Polaris

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.

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