ASE Terminology Standards - Revision history

Sushoff: /* Planetarium/ Sky Culture */

2026-08-04T15:19:39Z

Planetarium/ Sky Culture

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:19, 4 August 2026
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	=== Planetarium/ Sky Culture ===		=== Planetarium/ Sky Culture ===
	The term "sky culture" was created for the planetarium software "Stellarium" by its inventor, Fabien Chéreau, in the early 2000s. It refers to a set of (a) names for stars and constellations, (b) their visual representation in the sky as geometrical patterns (stick figures), and artwork (paintings/ drawings). In later steps of this software's development (in 2025), the option was added to provide names in different versions, e.g., native script, Romanisation, and English translation.		The term "sky culture" was created for the planetarium software "Stellarium" by its inventor, Fabien Chéreau, in the early 2000s.<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 https://doi.org/10.1558/jsa.17822.</ref> It refers to a set of (a) names for stars and constellations, (b) their visual representation in the sky as geometrical patterns (stick figures), and artwork (paintings/ drawings). In later steps of this software's development (in 2025), the option was added to provide names in different versions, e.g., native script, Romanisation, and English translation.
	[[File:Goessmann1950.JPG\|thumb\|Book title of Gössmann (1950): "Planetarium Babylonicum".]]		[[File:Goessmann1950.JPG\|thumb\|Book title of Gössmann (1950): "Planetarium Babylonicum".]]
	However, the term used in earlier research publications, e.g. dictionaries of any philology, was "planetarium", as a planetarium in the 20th century (as a consequence of the invention the Zeiss projection planetarium) was commonly understood as an institution where star knowledge is distributed to a public audience. In earlier centuries, in contrast, "planetarium" had been used for mechanical models that in the background of a celestial globe).		However, the term used in earlier research publications, e.g. dictionaries of any philology, was "planetarium", as a planetarium in the 20th century (as a consequence of the invention the Zeiss projection planetarium) was commonly understood as an institution where star knowledge is distributed to a public audience. In earlier centuries, in contrast, "planetarium" had been used for mechanical models that in the background of a celestial globe).

Sushoff at 15:16, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T15:16:45Z

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	However, the term used in earlier research publications, e.g. dictionaries of any philology, was "planetarium", as a planetarium in the 20th century (as a consequence of the invention the Zeiss projection planetarium) was commonly understood as an institution where star knowledge is distributed to a public audience. In earlier centuries, in contrast, "planetarium" had been used for mechanical models that in the background of a celestial globe).		However, the term used in earlier research publications, e.g. dictionaries of any philology, was "planetarium", as a planetarium in the 20th century (as a consequence of the invention the Zeiss projection planetarium) was commonly understood as an institution where star knowledge is distributed to a public audience. In earlier centuries, in contrast, "planetarium" had been used for mechanical models that in the background of a celestial globe).

	As one of the fundamental research projects of the ASE has been "Planetarium Babylonicum 2.0"<ref>Gössmann P.Felix (1950). Planetarium Babylonicum, Rome, (A. Deimel. Šumerisches Lexikon 4/2).</ref>, an updated, illustrated and fully digital version of a (handwritten) philological dictionary of 1950, we started naming the dictionaries for other Eurasian languages with similar potential, i.e. a similar or richer long historical track of several millennia, Planetarium Sinicum/ Indicum/ Arabicum etc.		As one of the fundamental research projects of the ASE has been "Planetarium Babylonicum 2.0"<ref>Gössmann P.Felix (1950). Planetarium Babylonicum, Päpstl. Bibel Institut Rome, (A. Deimel. Šumerisches Lexikon 4/2).</ref>, an updated, illustrated and fully digital version of a (handwritten) philological dictionary of 1950, we started naming the dictionaries for other Eurasian languages with similar potential, i.e. a similar or richer long historical track of several millennia, Planetarium Sinicum/ Indicum/ Arabicum etc.

	For dictionaries of living cultures that are largely based on ethnographic and anthropological research, we think it doesn't make sense and doesn't do them justice to translate all culture names to Latin. We simply use the modern Stellarium terminology.		For dictionaries of living cultures that are largely based on ethnographic and anthropological research, we think it doesn't make sense and doesn't do them justice to translate all culture names to Latin. We simply use the modern Stellarium terminology.

