
|7th
|HIP 24479
|11 Cam
|HIP 22626
|12 Lyn
|7 Cam
|-
|8th
|31 Cam
|31 Cam
|HIP 24914
|15 Lyn
|9 Aur
|}

=== Maps (Gallery) ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!historical map
!modern identification
!same in Stellarium 25.3
|-
|[[File:Bagu in Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido.jpg|thumb|Bagu in ''Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido'']]
|[[File:Bagu before Tang Dynasty Reconstructed by Boshun Yang (2023) .jpg|thumb|Bagu before Tang Dynasty Reconstructed by Boshun Yang (2023)]]
|[[File:Bagu before Tang dynasty demonstrated in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Bagu before Tang dynasty demonstrated in Stellarium]]
|-
|[[File:Bagu in Suzhou Star Map.jpg|thumb|Bagu in Suzhou Star Map]]
|[[File:Bagu in Song Dynasty Reconstructed by Pan Nai (2009).jpg|thumb|Bagu in Song Dynasty Reconstructed by Pan Nai (2009)]]
|[[File:Bagu in Song dynasty demonstrated in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Bagu in Song dynasty demonstrated in Stellarium]]
|-
|[[File:Bagu in Jesuits Star Map in 17th Century.jpg|thumb|Bagu in Jesuits Star Map in 17th Century]]
|[[File:Bagu Reconstructed by Yi Shitong (1981) based on Qing Star Catalogue in 18th Century.jpg|thumb|Bagu Reconstructed by Yi Shitong (1981) based on Qing Star Catalogue in 18th Century]]
|[[File:Bagu in 18th century demonstrated in Stellarium.jpg|thumb|Bagu in 18th century demonstrated in Stellarium]]
|}

== Star Name Discussion (IAU) ==
In 2025, the name of the historical constellation "Bagu" was suggested to WGSN to be used for one of the stars in this constellation.

WGSN adopted the name "Bagu" for the bright star designated Delta Aurigae (HR 2077, HD 40035, HIP 28358) on 12 November 2025. The star is a single-lined spectroscopic binary catalogued in SBC9, i.e. it has a faint companion on a period of 3.51 years (Griffin 2009). Specifically the name is applied to the primary Aa.

Bagu is a bright (V=3.72 mag) star at distance 43 parsecs. Since the middle of the 20th century, the star served as a Morgan-Keenan spectral standard for K0 giants. The star has a diameter about 12 times larger than that of our Sun.

==References ==
[[References (Chinese)]]

[[Category:Asterism ]]
[[Category:Constellation ]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]
[[Category:Chinese ]]
[[Category:Aur ]][[Category:Cam ]]

Apdu

2025-11-13T08:52:32Z

Ericmamajek: added astrophysical description of star

[[File:The tomb of Seti I 6.jpg|thumb|Tomb of Sethy I - front (CC BY Leon Petrosyan)]]
Apd(w), ''ȝpd'', The Bird, is an ancient Egyptian constellation. There are at least 21 spelling variants<ref>Bojowald, Stefan (2024). Überlegungen zu den Schreibungen des ägyptischen Wortes ȝpd „Vogel“, Équipe Égypte Nilotique et Méditerranéenne: [http://www.enim-egyptologie.fr/revue/2024/16/Bojowald_ENiM17_p267-272.swf.pdf PDF]</ref> throughout the millennia in hierglyphs, and it is probably not any specific one.

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
=== Origin of Constellation ===
[[File:Lepsius-228-III-ramsèsVI-détail.jpg|thumb|schema of a Ramesside Star Clock (Fonctionnement d'une horloge ramesside.) from Karl Richard Lepsius - Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien: Nach den Zeichnungen der von Seiner Majestät dem Könige von Preussen Friedrich Wilhelm IV nach diesen Ländern gesendeten und in den Jahren 1842-1845 ausgeführten wissenschaftlichen Expedition.]]
The constellation is mentioned in the Ramesside Star Clocks and identified by right ascension. Ramesside Star clocks (RSC) are astronomical devices developed in ancient Egypt to measure time by the, most likely, meridian or close to meridian transit of stars. These hour stars were single stars in a few cases or belong to constellations, some of them very large, of Egyptian sky maps.

