Baltesha
Authors: Susanne M Hoffmann
Baltesha (Dignity) is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Sumerian. It is the name of the star γ CrB A in the constellation Corona Borealis.
Concordance, Etymology, History
Baltesha is a modern spelling of the Sumerian for the semi-circle of stars that form the Corona Borealis asterism. It derives from (mul)BAL.TEŠ2.A which literally means "asterism of Dignity" and designates a constellation neighbouring the constellation of the god of agriculture and harvest, The Magnificent Enlil (ŠU.PA Enlil), perhaps being his symbol of dignity. The asterism is also listed among female asterisms identified with the wife of Marduk in a prayer before dawn on the 5th day of the Babylonian New Year’s Festival and as a palace goddess in lists of other female astral deities in ancient Mesopotamian theological work.
Mythology
IAU Working Group on Star Names
The name was discussed and adopted to the IAU-CSN by the IAU WGSN in 2026.
γ CrB A is the brighter primary star in a visual binary system. It is a hot, rapidly rotating late B-type star that is nearing the end of its main-sequence evolution.
Weblinks
Reference
- References (general)
- References (early modern)
- Ian Ridpath's website (Star Tales )
