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CONSTELLATION
AND STAR NAMES
A Handlist of Pronunciations

by
by Linnea
Linnea Lagerquist
Lagerquist
Edifix
Edifix Educational
Educational and
and Editorial
Editorial Services,
Services, La
La Mesa
Mesa CA
CA

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 CONSTELLATION AND STAR NAMES
A Handlist of Pronunciations
By Linnea Lagerquist

The study of star and constellation names touches on history,

culture, politics, and humans’ instinctual yearning for the
heavens. Current constellation names are from Latin or Latinized
Greek, although some constellations date back to the Sumerians.
Star names, in contrast, are much more varied in origin. Many
are from Arabic or are Arabic adaptations of names from
Sumerian, Babylonian, Persian, and even Latin and Greek. A
few are Latinized misunderstandings of Arabic. One, Albireo
(β Cygni), is a Latinized misunderstanding of an Arabic
misunderstanding of a Greek word meaning ‘bird’!

In this handlist, constellations are given in three forms: citation

(Cygnus), combining (Cygni), and abbreviated (CYG). Named
stars in each appear in Greek-alphabet order. Phonetic spellings
are supplied in square brackets,and stressed syllables are
capitalized ([al-FEE-rats]). Meanings and language sources are
given where possible. Pronunciations are based on those given
by George A. Davis Jr. (1944) and Davis et al. (1942), with some
changes: Davis has the first syllable of PISCES rhyme with
HISS rather than DICE.
 A
ANDROMEDA [an-DROM-uh-duh], Andromedae [an-DROM-uh-
dee] (Latin from Greek myth), AND
Stars: α: Alpheratz [al-FEE-rats] ‘shoulder’ or Sirrah
[SEAR-uh] ‘navel’ (Arabic)
β: Mirach [MY-rack] ‘girdle’ (Arabic)
γ: Alnach [AL-nack] or Almak [AL-mack] ‘desert
lynx or caracal’ (Arabic)

ANTLIA [ANT-lee-uh], Antliae [ANT-lee-ee] ‘pump’

(Latin), ANT

APUS [AY-pus], Apodis [AP-o-dis] ‘bird of paradise’

(Latin), APU

AQUARIUS [uh-KWAIR-ee-us], Aquarii [uh-KWAIR-ee-eye],

AQR
Stars: α: Sadalmelik [SOD-all-MEL-ik] ‘lucky one of
the king’ (Arabic)
β: Sadalsud [SOD-all-SOO-ud] ‘luckiest of the
lucky’ (Arabic)
γ: Sadachbia [sod-AK-bee-uh] ‘lucky star of
hidden things’
δ: Skat [SKATE] ‘shin’ (Arabic)
ε: Albali [all-BAY-lee] ‘swallower’ (Arabic)
θ: Ancha [ANG-kuh] ‘hip’ (Latin)
κ: Situla [SIT-yoo-luh] ‘well bucket’ (Latin,
from Arabic)

Constellations and Star Names Page 3

AQUILA [ACK-will-uh], Aquilae [ACK-will-ee] ‘eagle’
(Latin), AQL
Stars: α: Altair [al-TAIR] ‘flying eagle’ (Arabic)
β: Alshain [al-SHANE] (Persian?)
γ: Tarazed [TAR-uh-zed] ‘balance’ (Arabic from
Persian)
δ: Denebokab [den-EBB-o-kab] ‘tail of the eagle’
(Arabic)

ARA [AIR-uh], Arae [AIR-ee] ‘altar’ (Latin), ARA

ARIES [AIR-eez], Arietis [uh-RYE-uh-tis] ‘ram’ (Latin), ARI

Stars: α: Hamal [HAM-all] ‘lamb’ (Arabic)
β: Sheratan [SHARE-uh-tan] ‘two of something’
(Arabic)
γ: Mesarthim [MEZ-ar-tim] (misrendering from
ancient Hebrew)

AURIGA [or-EYE-guh], Aurigae [or-EYE-jee] ‘charioteer’, AUR

Stars: α: Capella [kuh-PELL-uh] ‘little she-goat’ (Latin)
β: Menkalinan [men-KAL-i-nun] ‘shoulder of the
rein-holder’ (Arabic)
η, ζ: Haedi [HEE–dee] ‘kids’ (Latin)

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Constellations and Star Names Page 4

 B
BOÖTES [boh-OH-teez], Boötis [boh-OH-tis] ‘herdsman,
ox-driver’ (Greek), BOO
Stars: α: Arcturus [ark-TOO-rus] ‘guardian of the
bear’ (Greek)
β: Nekkar [NECK-ar] ‘ox-driver’ (Arabic)
γ: Seginus [suh-JYE-nus]
ε: Izar [EYE-zar] ‘girdle, loincloth’ (Arabic)
η: Mufrid [MUFF-rid] ‘solitary star of the lancer’
(Arabic)
µ: Alkalurops [AL-kuh-LOOR-ops] ‘the herdsman’s
staff’, the club’ (Arabic)