There has been two dedicated approaches including an attempt to identify these hour stars: Leitz (1995)<ref name=":0">Leitz, Ch., 1995. Altägyptische Sternuhren. OLA, 62. Leuven: Peeters.</ref> and Belmonte (2003)<ref name=":1">Belmonte, J. A., 2003. The Ramesside star clocks and the ancient Egyptian constellations. In M. Blomberg, P. E. Blomberg and G. Henriksson (Eds.), ''Calendars, Symbols, and Orientations: Legacies of Astronomy in Culture'' (pp. 57–65). ''Uppsala Astronomical Observatory report'', 59. Uppsala Ocarina Books.</ref>. Pioneers Neugebauer and Parker (1969)<ref>Neugebauer, O. and Parker, R. A., 1969. ''Egyptian Astronomical Texts'', vol. III. Providence: Brown University.</ref> thought this was a worthless exercise.

Leitz (1995)<ref name=":0" /> followed N&P hypothesis of stars transiting close to the southern horizon and reached a solution which for Belmonte (2003) was not satisfactory for varios motives. These are amply discussed in Lull and Belmonte (2006 & 2009)<ref name=":2">Belmonte, J.A. andd Lull, J., 2023. Astronomy in ancient Egypt: a cultural perspective. Cham: Springer. </ref>. This new hypothesis suggests that several RSC constellations were located in the northern skies such as the Giant (Nekht), the She-Hippo (Reret), the Mooring Post (Menyt) and the Bird (Apdu), among others of lesser entity (see also Davies, 1985<ref>Davis, V. L., 1985. Identifying Ancient Egyptian Constellations. ''Journal of the History of Astronomy'', ''16'', 102–104.</ref>). The constellation Bird could be the one represented in the northern sector of several celestial diagrams.

Belmonte first defended his ideas at SEAC2001 in Stockholm (Belmonte, 2003)<ref name=":1" /> that were later used for posterior works such as Belmonte and Lull (2023)<ref>Belmonte, J.A. andd Lull, J., 2023. Astronomy in ancient Egypt: a cultural perspective. Cham: Springer. </ref>.

Among these hypotheses, it was proposed to locate the 4 stars of the Ramesside Star clocks located in the constellation Apd (Apdu) in Triangulum and close to Algol (proposal recently endorsed by Belmonte and Lull, 2023)<ref name=":2" />. Pegasus is far in RA.

Belmonte (2003)<ref name=":1" /> proposal was, considering the corresponding RA:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Egyptian
!
!Translation
!Identification<ref name=":2" />
|-
|b'nt nt apd
|Banat net Apdu
|(the Peak of the Bird)
|Alpha Tri ([[Mothallah|Mothalla]])
|-
|tp n apd
|Tep en Apdu
|(the Head of the Bird)
|Beta Tri
|-
|htyt nt apd
|Hetyt net Apdu
|(the Throat of the Bird)
|A star in the area of [[Algol]]
|-
|kft=f
|
|Its rump (of the Bird)
|Alpha Per ([[Mirfak]])
|}
Being imaginative and avoiding interference with the stars in the Ramesside tables, which were probably the brightest in the constellation, we may even suggest for γ Tri a name of something certainly located in the head of Apdu, for example the Eye (the peak is already another hour-star).

==== Spelling Variants ====

* Apedu

*Apdu
*Apd(w)
[[File:Stellarium ApduBird.gif|thumb|Apdu bird as falcon (like the one depicted in the tomb of Sethy I in the King's Valley) mapped to Stellarium]]

==== Identifications ====
The area of The Bird must cover a region in Triangulum and close to Algol. Belmonte and Lull (2011) proposed the following identifications:

* (a) Banat net Apdu (the Peak of the Bird) - α Tri
* (b) Tep en Apdu (the Head of the Bird) - β Tri
* (c) Hetyt net Apdu (The Throat of the Bird) - a star close to Algol
* (d) Iret net Apdu (the Eye of the Bird) - γ Tri

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|
|-
|
|
|-
|
|
|}

== Religion/ Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== IAU Working Group on Star Names ==
Alpha and Beta Trianguli are already named but Gamma is not. Apdu is the name of a constellation so it is not appropriate for a single star. Considering RA, GammaTri could have served as an hour-star as well as BetaTri (similar RA) and possibly formed part of the head of the Bird "Tep en Apdu" which could be a good name for it but this can cause confusion with BetaTri.

So, "Iret net Apdu", the Eye of the Bird, could be a good name for GammaTri. Considering that the name that the WGSN is often proposing for stars must be a single word and that the vowels "e" we normally include in Egyptian words are an artifact for easy reading into Indo-European languages ...

We may propose "Irtentapdu" as the name of GammaTri as the easiest and simple way to try to pronounce the Egyptian Irt-nt-apd(w), the Eye of the Bird.

