Kochab

Authors: IAU-WGSN Etymology Group, Susanne M Hoffmann

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Kochab is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Arabic. It is the name of HIP 72607 (β UMi, HR 5563) in constellation UMi.

Etymology and History

Applied to β UMi in Renaissance times and of uncertam derivation. It is probably from one of the names Alrucaba, Rucaba, etc., that were first applied to θ UMa, then to α UMi, in medieval times. However, the name may also be from the Arabic word kaukab, or the Hebrew word kokhabh, both meaning "star".

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was adopted by the IAU WGSN on 2016/07/20.

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.