C
CAELUM [SEE-lum], Caeli [SEE-lye] (Latin), CAE

CAMELOPARDALIS, Camelopardalis [kum-ELL-o-PAR-duh-lis]

‘giraffe’ (Latin), CAM

CANCER [CAN-sir], Cancri [KANG-cry] ‘crab’ (Latin), CAN

Stars: α: Acubens [ACK-yoo-benz] ‘claws’ (Arabic)
β: Al Tarf [al-TARF] ‘the end’ (Arabic)
γ: Asellus Borealis [uh-SELL-us bor-ee-AY-lis]
‘northern donkey’ (Latin)
δ: Asellus Australis [uh-SELL-us os-TRAY-lis]
‘southern donkey’ (Latin)
ε: Praesepe [pre-SEEP-ee] ‘manger, Beehive’
(Latin)

Constellations and Star Names Page 5

CANES VENATICI [KAY-neez ven-AT-iss-eye], Canum
Venaticorum [KAY-num ven-at-ick-OR-um] ‘hunting
dogs’ (Latin), CAN
Stars: α: Cor Caroli [core CARE-o-lye] ‘heart of Charles’
β: Chara [CARE-uh] ‘beloved’

CANIS MAJOR [KAY-niss MAY-jer], Canis Majoris [KAY-nis

muh-JOR-is] ‘great dog’ (Latin), CMa
Stars: α: Sirius [SEAR-ee-us] ‘searing’ or
‘scorching’ (Greek)
β: Mirzam [MERE-zam] ‘?herald’ (Arabic)
γ: Muliphen [MOO-lih-fen] ‘a star‘ (Arabic)
δ: Wezen [WAY-zen] ‘weight’ (Arabic)
ε: Adhara [uh-DAR-uh] ‘the virgins’ (Arabic) {OH
Adara}
ζ: Furud ‘solitary’ [FOO-rood] (Arabic) {OH
Phurud}
η: Aludra ‘virginity’ [al-UD-ruh] (Arabic)

CANIS MINOR [KAY-nis MY-ner], Canis Minoris [KAY-nis

min-OR-is] ‘little dog’ [lesser dog] (Latin), CMi
Stars: α: Procyon [PRO-see-on] ‘before the dog’ (Greek):
rises heliacally before Sirius
β: Gomeisa [go-MY-zuh] ‘bleary-eyed’ (Arabic)

CAPRICORNUS [cap-rih-COR-nus], Capricorni [cap-rih-COR-

nye] ‘goat’ (Latin), CAP
Stars: α: Giedi, Algedi [al-JEE-dee] ‘kid, the kid’ (Arabic)
β: Dabih [DAY-bee] ‘?lucky star of the slaughterer’
(Arabic)
γ: Nashira [NAY-shir-uh] ‘?fortunate one’, or
meaning unknown (Arabic)
δ: Deneb Algedi [DEN-eb al-JEE-dee] ‘tail of
the kid’ (Arabic)

Constellations and Star Names Page 6

CARINA [kuh-RYE-nuh], Carinae [kuh-RYE-nee] ‘keel’ (of
old Argo Navis) (Latin), CAR
Stars: α: Canopus [ka-NOH-pus] ‘pilot of the Argo
for Menelaus’ (Greek)
β: Miaplacidus: [MYE-uh-PLASS-id-us] mia ‘?’ (?) +
placid- ‘placid’ (Latin)
ι: Tureis [too-RAY-is] ‘ornament on ship’s stern’
(Arabic) or Aspidiske [AS-pid-IS-key] ‘little
shield (hung at gunwale)’ (Greek)

CASSIOPEIA [CASS-ee-ope-EE-uh], Cassiopeiae [CASS-ee-ope-

EE-ee] (Greek), CAS
Stars: α: Schedar [SHED-ar] ‘beast’ (Arabic)
β: Caph [KAFF] ‘hand’ (Arabic)
δ: Ruchbah [RUCK-buh] ‘knee’ (Arabic)
ε: Segin [SEE-gin]
η: sometimes Achird [AY-kerd]

CENTAURUS [sen-TOR-us], Centauri [sen-TOR-eye] ‘centaur’