Irtentapdu (for the eye of the bird, γ Tri) was proposed as a star name in 2023/5 in WGSN. Egyptian language does not spell all letters; in Irt-nt-Apd(w) some vowels can be added for easier pronounciation.

Gamma Tri is a bright (V=4.0 mag) star of type A0Vn (Abt 1995) at distance of approximately 36 parsecs. Zorec & Royer (2012; https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012A%26A...537A.120Z/abstract) estimate the star to have an effective temperature of 9940K, luminosity of about 32x that of the Sun, radius of 2.11 Rsun, mass 2.26 Msun, projected rotational velocity 254 km/s, and age of 407+-39 million years. Fetherolf+ (2023) detects variability with period 0.450848 day in TESS photometric data, consistent with rotation. Combining the radius calculated from the Zorec data, and adopting the period from Fetherolf as a rotation period, this would suggest an equatorial rotation velocity of about 236 km/s, similar to the vsini value. This suggests that the star is seen equator-on. The star also has a dusty debris disk detected by the IRAS, Spitzer, and WISE missions (e.g., Chen et al. 2014, ApJS, 268, 4; https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2014ApJS..211...25C/abstract). All of its properties, including its color, equatorial rotational velocity, and even its dusty debris disk, make the star very similar to Vega, except Vega is seen nearly pole-on, and Gamma Tri is apparently seen nearly equator-on.

== Weblinks ==

*

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Africa]] [[Category:Egyptian]]
[[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Regor

2025-10-19T06:08:38Z

Ericmamajek: /* Etymology and History */

Regor was a name from the space age attached to the bright star Gamma Velorum (gam02 Vel).
==Etymology and History==
Regor was one of three mysterious new names that started appearing around 1967 on American navigational star charts during the early years preparing for the NASA Apollo crewed lunar missions.

==IAU Working Group Star Names==
==Weblinks==
*Website of the IAU WGSN: https://exopla.net/
==Reference==
*[[References|References (general)]]

Regor

2025-10-18T08:52:45Z

Ericmamajek: starting new page on Regor

Hoerikwaggo

2025-10-18T08:25:14Z

Ericmamajek: added some stellar background

[[File:Hodges cape-good-hope.jpg|thumb|''A view of the Cape of Good Hope, taken on the Spot, from on board the Resolution, Capt. Cook'', Oil on canvas (William Hodges 1772, CC0).]]
The term "Hoerikwaggo" (originally spelled '''Huriǂoaxa''') was adopted for the brightest star in the constellation [[Mensa]] by IAU WGSN in 2024. Mensa (table) originally was named Mons Mensae (Table Mountain) in reference to the famous mountain in Cape Town.
[[File:CaptainGordon1779 hoerikwaggo.jpg|thumb|Captain Gordon's 1779 mentioning of the Khoekhoe term for the Table Mountain.]]

==Etymology and History==
The Indigenous peoples in the Western Cape area of South Africa, the San and Khoekhoe, had names for the famous Table Mountain before the Europeans arrived. In the San and Khoekhoe language it was called Huriǂoaxa, the Sea Mountain (lit. 'sea-emerging').

This term is perhaps the earliest known (written) name for this mountain because it is mentioned in the journal of Captain Robert Jacob Gorden on his fourth journey in 1779:<ref>Robert Jacob Gordon’s fourth journey (27 June 1779 to 13 January 1780), appendix to ms 107/3/1/1, fol. 67a, [https://www.robertjacobgordon.nl/manuscripts/appendix-to-ms-107-3-1-1#page4 online]</ref><ref>G.S. Nienaber & P.E. Raper, ''Toponymica Hottentotica'' (1977- 1980), vol. A2, p. 560</ref><blockquote>"de Oude hottentotten hieten de Caap hoerie ḱwaggo of de zeeberg de emphasies op ieder der laatste syllabe van het woord”</blockquote>in translation<blockquote>“The old Hottentots call Cape Town hoerie ḱwaggo or sea-mountain, with the stress on the last syllable of each word”.</blockquote>

==IAU Working Group Star Names==
The name was suggested to IAU WGSN by members of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town. On December 12, 2024, WGSN adopted the name Hoerikwaggo for the star Alpha Mensae (HR 2261, HD 43834, HIP 29271) for the IAU-CSN.