Sushoff: /* Planetarium/ Sky Culture */

2026-08-04T15:15:18Z

Planetarium/ Sky Culture

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:15, 4 August 2026
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	However, the term used in earlier research publications, e.g. dictionaries of any philology, was "planetarium", as a planetarium in the 20th century (as a consequence of the invention the Zeiss projection planetarium) was commonly understood as an institution where star knowledge is distributed to a public audience. In earlier centuries, in contrast, "planetarium" had been used for mechanical models that in the background of a celestial globe).		However, the term used in earlier research publications, e.g. dictionaries of any philology, was "planetarium", as a planetarium in the 20th century (as a consequence of the invention the Zeiss projection planetarium) was commonly understood as an institution where star knowledge is distributed to a public audience. In earlier centuries, in contrast, "planetarium" had been used for mechanical models that in the background of a celestial globe).

	As one of the fundamental research projects of the ASE has been "Planetarium Babylonicum 2.0", an updated, illustrated and fully digital version of a (handwritten) philological dictionary of 1950, we started naming the dictionaries for other Eurasian languages with similar potential, i.e. a similar or richer long historical track of several millennia, Planetarium Sinicum/ Indicum/ Arabicum etc.		As one of the fundamental research projects of the ASE has been "Planetarium Babylonicum 2.0"<ref>Gössmann P.Felix (1950). Planetarium Babylonicum, Rome, (A. Deimel. Šumerisches Lexikon 4/2).</ref>, an updated, illustrated and fully digital version of a (handwritten) philological dictionary of 1950, we started naming the dictionaries for other Eurasian languages with similar potential, i.e. a similar or richer long historical track of several millennia, Planetarium Sinicum/ Indicum/ Arabicum etc.

	For dictionaries of living cultures that are largely based on ethnographic and anthropological research, we think it doesn't make sense and doesn't do them justice to translate all culture names to Latin. We simply use the modern Stellarium terminology.		For dictionaries of living cultures that are largely based on ethnographic and anthropological research, we think it doesn't make sense and doesn't do them justice to translate all culture names to Latin. We simply use the modern Stellarium terminology.

Sushoff: /* Planetarium/ Sky Culture */

2026-08-04T15:12:42Z

Planetarium/ Sky Culture

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:12, 4 August 2026
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	The ancient Greek term "asterismos" simply means "constellation". It is the direct translation, no difference.		The ancient Greek term "asterismos" simply means "constellation". It is the direct translation, no difference.

	~~Today's modern~~ amateur astronomy uses it for all sorts of small recognisable patterns -- ~~might~~ they be visible to the naked eye (e.g. the Big Dipper' or only with binoculars (e.g. the Cloth Hanger').		Modern amateur astronomy uses it for all sorts of small, recognisable patterns -- whether they are visible to the naked eye (e.g., the Big Dipper) or only with binoculars (e.g., the Cloth Hanger).

	Sinology uses the term for historical constellations, but also has the term “single star-asterism” for names of bright stars and their adjacent (dark) areas or areas with faint stars. The boundaries between “single star-asterism” and “star name” are, of course, fluid, but the existence of this concept makes the term “asterism” an umbrella term for different sorts of recognisable ~~patters~~: one star-asterisms and multi star-asterisms.		Sinology uses the term for historical constellations, but also has the term “single star-asterism” for names of bright stars and their adjacent (dark) areas or areas with faint stars. The boundaries between “single star-asterism” and “star name” are, of course, fluid, but the existence of this concept makes the term “asterism” an umbrella term for different sorts of recognisable patterns: one-star-asterisms and multi-star-asterisms.

	Hence, the ASE uses as an '''umbrella term''' for named recognisable patterns in the sky.		Hence, the ASE uses as an '''umbrella term''' for named recognisable patterns in the sky.

	==== Constellation ====		==== Constellation ====
	~~In most modern cultures~~, a constellation is pattern of stars (dots of light in the sky), a multi star-asterism.		Most commonly, a constellation is a pattern of stars (dots of light in the sky), a multi-star asterism.

	Yet in several historical cultures, some constellations were enriched by, or consisted only of, bright and dark clouds in the Milky Way or star clusters. This sort of constellations are called "cloud constellations", among them "dark constellations" as a specific form of patterns formed of dark clouds of the Milky Way.		Yet in several historical cultures, some constellations were enriched by, or consisted only of, bright and dark clouds in the Milky Way or star clusters. This sort of constellations are called "cloud constellations"<ref>Hoffmann, Susanne M (2022-25). “The Rhetoric on Clouds in the Ancient Star Catalogue”. ''Rhetoric & Science'' Vol. II, Centre for the Study of the Ancient World (CSAW), Ionian University, p. 78-98</ref>, among them "dark constellations"<ref>Gullberg, S. R., Hamacher, D. W., Martín-Lopez, A., Mejuto, J., Munro, A. M., and Orchiston, W. (2020), “A cultural comparison of the 'dark constellations' in the Milky Way”, ''Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage'', vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 390–404.</ref> as a specific form of patterns formed of dark clouds of the Milky Way.

