Polaris
From All Skies Encyclopaedia
Authors: IAU-WGSN Etymology Group, Susanne M Hoffmann, IanRidpath
Polaris is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Latin. It is the name of HIP 11767 (α UMi, HR 424) in constellation Ursa Minor.
Etymology and History
A Latin adjective meaning "of the pole" (related to the noun polus, "the pole"). Applied as a star name to α UMi in the late 15th and early 16th centuries , it reflects the star's temporary proximity to the north celestial pole.
There was no name for the star in Greek antiquity, just "the one at the tip of the tail [of Ursa Minor]" as Ptolemy put it.
Mythology
IAU Working Group on Star Names
The name was adopted by the IAU WGSN on 2016/06/30.
Weblinks
- Website of the IAU WGSN: https://exopla.net/
Reference
- 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.
- Ian Ridpath Star Tales Ursa Minor