(Latin), CEN
Stars: α: (1) Rigel, Rigil Kentaurus [RYE-jel ken-TOR-us]
‘foot (Arabic) of the centaur (Latin)’
(2) Toliman [TOL-im-un] ‘ostriches’ (Arabic)
(3) Bungula [BUN-gyu-luh] ‘hoof’ (Latin)
(4) Alpha Centauri [AL-fuh sen-TOR-eye]
α Centauri is a triple star; α Centauri C
is Proxima [PROX-im-uh], closest star to
the earth
β: Agena ‘knee’ [uh-JEE-nuh] (Latin, Greek) or
Hadar [HAY-dar] ‘one of a pair’ (Arabic)
γ: Muliphain [MOO-lih-fayn] (Arabic): originally a
star in Canis Major
θ: Merkent [MER-kent] ‘in the shoulder of the
centaur’ (Arabic)

Constellations and Star Names Page 7

CEPHEUS [SEE-fyus], Cephei [SEE-fee-eye] (Greek), CEP
Stars: α: Alderamin [al-DARE-uh-min] ‘forearm,
shoulder’ (Arabic)
β: Alfirk [AL-firk] ‘?flock of sheep’ (Arabic)
γ: Errai [uh-RAY-ee] ‘shepherd’ (Arabic)
ξ: Kurhah [CUR-uh] ‘blaze or small star’ (Arabic)

CETUS [SEE-tus], Ceti [SEE-tye] ‘sea monster, whale’ (Latin

from Greek), CET
Stars: α: Menkar [MEN-car] ‘nose, nostrils’ (Arabic)
β: Deneb Kaitos [DEN-eb KAY-tus] ‘tail (Arabic) of
the monster’ (Greek)’, or Diphda [DIFF-duh]
‘frog’ (Arabic)
γ: Kaffaljidhma [KAFF-all-JID-muh] ‘head of the
sea monster’ (Arabic)
ζ: Baten Kaitos [BAY-ten KAY-tus] ‘belly (Arabic)
of the monster’ (Greek)
ο: Mira [MYE-ruh] ‘wonderful’ (Latin)

CHAMAELEON [cum-EE-lee-un], Chamaeleontis [cum-EE-lee-

ON-tis] ‘chameleon’ (Latin from Greek), CHA

CIRCINUS [SIR-si-nus], Circini [SIR-si-nye] ‘drawing compass’

(Latin), CIR

COLUMBA [cul-UM-buh], Columbae [cul-UM-bee] ‘dove’

(Latin), COL
Stars: α: Phakt, Phacd [FACT] ‘dove’ or meaning
unknown (Arabic)
β: Wezen, Wezn, Wazn [WAY-zen] ‘weight’ or
unknown (Arabic)

COMA BERENICES [KO-muh bear-uh-NYE-seez], Comae

Berenices [KO-mee bear-uh-NYE-seez] ‘Berenice’s
hair’ (Greek), COM
Stars: α: sometimes Diadem [DYE-uh-dem] ’jewel in
the crown’ (Latin)

Constellations and Star Names Page 8

CORONA AUSTRALIS [cor-O-nuh oss-TRAY-lis], Coronae
Australis [cor-O-nee oss-TRAY-lis] ‘southern crown’
(Latin), CrA

CORONA BOREALIS [cor-O-nuh bor-ee-AY-lis], Coronae

Borealis [cor-O-nee bor-ee-AY-liss] ‘northern crown’
(Latin), CrB
Stars: α: Gemma ‘gem’, or Alphecca [al-FECK-uh] ‘the
brightest’ (Arabic), ‘the broken (circle of stars)’
β: sometimes Nusakan [NOO-suh-can] ‘two lines
(of stars)’ (Arabic)

CORVUS [COR-vus, Corvi [COR-vye] ‘crow’ (Latin), CRV

Stars: α: Alchiba [al-KEE-buh] tent (Arabic)
β: Kraz {OH, not DP}
γ: Gienah [JEE-nuh] ‘(raven’s) wing’ (Arabic)
δ: Algorab [al-GOR-ab] ‘raven’s wing’ (Arabic)

CRATER [CRAY-ter], Crateris [kruh-TEE-ris] ‘wine cup’

(Greek), CRT
Stars: α: Alkes [AL-kuss] ‘wine cup’ (Arabic)

CRUX [CRUKS], Crucis [KROO-sis] ‘southern cross’

(Latin), CRU
Stars: α: Acrux [AY-cruks] < alpha + crux
β: Mimosa [mye-MO-suh] (Latin) or Becrux [BEE-
kruks] < beta crux
γ: Gacrux [GAY-kruks] < gamma crux