Hoerikwaggo / Alpha Mensae is a very nearby (distance 10 parsecs), solar-type main sequence star of spectral type G7V and apparent V magnitude 5.07. It has a faint M-type companion star 3 arcseconds away. Asteroseismic analysis of the light curve of the star measured with the NASA TESS mission by Chontos et al. (2021) yielded precise estimates of the mass and diameter of the star, both about 3% smaller than the Sun, and an asteroseismic age of 6.2+-1.5 billion years.

==Weblinks==
* Website of the IAU WGSN: https://exopla.net/

==Reference==
*[[References|References (general)]]

[[Category:IAU-Star Name‏‎]]
[[Category:Africa]]
[[Category:Khoekhoe]]
[[Category:San]]
[[Category:Men]]

Adhafera

2025-09-02T09:00:03Z

Ericmamajek: /* Etymology and History */

Adhafera is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Arabic. It is the name of HIP 50335 (ζ Leo, HR 4031) in constellation [[Leo]].

==Etymology and History==

Kunitzsch & Smart (2006)<ref>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 Pub.</ref>: "From the sci-A name ''al-dafira'', "the Lock of Hair", for the [[Coma Berenices]] star cluster. Wrongly applied to ζ Leo in recent times (due in part to the fact that Ptolemy's "Hair" is discussed under the Lion constellation in the ''Almagest''."

In the Almagest<ref>Ptolemy’s Almagest, Engl. translation by Toomer, G.J., Princeton Uni. Press, 1998, Orig.: London, 1984</ref>, Ptolemy discussed three stars in the "unformed" vicinity of [[Leo]] - the 33rd, 34th, and 35th stars listed under Leo, or the 6th, 7th, and 8th of the "unformed" stars associated with Leo, and refers to the group as πλόκαμος ('the lock [of hair]' - in reference to Berenice). In Toomer's translation of the Almagest, he cross-identifies these stars as 15, 7, and 23 Coma Berenices (but he acknowledges that "it is dubious whether one should identify the points named by Ptolemy with individual stars, as I have done following Manitius and P-K." Al-Sufi referenced Abu Hanifa, and called this group of three stars above the tail of Leo as ''al-Dafira'' (Hafez 2010 PhD thesis,<ref>Ihsan Hafez (2010). Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi and his book of the fixed stars: a journey of re-discovery, [https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/28854/ PhD Thesis], James Cook University (AUstralia) Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.25903/6xsf-aa64</ref> Folio 12, p.91; Folio 24, p.103; Folio 26, p.105).

While Kunitzsch & Smart (2006) say the error occurred in "recent times" (implying after 1800) -- the earliest reference we found so far that mistakenly applies a variation of that name (which was supposed to be applied to stars in Coma Berenices, in the ἀμόρφωτοι of Leo), is Vitali 1668 (early modern period):

"''ALDHAFERA Arab. Latine Iuba Leonis, stellar fixa tertiae magnitudinis de natura Saturni, & Mercurij; tunc temporis existens in gradu fere 23. Leonis''"

The name has a different transliteration, with the latin translation specifically referring to the lion's mane, and ascribing the name specifically to a star of 3rd magnitude. The attribution of the name to a 3rd mag star in Leo's mane propagated after this to German and English works (von Wolf 1716, Zedler 1732, Chambers 1786, Hall 1788).

While Kunitzsch (1959, Arabische Sternnamen in Europa, p.112) appears to ascribe the mistaken appropriation of the name to zeta Leo by Elijah Burritt (~1830s), following Allen (1899), and considering the error "recent" (since 1800s; Kunitzsch & Smart 2006), one sees that there are examples of ascribing variations of the name to a 3rd magnitude star in the mane of Leo back to at least 1668 ("Renaissance").

==Mythology==

==IAU Working Group on Star Names==
The name was adopted by the IAU WGSN on 2016/07/20.

==Weblinks==
* Website of the IAU WGSN: https://exopla.net/

==Reference==
*[[References|References (general)]]
* 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 Pub.

[[Category:Asterism]][[Category:Star Name]][[Category:IAU-Star Name]] [[Category:Leo]]

Adhafera

2025-09-02T07:27:59Z

Ericmamajek: /* Etymology and History */

Bodu

2025-08-09T08:12:44Z

Ericmamajek: /* The Star */

{{DISPLAYTITLE: Bodu (帛度)}}
[[File:Bodu profile stickfigure.jpeg|thumb|WGSN star name "Bodu", profile stickfigure, created by M. Sadegh Faghanpour (IAU WGSN).]]
'''Bó Dù''' (帛度, “Textile Ruler”) is a Chinese asterism consisting of two stars, established by the Wuxian (巫咸) tradition during the Han dynasty. Together with [[Tusi]], the Butcher Shop, it formed a double-asterism within the Chinese super-constellation of [[Tianshi (天市)]], the Celestial Market Place. Since 2025, "Bodu" is also the IAU-star name of 95 Her, a white subgiant in the constellation of [[Hercules]].

