Egyptian (All Terms)

Authors: Susanne M Hoffmann

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Map of Ancient Egypt, showing the Nile up to the fifth cataract, and major cities and sites of the Dynastic period (c. 3150 BC to 30 BC). Cairo and Jerusalem are shown as reference cities. (CC BY SA Jeff Dahl)

The ancient Egypts are one of the oldest documented cultures, they settled in Northeast Africa and formed first structures like cities and states. Their early astronomical practices are not well documented, but here we try to give a glance on the known terms and the late names as used today within the IAU.

Solar System Names

Traditional Terms	Transliteration	English	commentary
		Sun
		Moon
		Mercury
		Venus
		Mars
		Jupiter
		Saturn

Names of Stars and Constellations

Original	Language of Origin	Pronounce	English	Note
	Late Egyptian	Akhwy	Two Spirits
	Late Egyptian	Anu	avatar of Horus
	Late Egyptian	Apdu	Bird	certain star names: Banat net Apdu, Tep en Apdu Hetyt net Apdu, kft=f One uncertain: Iret net Apdu
	Late Egyptian	Aret	Jaw?
	Late Egyptian	Aryt	(2?) Jaw(s?)
	Late Egyptian	Bawy	Two Souls
	Late Egyptian	Djat	Ferryboat/ Corsser
	Late Egyptian	Ipedjes	Bright Star
	Late Egyptian	Irtentapdu	Eye of the Bird
	Late Egyptian	Kemenu		the 17th decan
	Late Egyptian	Kenemet	Cow (?)
	Coptic	Khambalia
	Late Egyptian	Khau		Plejades
	Late Egyptian	Khenwy	Khenwy Fish
	Late Egyptian	Mai	Lion
	Late Egyptian	Menit	Mooring Post
	Late Egyptian	Nekhet	Giant
	Egyptian	Nut	Goddess of the Night
	Coptic	Piautos
	Coptic	Polis
	Late Egyptian	Qed	Circle
	Late Egyptian	Qedty	Two Nets
	Late Egyptian	Reret	Female Hippotamus
	Late Egyptian	Sah	a god
	Late Egyptian	Sebawy	Pair of Stars
	Late Egyptian	Sebsesen	Sage's Star
	Late Egyptian	Sedjef	"its tail" (lion)
	Late Egyptian	Serqet	a goddess
	Late Egyptian	Setwy	Two Tortoises
	Late Egyptian	Sopdet	Triangle
	Late Egyptian	Tanefer	The Beautiful Child
	Late Egyptian	Tjamat	Wings
	Late Egyptian	Wia	Boat