CYGNUS [SIG-nus], Cygni [SIG-nye] ‘swan’ (Latin), CYG

Stars: α: Deneb [DEN-eb] ‘tail’ (Arabic)
β: Albireo [al-BEER-ee-oh], corruption via Latin
and Arabic of Greek ornis ‘bird’
γ: Sadr [SAD-er], Sadir ‘breast’ (Arabic)
ε: Gienah [JEE-nah] ‘wing’ (Arabic)

Constellations and Star Names Page 9

 D
DELPHINUS [del-FYE-nus], Delphini [del-FYE-nye] ‘dolphin’
(Latin from Greek), DEL
Stars: α: Sualocin [su-AL-o-sin] Nicolaus spelled
backward
β: Rotanev [RO-ta-nev] Venator spelled backward,
from Italian Cacciatore

DORADO [dor-AY-doh, Doradus [dor-AY-dus] ‘goldfish,

dolphinfish’ (Latin), DOR

DRACO [DRAY-koh], Draconis [dray-KOH-nis] ‘dragon’

(Latin), DRA
Stars: α: Thuban [THOO-ban] ‘dragon’ (Arabic),
misreading of al-tinnin ‘the serpent’
β: Rastaban [ROSS-tuh-ban] ‘head of the
dragon’ (Arabic)
γ: Eltanin [el-TAY-nin]’ (Arabic) ‘the serpent’
δ: Nodus II ‘second knot’, or Altais [al-TAY-is]
‘serpent’ (Arabic)
ζ: Nodus I ‘first knot’ or Aldhibah
ι: sometimes Edasich [ED-uh-sick] ‘male hyena’
(Arabic)
λ: Giansar [JEE-un-sar] ‘node, or point at which a
planet crosses the ecliptic (Persian), or
Giausar [JOE-zar] ‘the dragon’s head and
tail’ (Persian)
µ: Arrakis or Alrakis [al-RAY-kis] ‘dancer’ (Arabic)
ξ: Grumium [GROO-mee-um] mistranscription of
Greek geneion ‘the under jaw [of the dragon]’

Constellations and Star Names Page 10

 E
EQUULEUS [ay-kwu-LEE-us], Equulei [ay-kwu-LEE-eye] ‘little
horse’ (Latin), EQU
Stars: α: Kitalpha [kit-AL-fa] ‘part of a horse,
little horse’ (Arabic)

ERIDANUS [eh-RID-un-us], Eridani [eh-RID-un-eye] ‘celestial

river’ (Latin?), ERI
Stars: α: Achernar [AY-kur-nar] ‘river’s end’ (Arabic)
β: Cursa [KUR-sa] ‘footstool of the giant’ (Arabic)
γ: Zurak or Zaurak [ZOR-ack] ‘boat’ (Arabic)
δ: sometimes Rana [RAY-na] ‘frog’ (Latin)
ζ: Zibal [ZEYE-bal] ‘ostriches’ (Arabic)
η: Azha [OZ-a] ‘ostrich nest’ (Arabic)
θ: Acamar [AY-kum-ar] ‘river’s end’ (Arabic)
ο1: Beid [BIDE] ‘the eggs’ (Arabic)
ο2: Keid [KIDE] ‘the fragment of an
eggshell’ (Arabic)

F
FORNAX [FOR-nacks], Fornacis [for-NAY-sis] ‘furnace’
(Latin), FOR

Constellations and Star Names Page 11

 G
GEMINI [JEM-in-eye], Geminorum [jem-in-OR-um] ‘twins’
(Latin), GEM
Stars: α: Castor [CASS-tur] ‘a twin’
β: Pollux [PAUL-uks] ‘a twin’
γ: Alhena [al-HEN-uh] ‘mark on the neck of a
camel’ (Arabic)
δ: Wasat [WAY-sat] ‘the middle (of the sky)’
(Arabic)
ε: Mebsuta [meb-SOO-tuh] ‘outstretched (lion’s
paw)’ (Arabic)
ζ: Mekbuta or Mekbuda [meck-BOO-duh] ‘folded
(lion’s paw)’ (Arabic)
η: Propus [PRO-pus] ‘forward foot (of Castor)’
(Greek)

GRUS [GRUSS], Gruis [GROO-iss] ‘crane’ (Latin), GRU

Stars: α: Al Nair [al NAIR] ‘the bright one’ (Arabic)

T T T

Constellations and Star Names Page 12

 H
HERCULES [HURK-you-leez], Herculis [HURK-you-liss] ‘the
strongman’ (Latin from Greek), HER
Stars: α: Ras Algethi [ross al-JAYTH-ee] ‘the
kneeler’s head’ (Arabic)
β: Kornephoros [kor-NEFF-or-us] ‘club-bearer’
(Greek)
δ: Sarin [SAIR-in]
κ: Marsic [MAR-sick] ‘elbow’ (Arabic)
λ: Maasym [MAW-sim] ‘wrist’ (Arabic)
ϖ: Cujam [KOO-jum] corruption of ‘club’ (Latin)