== Etymology and History ==
The term ''bo'' (帛) refers broadly to silk fabrics, while ''du'' (度) denotes either units or instruments of length measurement. Thus, ''Bodu'' could be interpreted as a tool used for measuring textiles, or by extension, as a shop engaged in the sale of such goods. The Han dynasty (202 BCE - 220 CE) classic ''Liji'' (礼记, ''Book of Rites'') contains strict specifications for commodities, including textiles. It states: “Cloth and silk that are either too fine or too coarse to meet the standard, or '''whose widths are not properly measured''', shall not be permitted in the market.” According to Han regulations, government-issued cloth was required to be “2 chi and 2 cun in width” (1 ''chi'' is about 23.1-24.3 cm in Han, 1 cun is 0.1 ''chi''). The establishment of this asterism may have been informed by such institutional frameworks regulating textile production and trade.

Astrologers later generalized the meaning of ''Bodu'' to represent all measurement, commercial standardization, and market regulation. Since textile trade was primarily associated with women, some traditions even employed this asterism to divine matters related to women’s purchases in the marketplace.

=== Identification of stars ===
Some star charts depict ''Bodu'' as oriented east–west, while others depict it in a north–south arrangement. It is located near the ''[[Tusi]]'' (Butcher’s Shop) asterism, and several charts depict the two together as forming a connected rectangular shape. Given their small size and the low precision of ancient mapping techniques, slight variations in their relative positions are frequent. Interestingly, while the position of ''Tusi'' often varies across ancient catalogues, ''Bodu'' remains remarkably stable—aside from a few erroneous identifications of the coordinate in ''Huangyou Star Catalogue'' (皇祐星表) by modern scholars, the coordinates in various catalogues points to 95 Her and 102 Her. For visual representations of ''Bodu'', see the entry ''[[Tusi]]''.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Star Names or Orders(Traditional/Qing)
!Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981: 32.</ref>
Based on catalogue in 18th century
!Pan Nai<ref name=":0">Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 2009. p305.</ref>
based on Huangyou Star Catalogue
!Pan Nai<ref>Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 2009. p438.</ref>
based on catalogues in Yuan dynasty
!SUN X. & J. Kistemaker<ref>Sun Xiaochun. & Kistemaker J. ''The Chinese sky during the Han''. Leiden: Brill. 1997, Pp241-6.</ref>
Han Dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1">B.-S. Yang杨伯顺, ''Zhongguo Chuantong Hengxing Guance Jingdu ji Xingguan Yanbian Yanjiu'' 中国传统恒星观测精度及星官演变研究 (A Research on the Accuracy of Chinese Traditional Star Observation and the Evolution of Constellations), PhD thesis, (Hefei: University of Science and Technology of China, 2023). 248.</ref>
before Tang dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1" />
Song Jingyou(1034)
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1" />
Song Huangyou(1052)
|-
| 1st/Determinative
| 95 Her
| 96 Her
| 96 Her
| 96 Her
| 102 Her
| 95 Her
|95 Her
|-
| 2nd
| 102 Her
| 101 Her
| 101 Her
| 101 Her
| 95 Her
| 102 Her
|102 Her
|}

