Aerostaticus

From All Skies Encyclopaedia

Authors: Susanne M Hoffmann, Youla Azkarrula


Aerostaticus
Asterism Info
Native
Globus Aerostaticus
Translation
air balloon, one of the obsolete constellations
Position (2000)
Right ascension319.4845255
Declination-32.17254768
Area0 sq. deg.
Stars
Bright stars1
Bayer/Flamsteed
stars
1
Stars brighter than 3.00m0
Brightest starAerostaticus (4.708m)
Taxonomy
category
of asterism
IAU-Star Name
IAU-
constellations
Mic

Aerostaticus is a modern star name 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 the star eps Mic in constellation Microscopium.

Concordance, Etymology, History

This modern star name preserves the heritage of an early modern European constellation that was invented in the 18th century when new technology was impressing many people and astronomers aimed to represent some of the most stunning new vehicles among the stars.

The star Epsilon Microscopium was used for the naming, as WGSN identified it as brightest star within the area of the historical (now obsolete) constellation Globus Aerostaticus.

Mythology

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was suggested to the IAU WGSN in 2023. It was discussed and adopted to the IAU-CSN on 16 July 2026.



Reference