Procyon: Difference between revisions

From All Skies Encyclopaedia
Sushoff (talk | contribs)
No edit summary
IanRidpath (talk | contribs)
 
Line 1: Line 1:
Authors: IAU-WGSN Etymology Group, {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
Authors: IAU-WGSN Etymology Group, {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
----
The name originates from Greek "pro kyon", "before the dog". Historically, the Latin translation "Antecanis" was occasionally used. Today, this term is used as a star name in the constellation Canis Minor but in antiquity, it designated the area – originally likely a (single star-)asterism.  
The name originates from Greek "pro kyon", "before the dog". Historically, the Latin translation "Antecanis" was occasionally used. Today, this term is used as a star name in the constellation Canis Minor but in antiquity, it designated the area – originally likely a single-star asterism.  


==Etymology and History==
==Etymology and History==
Line 24: Line 24:
*[[References|References (general)]]
*[[References|References (general)]]
*[[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
*[[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (early modern)]]
*Ian Ridpath's website ([http://ianridpath.com/startales Star Tales] )


[[Category:Single star-asterism‏‎]]
[[Category:Single star-asterism‏‎]]

Latest revision as of 19:23, 21 February 2026

Authors: IAU-WGSN Etymology Group, Susanne M Hoffmann


The name originates from Greek "pro kyon", "before the dog". Historically, the Latin translation "Antecanis" was occasionally used. Today, this term is used as a star name in the constellation Canis Minor but in antiquity, it designated the area – originally likely a single-star asterism.

Etymology and History

The bright star Procyon was possibly used in Mesopotamia as an indicator for the rising of Cancer. The stars in Cancer are so faint that you can barely see them at dusk – but the bright Procyon rises at the same time, which is suitable for telling the time.

Spelling Variants:

  • Prokyon (Greek), Procyon (Latinized Greek),
  • Antecanis (Latin)

Mythology

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was approved by the IAU WGSN on 2016/06/30.


Reference