=== Maps (Gallery) source ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!historical map
!modern identification
(Yang 2023)
!same in Stellarium 25.1
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Cheonsang-yeolcha-bunya-jido.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on ''Cheonsang-yeolcha-bunya-jido'']]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu reconstructed by Yang-before Tang.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu reconstructed in Han dynasty based on the ''Chenzhuo Star Catalogue'', identified by Boshun Yang (2023).]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu Stellarium before Tang.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu reconstructed in Han dynasty based on the ''Chenzhuo Star Catalogue'', mapped in Stellarium 2025 by Boshun Yang.]]
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Dunhuang Star Map.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on Dunhuang Star Map]]
|
|
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Geziyuejintu.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on Geziyuejintu]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu reconstructed by Yang based on Jingyou star catalogue(1034).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu based on the Jingyou Star Catalogue in Song Dynasty (1034), identified by Boshun Yang (2023).]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu Stellarium in Early Song (1034).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu based on the Jingyou Star Catalogue in Song Dynasty (1034),mapped in Stellarium 2025 by Boshun Yang.]]
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Xinyixiangfayao Star Map.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on ''Xinyixiangfayao'' Star Map (1080s)]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu reconstructed by Yang based on Huangyou star catalogue(1052).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu based on the Huangyou Star Catalogue(1052), identified by Boshun Yang (2023).]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu Stellarium in Mid Song (1052).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu based on the Huangyou Star Catalogue(1052), mapped in Stellarium 2025 by Boshun Yang.]]
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Suzhou Star Map.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on Suzhou Star Map (1247)]]
|
|
|-
|
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu reconstructed by Yang based on Tianwen huichao star catalogue(1360s).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu reconstructed by Yang based on Tianwen huichao star catalogue(1360s), identified by Boshun Yang (2023).]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu Stellarium in Yuan (1363).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu Stellarium in Yuan (1363),based on the ''Tianwen Huichao'' Star Catalogue, mapped in Stellarium 2025 by Boshun Yang (2023).]]
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Jianjie zongxingtu (1630s).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on ''Jianjie zongxing tu'' (1630s)]]
|
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu Stellarium Qing.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu based on catalogues in Qing Dynasty (China), identified by Yi Shitong(1981), mapped in Stellarium 2025 by Shuwei Sun.]]
|-
|
|
|
|}

[[File:Bodu profile.jpeg|thumb|WGSN star name "Bodu", profile card, created by Sadegh Faghanpour (IAU WGSN).]]

== Star Name Discussion (IAU) ==
In 2025, the name of the historical constellation "Bodu" was suggested to be used for one of the stars in this constellation. In June 2025, WGSN chose to adopt the name Bodu for the star 95 Herculis, following the Yi Shitong catalog because earlier identifications are highly uncertain.

== The Star ==
In the [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1991bsc..book.....H/abstract Bright Star Catalog (Hoffleit & Jaschek 1991)], 95 Her refers to a binary of two bright stars: 95 Her A (HR 6730, HD 164669; Vmag=4.96) and 95 Her B (HR 6729, HD 164668; Vmag=5.18). The pair appear together in the Hipparcos catalog with designation HIP 88267, and in the Washington Double Star catalog as STF 2264 (WDS J18015+2136), with the separation recently measured to be 6.3 arcseconds. [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1987ApJS...65..581G/abstract Gray & Garrison (1987)] reported spectral types for the 95 Her A and B components of A2IV and G5III, respectively. The vivid color contrast of the pair was noted in the 19th century, with [https://books.google.com/books?id=ZzI6bIuzfp0C&pg=PA299&dq=%2295+Herculis%22 William Henry Smyth] reporting A to be "greenish" and B to be "cherry red" (1833) and then later in his life as "pale green" and "reddish", meanwhile his contemporary Benedict Sestini reported both to be "gold yellow".

95 Her A is is somewhat brighter in the V-band, but 95 Her B is brighter in the infrared and actually has a higher bolometric luminosity and mass (it is the slightly more massive, and evolved of the two stars). Using Gaia astrometry [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022A%26A...657A...7K/abstract Kervella et al. (2022)] estimated the pair to be separated by 6.37", corresponding to 840 astronomical units, and their tangential velocities agree within 1.23+-0.05 km/s. No orbit for the pair has been published yet, which is unsurprising, as since the first report of the binary by William Herschel in 1780 (the year before he discovered Uranus), the separation has barely changed, and the position angle has only changed by about 9 degrees. [http://stars.astro.illinois.edu/sow/95her.html Jim Kaler] estimates the orbital period to be at least 11,000 years.

Following IAU WGSN policy, names are adopted for individual stars, and when the star turns out to be multiple, the name defaults to that of the primary star (usually the brighter of the two in the V band, where measured). The WGSN may later adopt other cultural/historical names for companions.

In this case, the name '''Bodu''' has been adopted by IAU WGSN specifically for the brighter (in the visible) of the pair: 95 Her A (HR 6730, HD 164669, HIP 88267 A), a hot white subgiant of 2.8 solar masses at a distance of 432 light years.

==References ==
[[References (Chinese)]]

[[Category:Asterism ]]
[[Category:Constellation ]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]
[[Category:Chinese ]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name]]

Bodu

2025-08-09T07:52:29Z

Ericmamajek: added some astrophysics background and made clear which component the name refers to

{{DISPLAYTITLE: Bodu (帛度)}}
[[File:Bodu profile stickfigure.jpeg|thumb|WGSN star name "Bodu", profile stickfigure, created by M. Sadegh Faghanpour (IAU WGSN).]]
'''Bó Dù''' (帛度, “Textile Ruler”) is a Chinese asterism consisting of two stars, established by the Wuxian (巫咸) tradition during the Han dynasty. Together with [[Tusi]], the Butcher Shop, it formed a double-asterism within the Chinese super-constellation of [[Tianshi (天市)]], the Celestial Market Place. Since 2025, "Bodu" is also the IAU-star name of 95 Her, a white subgiant in the constellation of [[Hercules]].

== Etymology and History ==
The term ''bo'' (帛) refers broadly to silk fabrics, while ''du'' (度) denotes either units or instruments of length measurement. Thus, ''Bodu'' could be interpreted as a tool used for measuring textiles, or by extension, as a shop engaged in the sale of such goods. The Han dynasty (202 BCE - 220 CE) classic ''Liji'' (礼记, ''Book of Rites'') contains strict specifications for commodities, including textiles. It states: “Cloth and silk that are either too fine or too coarse to meet the standard, or '''whose widths are not properly measured''', shall not be permitted in the market.” According to Han regulations, government-issued cloth was required to be “2 chi and 2 cun in width” (1 ''chi'' is about 23.1-24.3 cm in Han, 1 cun is 0.1 ''chi''). The establishment of this asterism may have been informed by such institutional frameworks regulating textile production and trade.

Astrologers later generalized the meaning of ''Bodu'' to represent all measurement, commercial standardization, and market regulation. Since textile trade was primarily associated with women, some traditions even employed this asterism to divine matters related to women’s purchases in the marketplace.

=== Identification of stars ===
Some star charts depict ''Bodu'' as oriented east–west, while others depict it in a north–south arrangement. It is located near the ''[[Tusi]]'' (Butcher’s Shop) asterism, and several charts depict the two together as forming a connected rectangular shape. Given their small size and the low precision of ancient mapping techniques, slight variations in their relative positions are frequent. Interestingly, while the position of ''Tusi'' often varies across ancient catalogues, ''Bodu'' remains remarkably stable—aside from a few erroneous identifications of the coordinate in ''Huangyou Star Catalogue'' (皇祐星表) by modern scholars, the coordinates in various catalogues points to 95 Her and 102 Her. For visual representations of ''Bodu'', see the entry ''[[Tusi]]''.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Star Names or Orders(Traditional/Qing)
!Yi Shitong<ref>Yi Shitong伊世同. ''Zhongxi Duizhao Hengxing Tubiao''中西对照恒星图表1950. Beijing: Science Press.1981: 32.</ref>
Based on catalogue in 18th century
!Pan Nai<ref name=":0">Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 2009. p305.</ref>
based on Huangyou Star Catalogue
!Pan Nai<ref>Pan Nai潘鼐. ''Zhongguo Hengxing Guance shi''中国恒星观测史[M]. Shanghai: Xuelin Pree. 2009. p438.</ref>
based on catalogues in Yuan dynasty
!SUN X. & J. Kistemaker<ref>Sun Xiaochun. & Kistemaker J. ''The Chinese sky during the Han''. Leiden: Brill. 1997, Pp241-6.</ref>
Han Dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1">B.-S. Yang杨伯顺, ''Zhongguo Chuantong Hengxing Guance Jingdu ji Xingguan Yanbian Yanjiu'' 中国传统恒星观测精度及星官演变研究 (A Research on the Accuracy of Chinese Traditional Star Observation and the Evolution of Constellations), PhD thesis, (Hefei: University of Science and Technology of China, 2023). 248.</ref>
before Tang dynasty
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1" />
Song Jingyou(1034)
!Boshun Yang<ref name=":1" />
Song Huangyou(1052)
|-
| 1st/Determinative
| 95 Her
| 96 Her
| 96 Her
| 96 Her
| 102 Her
| 95 Her
|95 Her
|-
| 2nd
| 102 Her
| 101 Her
| 101 Her
| 101 Her
| 95 Her
| 102 Her
|102 Her
|}

=== Maps (Gallery) source ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!historical map
!modern identification
(Yang 2023)
!same in Stellarium 25.1
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Cheonsang-yeolcha-bunya-jido.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on ''Cheonsang-yeolcha-bunya-jido'']]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu reconstructed by Yang-before Tang.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu reconstructed in Han dynasty based on the ''Chenzhuo Star Catalogue'', identified by Boshun Yang (2023).]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu Stellarium before Tang.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu reconstructed in Han dynasty based on the ''Chenzhuo Star Catalogue'', mapped in Stellarium 2025 by Boshun Yang.]]
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Dunhuang Star Map.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on Dunhuang Star Map]]
|
|
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Geziyuejintu.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on Geziyuejintu]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu reconstructed by Yang based on Jingyou star catalogue(1034).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu based on the Jingyou Star Catalogue in Song Dynasty (1034), identified by Boshun Yang (2023).]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu Stellarium in Early Song (1034).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu based on the Jingyou Star Catalogue in Song Dynasty (1034),mapped in Stellarium 2025 by Boshun Yang.]]
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Xinyixiangfayao Star Map.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on ''Xinyixiangfayao'' Star Map (1080s)]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu reconstructed by Yang based on Huangyou star catalogue(1052).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu based on the Huangyou Star Catalogue(1052), identified by Boshun Yang (2023).]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu Stellarium in Mid Song (1052).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu based on the Huangyou Star Catalogue(1052), mapped in Stellarium 2025 by Boshun Yang.]]
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Suzhou Star Map.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on Suzhou Star Map (1247)]]
|
|
|-
|
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu reconstructed by Yang based on Tianwen huichao star catalogue(1360s).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu reconstructed by Yang based on Tianwen huichao star catalogue(1360s), identified by Boshun Yang (2023).]]
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu Stellarium in Yuan (1363).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu Stellarium in Yuan (1363),based on the ''Tianwen Huichao'' Star Catalogue, mapped in Stellarium 2025 by Boshun Yang (2023).]]
|-
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu on Jianjie zongxingtu (1630s).jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu on ''Jianjie zongxing tu'' (1630s)]]
|
|[[File:Tusi and Bodu Stellarium Qing.jpg|thumb|Tusi and Bodu based on catalogues in Qing Dynasty (China), identified by Yi Shitong(1981), mapped in Stellarium 2025 by Shuwei Sun.]]
|-
|
|
|
|}

[[File:Bodu profile.jpeg|thumb|WGSN star name "Bodu", profile card, created by Sadegh Faghanpour (IAU WGSN).]]

== Star Name Discussion (IAU) ==
In 2025, the name of the historical constellation "Bodu" was suggested to be used for one of the stars in this constellation. In June 2025, WGSN chose to adopt the name Bodu for the star 95 Herculis, following the Yi Shitong catalog because earlier identifications are highly uncertain.

== The Star ==
In the [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1991bsc..book.....H/abstract Bright Star Catalog (Hoffleit & Jaschek 1991)], 95 Her refers to a binary of two bright stars: 95 Her A (HR 6730, HD 164669; Vmag=4.96) and 95 Her B (HR 6729, HD 164668; Vmag=5.18). The pair appear together in the Hipparcos catalog with designation HIP 88267, and in the Washington Double Star catalog as STF 2264 (WDS J18015+2136), with the separation recently measured to be 6.3 arcseconds. [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1987ApJS...65..581G/abstract Gray & Garrison (1987)] reported spectral types for the 95 Her A and B components of A2IV and G5III, respectively. 95 Her A is is somewhat brighter in the V-band, but 95 Her B is brighter in the infrared and actually has a higher bolometric luminosity and mass (it is the slightly more massive, and evolved of the two stars). Using Gaia astrometry [https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022A%26A...657A...7K/abstract Kervella et al. (2022)] estimated the pair to be separated by 6.37", corresponding to 840 astronomical units, and their tangential velocities agree within 1.23+-0.05 km/s. No orbit for the pair has been published yet, which is unsurprising, as since the pair was discovered in 1780, the separation has barely changed, and the position angle has only changed by about 9 degrees.

Following IAU WGSN policy, names are adopted for individual stars, and when the star turns out to be multiple, the name defaults to that of the primary star (usually the brighter of the two in the V band, where measured). The WGSN may later adopt other cultural/historical names for companions.

In this case, the name Bodu has been adopted by IAU WGSN specifically for the brighter (in the visible) of the pair: 95 Her A (HR 6730, HD 164669, HIP 88267 A), a hot white subgiant of 2.8 solar masses at a distance of 432 light years.

==References ==
[[References (Chinese)]]

[[Category:Asterism ]]
[[Category:Constellation ]]
[[Category:Eurasia]]
[[Category:East Asian]]
[[Category:Chinese ]]
[[Category:IAU-Star Name]]