	In some far northern cultures with midnight sun in summer and no sunrise in winter, several cultures formed "full sky constellations" which are imagined figures that span the entire dome visible during winter nights.		In some far northern cultures with midnight sun in summer and no sunrise in winter, several cultures formed "full sky constellations" which are imagined figures that span the entire dome visible during winter nights.
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	==== Single Star-Asterism ====		==== Single Star-Asterism ====
	Is a name of a bright star with adjacent areas (perhaps only dark, perhaps including faint stars). For example~~: The~~ ancient Egyptians ~~had~~ the term "Sopdet" for a constellation of three stars as documented in early sources from the 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. Yet (at least in late times, perhaps already in the 2nd millennium) when observed at heliacal rising, we deal with a twilight scenario. The brightest star of the three, Sirius, might be the only one visible when the sky is not completely dark. Subsequently, the name became ~~also~~ a synonym for Sirius knowing that the asterism covers also adjacent areas.		Is a name of a bright star with adjacent areas (perhaps only dark, perhaps including faint stars). For example, the ancient Egyptians used the term "Sopdet" for a constellation of three stars, as documented in early sources from the 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. Yet (at least in late times, perhaps already in the 2nd millennium) when observed at heliacal rising, we deal with a twilight scenario. The brightest star of the three, Sirius, might be the only one visible when the sky is not completely dark. Subsequently, the name also became a synonym for Sirius, knowing that the asterism covers also adjacent areas.

	In Chinese astrological omens in chronicles, occasionally so-called "guest stars" (comets or stellar transients) are mentioned "in" asterisms whose names actually refer to only one star (as if a modern observer said "guest star in Arcturus"). Statements like this - if they are not historical copying errors or other misinterpretations) only make sense if the names of Chinese single star-asterisms are interpreted as "star plus adjacent dark area".		In Chinese astrological omens in chronicles, occasionally so-called "guest stars" (comets or stellar transients) are mentioned "in" asterisms whose names actually refer to only one star (as if a modern observer said "guest star in Arcturus"). Statements like this - if they are not historical copying errors or other misinterpretations - only make sense if the names of Chinese single star-asterisms are interpreted as "star plus adjacent dark area".

	==== Star ====		==== Star ====
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	A super-constellation is a group of neighbouring constellations that belong together and form a complex image; e.g., in the IAU definition, "Ophiuchus and Serpens" is a super-constellation consisting of the areas of Ophiuchus, Serpens Cauda, and Serpens Caput, among which the latter two form the IAU constellation Serpens.		A super-constellation is a group of neighbouring constellations that belong together and form a complex image; e.g., in the IAU definition, "Ophiuchus and Serpens" is a super-constellation consisting of the areas of Ophiuchus, Serpens Cauda, and Serpens Caput, among which the latter two form the IAU constellation Serpens.

	Similarly in historical texts in Greek antiquity, Centaurus and Lupus (and perhaps Ara) formed a super-constellation. In Chinese uranography, the Purple Palace ~~(Zigong)~~, the White Tiger, Dark Warrior, Azure Dragon, and Red Firebird, the Celestial ~~Market Place~~, and the Supreme Palace ... form super-constellations.		Similarly in historical texts in Greek antiquity, Centaurus and Lupus (and perhaps Ara) formed a super-constellation. In Chinese uranography, the Purple Palace, the White Tiger, Dark Warrior, Azure Dragon, and Red Firebird, the Celestial Marketplace, and the Supreme Palace ... form super-constellations.

	=== Small Bodies, (Exo)Planets, Moons etc. ===		=== Small Bodies, (Exo)Planets, Moons etc. ===

Sushoff at 14:57, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T14:57:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:57, 4 August 2026
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	== Glossary ==		== Glossary ==

			=== Planetarium/ Sky Culture ===
			The term "sky culture" was created for the planetarium software "Stellarium" by its inventor, Fabien Chéreau, in the early 2000s. It refers to a set of (a) names for stars and constellations, (b) their visual representation in the sky as geometrical patterns (stick figures), and artwork (paintings/ drawings). In later steps of this software's development (in 2025), the option was added to provide names in different versions, e.g., native script, Romanisation, and English translation.
			[[File:Goessmann1950.JPG\|thumb\|Book title of Gössmann (1950): "Planetarium Babylonicum".]]
			However, the term used in earlier research publications, e.g. dictionaries of any philology, was "planetarium", as a planetarium in the 20th century (as a consequence of the invention the Zeiss projection planetarium) was commonly understood as an institution where star knowledge is distributed to a public audience. In earlier centuries, in contrast, "planetarium" had been used for mechanical models that in the background of a celestial globe).