HOROLOGIUM [hor-uh-LOW-jee-um], Horologii [hor-uh-

LOW-jee-eye] ‘clock’ (Latin), HOR

HYDRA [HYE-druh], Hydrae [HYE-dree] ‘serpent, water

snake (feminine)’ (Greek), HYA
Stars: α: Alphard, Alfard [AL-fard] ‘solitary one’ (Arabic)

HYDRUS [HYE-drus], Hydri [HYE-dry] ‘water snake

(masculine)’ (Greek), HYI

I
INDUS [IN-duss], Indi [IN-dye] ‘the Indian’ (Latin), IND

Constellations and Star Names Page 13

 L
LACERTA [luh-SIR-tuh], Lacertae [luh-SIR-tee] ‘lizard’ (Latin),
LAC

LEO [LEE-oh], Leonis [lee-OH-niss] ‘lion’ (Latin), LEO

Stars: α: Regulus [REGG-you-luss] ‘little king’ (Latin)
β: Denebola [den-EBB-oh-luh] ‘lion’s tail’ (Arabic)
γ: Algieba [al-JEE-buh] ‘the brow, the forehead’
δ: Zosma [ZOHZ-muh] ‘girdle’ (wrongly) < ‘hip’
(Greek)
ζ: Adhafera [ah-DAY-fur-uh] ‘lock of hair’ (Arabic)
θ: Chertan [CHUR-tun] or Chort [CHORT] ‘two
small ribs’ (Arabic)
λ: Alterf [al-TAIRF] ‘the glance (of the lion)’
µ: Rasalas [ROSS-uh-lass] ‘(northern part of) the
lion’s head’ (Arabic)
ο: Subra [SOO-bruh] ‘the mane’ (Arabic)

LEO MINOR [LEE-oh MYE-nur, Leonis Minoris [lay-OH-niss

min-OR-iss] ‘little lion’ (Latin), LMi

LEPUS [LEE-pus], Leporis [luh-POR-is] ‘hare’ (Latin), LEP

Stars: α: Arneb [AR-nebb] ‘hare’ (Arabic)
β: Nihal [NYE-al] ‘(camels quenching their) thirst’

LIBRA [LYE-bruh or LEE-bruh], Librae [LYE-bree or LEE-

bree] ‘scales’ (originally Chelae ‘claws’, from Scorpio)
(Latin), LIB
Stars: α: Zubenelgenubi [zu-BEN-el-jen-OO-bee]
‘southern claw’ (Arabic)
β: Zubeneschamali [zu-BEN-ess-sha-MAH-lee
‘northern claw’ (Arabic)
γ: Zubenelakrab [ZOO-ben-el-AY-crab] ‘scorpion’s
claw’ (Arabic)
σ: Brachium [BRAY-kee-um] ‘arm’ (Latin)
Constellations and Star Names Page 14
LUPUS [LOO-pus], Lupi [LOO-pye] ‘wolf’ (once Therion ‘wild
animal’) (Latin), LUP

LYNX [LINKS], Lyncis [LIN-sis] ‘lynx’ (Latin), LYN

LYRA [LYE-ruh], Lyrae [LYE-ree] ‘lyre, kithara’ (Greek), LYR

Stars: α: Vega [VEE-guh] ‘eagle, vulture’ (Arabic)
β: Sheliak [SHELL-yack] ‘tortoise’ (Arabic from
Persian from Greek)
γ: Sulaphat, Sulafat [SOO-luh-fat] ‘tortoise’ (Arabic)

M
MENSA [MEN-suh], Mensae [MEN-see] ‘table’ (Latin), MEN

MICROSCOPIUM [my-kro-SCOPE-ee-um], Microscopii [my-

kro-SCOPE-ee-eye] ‘microscope’ (Latin from Greek),
MIC

MONOCEROS [mon-OSS-ur-us], Monocerotis [mon-oss-ur-

OH-tis] ‘unicorn’ (Latin from Greek), MON

MUSCA [MUSS-kuh], Muscae [MUSS-eye] ‘fly’ (Latin), MUS

N
NORMA [NOR-muh], Normae [NOR-mee] ‘level’ (Latin), NOR

Constellations and Star Names Page 15

 O
OCTANS [OCK-tans] , Octantis [ock-TAN-tis] ‘octant’
(Latin), OCT

OPHIUCHUS [off-YOU-kuss], Ophiuchi [off-YOU-kye]

‘serpent-bearer’ (Greek), OPH
Stars: α: Ras Alhague, Rasalhague [ROSS al-HAY-gwee]
‘head of the serpent collector’ (Arabic)
β: Cebelrai [seb-al-RAY-ee] ‘shepherd’s dog’
(Arabic)
δ: Yed Prior [yed PRY-ur] ‘hand (Arabic), front
(Latin)’
ε: Yed Posterior [yed poss-TEAR-ee-ur] ‘hand
(Arabic), rear (Latin)’
η: Sabik [SAY-bick]‘(the second) winner’
λ: Marfik [MAR-fick] ‘elbow’ (Arabic)

ORION [or-EYE-un], Orionis [or-ee-O-nis], ORI

Stars: α: Betelgeuse [BET-el-jooz] corruption of Arabic
yad al-jauza ‘hand of the middle female one’
β: Rigel [RYE-jel] ‘foot’ (Arabic)
γ: Bellatrix [bell-AY-tricks] ‘female warrior’ (Latin)
δ: Mintaka [MIN-tuck-uh] ‘belt’ (Arabic)
ε: Alnilam [al-NYE-lum] ‘string of pearls’ (Arabic,
from name for Orion’s Belt)
ζ: Alnitak [al-NYE-tack] ‘belt’ (Arabic, derived)
κ: Saiph [SAFE] ‘sword’ (Arabic)
λ: Meissa [MICE-uh] ‘?sparkling one’

Constellations and Star Names Page 16

 P
PAVO [PAY-voh], Pavonis [PAY-voh] ‘peacock’ (Latin), PAV

PEGASUS [PEG-uh-suss], Pegasi [PEG-uh-sye] ‘winged horse’

(Greek), PEG
Stars: α: Markab MAR-kab] ‘horse’s shoulder’ (Arabic)
β: Scheat [SHEE-at] corruption of ‘leg’ (Arabic)
γ: Algenib [al-JEE-nib] ‘the side’ (Arabic)
ε: Enif [EN-if] ‘(the horse’s) nose’ (Arabic)
ζ: Homam [HO-mam] ‘hero’ (Arabic)
η: Matar [MAY-tar] ‘rain’ (Arabic)
θ: Biham [BYE-um] ‘young beasts’ (Arabic)
µ: Sadalbari [sod-al-BAY-ree] ‘excelling one’
(Arabic)

PERSEUS [PURR-see-us], Persei [PURR-see-eye] ‘Perseus’

(Greek), PER
Stars: α: Algenib [al-JEE-nib] ‘the side’ (Arabic) or
Mirfak [MER-fack] ‘elbow’ (Arabic)
β: Algol [AL-goll] ‘(head of) the demon or ghoul’
(Arabic, adapted)
ξ: Menkib [MEN-kib] ‘shoulder’ (Arabic)
ζ: Atik [AY-tick] ‘shoulder blade’ (Arabic)

PHOENIX [FEE-nicks], Phoenicis [fuh-NYE-sis] ‘phoenix’

(Greek), PHE
Stars: α: Ankaa [AHN-kah] (Arabic, from name
of legendary bird)

PICTOR [PICK-tur], Pictoris [pick-TOR-is] ‘painter’

(Latin), PIC

Constellations and Star Names Page 17

PISCES [PYE-seez], Piscium [PISH-ee-um] ‘the fish(es)’ (Latin
from Greek), PSC
Stars: α: Alrisha [al-RISH-uh] ‘the knot or cord’ (Arabic)

PISCIS AUSTRINUS [PYE-sis oss-TRY-nus], Piscis Austrini

[PYE-sis oss-TRY-nye] ‘southern fish’ (Latin), PsA
Stars: α: Fomalhaut [FOH-mel-oat] ‘(southern) fish’s
mouth’ (Arabic, derived)

PUPPIS [PUP-is], Puppis [PUP-is] ‘poop deck, stern’ (of older

Argo) (L?), PUP
Stars: ζ: Naos [NOWSE] ‘ship’ (Greek)
ρ: Tureis [tu-RAY-is] ‘little shield’ (Arabic)

PYXIS [PICK-sis], Pyxidis [PICK-sid-is] ‘the compass’ (Greek),

PYX

R
RETICULUM [ret-ICK-you-lum], Reticuli [ret-ICK-you-lye] ‘net’
(Latin), RET

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Constellations and Star Names Page 18

 S
SAGITTA [suh-JIT-uh], Sagittae [suh-JIT-ee] ‘arrow’ (Latin),
SGE
Stars: α: Sham [sham] ‘arrow’ (Arabic)

SAGITTARIUS [sadge-it-AIR-ee-us], Sagittarii [sadge-it-AIR-

ee-eye] ‘archer’ (Latin), SGR
Stars: α: Rukbat [RUCK-bat] ‘knee (of the
archer)’ (Arabic)
β: Arkab [AR-kab] ‘Achilles tendon’ (Arabic)
γ: Alnasl [al-NAY-zul] ‘the point’ (Arabic) or Nash
δ: Kaus Media [KOSS MEE-dee-uh] ‘bow (Arabic),
middle’ (Latin)
ε: Kaus Australis [KOSS oss-TRAY-lis] ‘bow
(Arabic), southern’ (Latin)
ζ: Ascella [uh-SELL-uh] ‘armpit’ (Latin)
λ: Kaus Borealis [KOSS bor-ee-AY-lis] ‘bow
(Arabic), northern (Latin)’
σ: Nunki [NUN-kee] ‘city of Eridu on the
Euphrates River’ (Babylonian)

SCORPIUS [SCORP-ee-us], Scorpii [SCORP-ee-eye] ‘scorpion’

(Latin), SCO
Stars: α: Antares [ann-TAY-reez] ‘opposite or rival
of Mars’ (Greek)
β: Acrab [AY-krab] ‘name for this constellation’
(Arabic), or Graffias [GRAFF-ee-us]
‘claws’ (Greek)
δ: Dschubba [JUBB-uh] ‘forehead’ (Arabic)
θ: Girtab [GIR-tab] ‘scorpion’ (Sumerian), or Sargas
[SAR-gus] ‘a star god’ (Sumerian)
λ: Shaula [SHAWL-uh] ‘stinger’ (Arabic)
υ: Lesath [LESS-uth] ‘sting’ (Arabic)

Constellations and Star Names Page 19

SCULPTOR [SKULP-tur] , Sculptoris [skulp-TOR-is] ‘sculptor’
(Latin), SCU

SCUTUM [SCOOT-um ], Scuti [SKOOT-eye] ‘shield’ (Latin),

SCM

SERPENS [SIR-pens], Serpentis [sir-PENT-is] ‘snake’ Caput

[CAP-ut] ‘head’, Cauda [COD-uh] ‘tail’ (Latin), SER
Stars: α: Unukalhai [YOU-nuck-ull-HAY-ee] ‘the
serpent’s neck’
θ: Alya [AL-yuh] ‘tail’ or ‘serpent’ (Arabic)

SEXTANS [SECKS-tuns], Sextantis [secks-TAN-tis] ‘sextant’

(Latin), SEX

T
TAURUS [TOR-us], Tauri [TOR-eye] ‘bull’ (Greek, Latin), TAU
Asterisms: Hyades [HIGH-uh-deez] ‘sisters of Hyas’
(Greek) Pleiades [PLEE-uh-deez] ‘daughters of
Pleione and Atlas’ (Greek)
Stars in Pleiades: Atlas [AT-luss], Pleione [PLEE-uh-nee],
Alcyone [al-SIGH-un-ee], Sterope
[STAIR-up-ee], Celaeno [sell-EE-noh],
Electra [el-ECK-truh], Maia [MEE-uh],
Merope [MARE-up-ee], Taygete [tay-
IDGE-ut-ee] (parents and daughters)
Stars: α: Aldebaran [al-DEB-uh-run] ‘follower (of
the Pleiades)’
β: El Nath [ell NATH] ‘the butting one’
η: Alcyone [al-SIGH-un-ee] ‘daughter of Pleione’

Constellations and Star Names Page 20

TELESCOPIUM [tell-uh-SCOPE-ee-um], Telescopii [tell-uh-
SCOPE-ee-eye] ‘telescope’ (Latin from Greek), TEL

TRIANGULUM [try-ANG-gyu-lum], Trianguli [try-ANG-gyu-lie]

‘triangle’ (Latin), TRI
Stars: α: Caput Trianguli [CAP-ut try-ANG-gyu-lie]
‘head of the triangle’ (Latin), or Mothallah
[moh-TALL-uh] ‘triangle’ (Arabic)

TRIANGULUM AUSTRALE [try-ANG-gyu-lum oss-TRAY-lee],

Trianguli Australis [try-ANG-gyu-lum oss-TRAY-liss]
‘southern triangle’ (Latin), TrA
Stars: α: Atria [AY-tree-uh] < alpha Triangle

TUCANA [too-CANE-uh], Tucanae [too-CANE-ee] ‘toucan’, TUC

T T T

Constellations and Star Names Page 21

 U
URSA MAJOR [URS-uh MAY-jur], Ursae Majoris [URS-ee
muh-JOR-iss] ‘great(er) bear’ (Latin), UMa
Stars: α: Dubhe [DUBB-ee] ‘bear (Arabic)
β: Merak [MEE-rack] ‘flank’ (Arabic)
γ: Phecda [FECK-duh] ‘thigh’ (Arabic)
δ: Megrez [MEE-grez] ‘root of the tail’ (Arabic)
ε: Alioth [AL-ee-oth] ‘bull’ (Arabic, from earlier
name of constellation)
ζ1: Mizar [MY-zar] ‘waistcloth’ (Arabic)
80 Ursae Majoris: Alcor [AL-core] ‘abandoned or
friendless’ (Persian)
η: Alkaid [al-KADE] (Arabic) ‘the leader’ or
Benetnasch [ben-ET-nash] ‘chief of the
mourners’ (Arabic)
ι: Talitha [tay-LITH-uh] ‘third (leap)’ (Arabic)
λ: Tania Borealis [TAY-nee-uh bore-ee-AY-liss]
‘second (leap, Arabic), northern’ (Latin)
µ: Tania Australis [TAY-nee-uh oss-TRAY-liss]
‘second (leap, Arabic), southern’ (Latin)
ν: Alula Borealis [al-OO-luh bore-ee-AY-liss] ‘first
(leap, Arabic), northern’ (Latin)
ξ: Alula Borealis [al-OO-luh oss-TRAY-liss] ‘first
(leap, Arabic), southern’ (Latin)
ο: Muscida [MEW-sid-uh] ‘muzzle’ (Latin)

URSA MINOR [URS-uh MINE-er], Ursae Minoris [URS-ee

min-OR-iss] ‘little[r] bear’ (Latin), UMi
Stars: α: Polaris [pole-AIR-is] ‘of the Pole’ (Latin) or
Cynosure [SIN-oh-sure] ‘dog’s tail’ (Greek)
β: Kochab [KOH-kab] ‘star’ (Babylonian)
γ: Pherkad [FAIR-kad] ‘two calves’ (Arabic)
δ: Yildun [YILL-dun] ‘star’ (Turkish)

Constellations and Star Names Page 22

 V
VELA [VEE-luh], Velorum [vee-LOR-um] ‘sails’ (Latin), VEL
Stars: γ: Regor [REE-gor] ‘?’
λ: Suhail [soo-HAIL] of the Oath (Arabic)

VIRGO [VURR-go], Virginis [VURR-jin-iss] ‘virgin’

(Latin), VIR
Stars: α: Spica [SPY-kuh] ‘ear of wheat’ (Latin)
β: Zavijava [ZAV-ih-JAV-uh] ‘angle’ (Arabic)
δ: Auva [AH-vuh ‘bend’ (Arabic)
γ: Porrima [POR-im-uh] ‘Roman goddess of
prophecy’ (Latin)
ε: Vindemiatrix [vin-DEE-mee-AY-tricks] ‘grape
gatherer, female’ (Latin)
η: Zaniah [ZAY-nee-uh] ‘corner’
ι: Syrma [SIR-muh] ‘train of a dress’ (Greek)

VOLANS [VOH-luns], Volantis [vo-LAN-tis] ‘flying (fish)’

(Latin), VOL

VULPECULA [vul-PECK-you-luh], Vulpeculae [vul-PECK-you-

lee] ‘little she-fox’ (Latin), VUL

T T T

Constellations and Star Names Page 23

 REFERENCES

Allen, Richard Hinckley. 1963. Star names: their lore and

meaning. New York: Dover Publications. Reprinted from Star-
names and their meanings (1899).
Ridpath, Ian. 1988. Star tales. New York: Universe Books.
Heuter, Gwyneth. 1986. Star names - origins and misconceptions.
Vistas in Astronomy 29:237-51.
Kunitzsch, Paul. 1983. How we got our “Arabic” star names. Sky
& Telescope (January 1983), 20-22.
Davis, George A., Jr. 1944. The pronunciations, derivations, and
meanings of a selected list of star names. Popular Astronomy
52.1:8-30.
Davis, George, A., Jr., Daniel J. McHugh, and Samuel G. Barton.
1942. Report prepared by the Committee of the American
Astronomical Society on Preferred Spellings and
Pronunciations. Popular Astronomy 50.7:356-64.

Constellations and Star Names Page 24

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA) would like to

express its sincerest thanks to Ms. Linnea Lagerquist. Ms.
Lagerquist has spoken at the SDAA General Meetings in the
past, and has graciously prepared the text herein for our
members’ use. The SDAA does not hold copyright on the text
contained herein, and all copyright, reproduction and usage
rights are retained by Ms. Largerquist.

San Diego Astronomy Assoication

P.O. Box 23215 ■ San Diego ■ California ■ 92193
619/645-8940 ■ [Link]