			As one of the fundamental research projects of the ASE has been "Planetarium Babylonicum 2.0", an updated, illustrated and fully digital version of a (handwritten) philological dictionary of 1950, we started naming the dictionaries for other Eurasian languages with similar potential, i.e. a similar or richer long historical track of several millennia, Planetarium Sinicum/ Indicum/ Arabicum etc.

			For dictionaries of living cultures that are largely based on ethnographic and anthropological research, we think it doesn't make sense and doesn't do them justice to translate all culture names to Latin. We simply use the modern Stellarium terminology.

	=== Asterisms, Constellation, Stars ===		=== Asterisms, Constellation, Stars ===

Sushoff at 14:35, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T14:35:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 4 August 2026
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	Similarly in historical texts in Greek antiquity, Centaurus and Lupus (and perhaps Ara) formed a super-constellation. In Chinese uranography, the Purple Palace (Zigong), the White Tiger, Dark Warrior, Azure Dragon, and Red Firebird, the Celestial Market Place, and the Supreme Palace ... form super-constellations.		Similarly in historical texts in Greek antiquity, Centaurus and Lupus (and perhaps Ara) formed a super-constellation. In Chinese uranography, the Purple Palace (Zigong), the White Tiger, Dark Warrior, Azure Dragon, and Red Firebird, the Celestial Market Place, and the Supreme Palace ... form super-constellations.

	=== Small Bodies, Planets~~, Exoplanets~~, Moons etc. ===		=== Small Bodies, (Exo)Planets, Moons etc. ===
	here comes the mouse		here comes the mouse
	[[Category:Service]]		[[Category:Service]]
	[[Category:Overviews]]		[[Category:Overviews]]

Sushoff at 14:34, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T14:34:46Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 The ASE is deeply rooted in both science and humanities, as cultural astronomy connects ancient terms to modern star catalogues and nomenclature. One of the biggest challenges of such a global collection of names from different cultures is finding a common language that works for all philologies, for science and humanities. Following in the footsteps of the philosophers of the Vienna Circle (e.g. Otto Neurath, Rudolf Carnap) of the 1930s, the editors seek to establish a common language of different branches of astronomy.
-This requires some terms to be defined or redefined here:
+This requires some terms to be defined or redefined here. Please use this like a glossary.
 [[Category:Service]]
 [[Category:Overviews]]

Sushoff at 13:43, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T13:43:01Z

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	[[Category:Service]]		[[Category:Service]]
	[[Category:~~Overview~~]]		[[Category:Overviews]]

Sushoff at 13:42, 4 August 2026

2026-08-04T13:42:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:42, 4 August 2026
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	This requires some terms to be defined or redefined here:		This requires some terms to be defined or redefined here:


			[[Category:Service]]
			[[Category:Overview]]

Sushoff: Created page with "The ASE is deeply rooted in both science and humanities, as cultural astronomy connects ancient terms to modern star catalogues and nomenclature. One of the biggest challenges of such a global collection of names from different cultures is finding a common language that works for all philologies, for science and humanities. Following in the footsteps of the philosophers of the Vienna Circle (e.g. Otto Neurath, Rudolf Carnap) of the 1930s, the editors seek to establish a..."

2026-08-04T13:42:09Z

Created page with "The ASE is deeply rooted in both science and humanities, as cultural astronomy connects ancient terms to modern star catalogues and nomenclature. One of the biggest challenges of such a global collection of names from different cultures is finding a common language that works for all philologies, for science and humanities. Following in the footsteps of the philosophers of the Vienna Circle (e.g. Otto Neurath, Rudolf Carnap) of the 1930s, the editors seek to establish a..."

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The ASE is deeply rooted in both science and humanities, as cultural astronomy connects ancient terms to modern star catalogues and nomenclature. One of the biggest challenges of such a global collection of names from different cultures is finding a common language that works for all philologies, for science and humanities. Following in the footsteps of the philosophers of the Vienna Circle (e.g. Otto Neurath, Rudolf Carnap) of the 1930s, the editors seek to establish a common language of different branches of astronomy.

This requires some terms to be defined or redefined here: