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List of Arabic star names

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List of Arabic star names

Summary

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Orion]] (''al-jabbar'', "the giant"). The star [[Rigel]] in his foot derives its name from the Arabic ''rijl'', "foot."

This is a list of Arabic star names. In Western astronomy, most of the accepted star names are Arabic, a few are Greek and some are of unknown origin. Typically only bright stars have names.

History of Arabic star names

Very old star names originated among people who lived in the Arabian Peninsula more than a thousand years ago, after the rise of Islam. However, some Arabic language star names sprang up later in history, as translations of ancient Greek language descriptions.

The astronomer Claudius Ptolemy in his Almagest (2nd century) tabulated the celestial position and brightness (visual magnitude) of 1,025 stars. Ptolemy's book was translated into Arabic in the 8th and 9th centuries and became famous in Europe as a 12th-century Latin translation. Many of the Arabic-language star descriptions in the Almagest came to be widely used as names for stars.

Ptolemy used a strategy of "figure reference" to identify stars according to their position within a familiar constellation or asterism (e.g., "in the right shoulder of The Hunter"). Muslim astronomers adopted some of these as proper names for stars, and added names from traditional Arabic star lore, which they recorded in various Zij treatises. The most notable of these is the Book of Fixed Stars written by the Muslim astronomer Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi (known as Azophi in the West), who thoroughly illustrated all the stars known to him along with their observations, descriptions, positions, magnitudes, brightness, and color.

In Europe, during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, many ancient star names were copied or translated incorrectly by various writers, some of whom did not know the Arabic language very well. As a result, the history of a star's name can be complicated.

In 2016, the IAU designated official star names to resolve the difficulty of using different naming systems. Many stars were given the commonly used Arabic name.

List

A

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameArabic name (vowels)Scientific star name
AcamarĀkhiru-n-Nahrthe River's or Stream's End / Tail / Edge / Borderآخر النهرآخِرُ ٱلْنََهْرTheta Eridani
AchernarAlpha Eridani
AcrabʽAqrabthe ScorpionعقربعَقْرَبBeta Scorpii
Acubensʼaz-Zubānāthe Claw / Dart / StingالزبانىالْزُّبَانَىAlpha Cancri
Adhaferaaḍ-Ḍafiyrahthe Braid / Curl / Strand (of the lion's mane)الضفيرةالْضَّفِيرَةZeta Leonis
Adharaal-ʽAdhārāthe Virgin / NymphالعذارىالْعَذَارَىEpsilon Canis Majoris A
Adhiladh-Dhaylthe Tail / AnnexالذيلالْذَيْلXi Andromedae
Adibadh-Dhiʼbthe WolfالذئبالْذِّئْبAlpha Draconis, "Thuban"
AinʽAynthe Eye (of the bull)عينعَيْنEpsilon Tauri
Aladfaral-ʼUẓfūrthe Talons (of the Swooping Eagle)الأظفرأُظْفُورEta Lyrae
Alawaidal-ʽAwāʼidhthe Protecting Mother Camels; the Old Camels; "the Four"الربع, العوائذالْرُّبَع, الْعَوَائِذGamma Draconis,
Xi Draconis,
Nu Draconis,
Beta Draconis
al-ʽAwwādthe Lutenist / Lute Playerالعوادالْعَوَّاد
Albalial-Bāliʽthe SwallowerالبالعالبَالِعEpsilon Aquarii
Alchibahal-Khibāʼthe TentالخباءالخِبَاءAlpha Corvi
Alcoral-khawārthe Faint Oneالخوارالخوار80 Ursae Majoris
Aldebaranad-Dabarānthe Follower (of the Pleiades)الدبراناَلدَّبَرَانAlpha Tauri
Alderaminadh-Dhirāʽu l-Yamīnthe Right Arm (of Cepheus)الذراع اليمينالذّراع اليَمِينAlpha Cephei
Aldhibahʼaḍ-Ḍibaāʽ [Adh-Dhibaaʽ],
ʼaḍ-Ḍibāʽ [Adh-Dhibaaʽe]the HyenasالضباعالْضِّبَاعZeta Draconis
Aldhibainʼadh-Dhiʼbaynthe Two Hyenas / WolvesالذئبينالْذِّئْبَيْنZeta Draconis (Aldhibah),
Eta Draconis
AldulfinAl Dhanab al Dulfīmthe Dolphin's Tailالذنب الدلفينالذَّنَبُ الدُّلْفِينEpsilon Delphini
AlfarasalkamilAl Faras al Kamilthe Complete Horseالفرس الكاملالفرس الكاملOmicron Andromedae
Alfirkal-Firqahthe Flock of sheepالفرقةالفِرْقَةBeta Cephei
Algebar(Rijl) ul-Jabbār(Foot of) the Giantرجل الجباررَجْلَ الجَبَّارBeta Orionis, "Rigel"
Algedial-Jadythe GoatالجديالجَدْيAlpha2 Capricorni
Algenibal-Janbthe Flank (of Pegasus)الجنبالجَنْبGamma Pegasi
Algiebaal-Jab'hahthe Forehead (of the Lion)الجبهةالجَبْهَةGamma Leonis
Algol(Ra'as) al-Ghūl(Head of) the Ghoulرأس الغولرَأسَ الغُولBeta Persei, the "Demon Star"
Algorabal-Ghurābthe CrowالغرابالغُرَابDelta Corvi
Alhenaal-Hanʽahthe Brand (on the neck of the camel)الهنعةالهَنْعَةGamma Geminorum, "Almeisan"
AliothAl-JawnThe black horse "John"الجونالجَوْنEpsilon Ursae Majoris
Alkaidal-Qā'id (banāt naʽash)the Leader (of the mourning maidens)القائد بنات نعشالقائِد بَنات نَعْشEta Ursae Majoris
Alkesal-Ka'sthe CupالكأسالکَأْسAlpha Crateris
Almak, Almachʼal-ʽAnāqi ʼl-Arḍ [Al-ʽAnaaqi 'l-Ardh]the Caracal,
Desert Lynx; "She-kid, She-Goat of the land"عناق الأرضعَنَاقِ ٱلْأَرْضGamma Andromedae
Almeisanal-Maysānthe Shining oneالميسانالمَيْسَانGamma Geminorum, "Alhena"
Alnairan-Nayyirthe Bright oneالنيرالنّيّرAlpha Gruis
Alnaslan-Naşlthe BladeالنصلالنَّصْلGamma² Sagittarii
Alnilaman-Niżmthe String of PearlsالنظمالنَّظْمEpsilon Orionis
Alnitakan-Niṭāqthe Girdle (Orion's Belt)النطاقالنِّطَاقZeta Orionis
Alphardal-Fardthe Solitary oneالفردالفَرْدAlpha Hydrae
Alphecca(Nayyir) al-Fakkah(the Bright one of) the Broken (Ring)نير الفكةنَيِّر الفَکَّةAlpha Coronae Borealis
Alpheratz(Surrat) al-Faras(Navel of) the Mareسرة الفرسسُرَّة الفَرَسAlpha Andromedae
Alruba'al-Rubaʽ"the foal"الربعالرُّبعHD 161693, HR 6618
Alrescha''ar-Rishā'''the Well-RopeالرشاءالرِّشَاءAlpha Piscium
Alsafiaṣ-Ṣaāfiyy [Asw-Swaafiyy],
aṣ-Ṣāfiyy [As-Ssaafiyy]the TripodsالصافيّالْصَّافِيّSigma Draconis
AlsuhailSuhaylGloriousسهيلسّهَيْلany of: Canopus,
Velorum, or Lambda Velorum
Altair(an-Nisr) uṭ-Ṭāʼirthe Flying (Eagle)النسر الطائرالنَّسْر الطَّائِرAlpha Aquilae
Altaisat-Taysthe GoatالتيسالتَّيْسDelta Draconis
Alterfaṭ-Ṭarfthe View (of the Lion)الطرفالطَّرْفLambda Leonis
Aludraal-ʽUdhrahVirginityالعذرةالعُذْرَةEta Canis Majoris
Alula Australis,
Alula Borealis''(al-Qafzat) ul-Ūla'''the First (Leap)القفزة الأولىXi Ursae Majoris and Nu Ursae Majoris
Alyaal-Alyahthe fatty Tail of a sheepالأليةTheta Serpentis
AlsephinaAl-Safinahthe shipالسفينةDelta Velorum
AngetenarʽArjat un-NahrCurve of the Riverعرجة النهرTau² Eridani
Ankaa''al-ʽAnqā'''Anqa, PhoenixالعنقاءAlpha Phoenicis
Arkabal-ʽArqūbthe HamstringالعرقوبBeta Sagittarii
Arnebal-Arnabthe HareالأرنبAlpha Leporis
Arrakisʼar-Rāqiṣthe Dancer; Trotting CamelالراقصالْرَّاقِصArrakis
Asuiaʼash-Shujaāʽ,
ʼash-Shujāʽthe Hydra / Sea-SerpentالشجاعالْشُّجَاعBeta Draconis
Atikal-ʽĀtiq ath-Thurayyāthe Shoulder (of Perseus)عَاتِق الثّريّاOmicron Persei
Auva''al-ʽAwwā'''the Barking (Dog)العواءالْعَوَّاءDelta Virginis, "Minelauva"
Azfar AdibʼAẓfaāru ʼdh-Dhiʼb,
ʼAẓfaāru ʼdh-Dhiʼbthe Wolf's Nails / Fingerprintsأظفار الذئبأَظْفَارُ ٱلْذِّئْبAzfar Adib
AzhaĀshiyānah ( Āshyāneh)(Ostrich) NestاشیانهأَشیانَةEta Eridani

Star groups

Parent GroupTransliterated GroupMeaningGroup NameTransliterated SubgroupMeaningSubgroup NameScientific star name
Adharaal-ʽAdhāriythe Virgins / NymphsالْعَذَارِيʼAwwalu-l-ʽAdhāriyFirst of the Virgins / Nymphsأَوَّلُ ٱلْعَذَارِيEpsilon Canis Majoris
Thāniyu-l-ʽAdhāriySecond of the Virgins / Nymphsثَانِيُ ٱلْعَذَارِيOmicron² Canis Majoris

In Arabic astronomy, Draco was divided into three parts:

  1. Alawaid, the first part and the main body of Draco, also called الْرُّبَع ar-Rubaʽ.
  2. Arrakis
  3. Azfar Adib

B

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
BahamSa'ad ul-BihamLuck of the Young Beastsسعد البهامTheta Pegasi
Baten KaitosBaṭni QayṭusBelly of Cetusبطن قيطوسZeta Ceti
BeidBayḍEggsبيضOmicron¹ Eridani
BenetnashBanāt un-NaʿashDaughters of the bierبنات النعشEta Ursae Majoris
Betelgeuseyad ul-Jawzā'hand of the Central Oneيد الجوزاءAlpha Orionis
Boteinal-Buṭaynthe Belly (of the ram)بطينDelta Arietis

C

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Caphal-Kaff ul-Khaḍibthe Palm (reaching from the Pleiades)الكـــف الخضيبBeta Cassiopeiae
CelbalraiKalb ur-Rāʿīthe Shepherd's Dogكلب الراعيBeta Ophiuchi
Chortal-Kharatthe RibالخرتTheta Leonis
CursaKursiyy al-Jauzahthe Chair or Footstool (of Orion)الكرسيّBeta Eridani

D

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
DabihSaʿad udh-Dhābiḥthe lucky star of the Slaughtererسّعد الذّابحBeta Capricorni
DenebDhanab ud-DajājahTail of the henذنب الدجاجةalpha Cygni
Deneb AlgediDhanab ul-JadyTail of the goatذنب الجديDelta Capricorni
Deneb DulfimDhanab ud-DulfīnTail of the Dolphinذنب الدّلفينEpsilon Delphini
Deneb KaitosDhanab ul-Qayṭus (ul-Janūbīyy)(Southern) Tail of Cetusذنب قيطوس الجنوبيBeta Ceti
DenebolaDhanab ul-AsadTail of the lionذنب الاسدBeta Leonis
Diphdaaḍ-Ḍifdaʿ ath-Thānīthe (second) Frogالضّفدع الثانيBeta Ceti
Dschubbaal-Jab'hahthe Forehead (of the scorpion)الجبهةDelta Scorpii
DubheKāhil ud-Dubb(the back of) the Bearكاهل الدّبAlpha Ursae Majoris
Dzibanadh-Dhi'banthe Two Wolves or JackalsالذئبانPsi Draconis

E

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Edasichadh-Dhikhthe HyenaالذّيخIota Draconis
El Nathan-Naṭḥthe butting (of the bull's horns)النطحBeta Tauri
Eltanin / Etamin / Etaninat-Tinninthe Great SerpentالتنينGamma Draconis
Enifal-Anfthe Nose (of Pegasus)الأنفEpsilon Pegasi
Erraiar-Rāʿīthe ShepherdالراعيGamma Cephei

F

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
FomalhautFum al-ḤūtMouth of the Whaleفم الحوتAlpha Piscis Austrini
Furudal-Furudthe bright Single ones (see )الفردZeta Canis Majoris

G

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Gienahal-Janāḥthe Wingالجناحrefers to two stars:
Gomeisaal-Ghumaişā'the Bleary-eyed oneالغميصاءBeta Canis Minoris

H

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
HadarḤaḍārSettlementحضارBeta Centauri
HamalRā's al-Ḥamal(head of) the Ramرأس الحملAlpha Arietis
Hekaal-Haqʿahthe White SpotالهقعةLambda Orionis
HomamSaʿad al-Humāmthe Lucky star of the High-mindedسعد الهمامZeta Pegasi

I

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
IklilIklīl al JabhahThe Crown of the Foreheadإكليل الجبهةRho Scorpii
IzarAl-IzarThe girdle, or, The loin-clothالإزارEpsilon Boötis

J

Common nameArabic nameMeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Jabbahal-Jab'hahthe Forehead (of the scorpion)الجبهةNu Scorpii

K

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
KalbKaʿab Dhiy l-ʿInānthe Shoulder of the Rein-holderكعب ذي العنانIota Aurigae
Kaffaljidhmaal-Kaff al-Jadhmā'the Cut-short Handالكف الجذماءGamma Ceti
KaffalmusalsalaKaff al-MusalsalaThe hand of the Chained Womanكفّ المسلسةKappa Andromedae
Kaus Australis,
Kaus Media,
Kaus Borealisal-Qawsthe BowالقوسEpsilon Sagittarii
Keidal-Qaiḍthe (broken egg) ShellsالقيضOmicron² Eridani
KitalphaQiṭʿat al-FarasPart of the Horseقطعة الفرسAlpha Equulei
Kochabal-Kawkabthe StarكوكبBeta Ursae Minoris
Kurhahal-Qurḥahthe Blaze on a horse's browالقرحةXi Cephei

L

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Lesathal-LasʿahThe stingاللسعةUpsilon Scorpii
Luh-Denebola / DenebolaDhanab al-Asad/al-Layththe lion's tailذنب الاسد/الليثBeta Leonis

M

Arab-Latinized star nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameArabic nameScientific star name
Maasymal-Miʿasam uth-Thurayyāthe Wrist (of Hercules)معصم الثّريّاLambda Herculis
Maazal-Māʿazthe he-GoatالمعزEpsilon Aurigae
MankibMankib (ul-Faras)the Shoulder (of the Horse)منكب الفرسAlpha Pegasi
Marfikal-Mirfaqthe ElbowالمرفقLambda Ophiuchi
MarkabMarkab (ul-Faras)the Saddle (of the Horse)مركب الفرسAlpha Pegasi
MarkebMarkabSomething to RideمركبKappa Velorum
Mataral-Saʿad ul-Maṭarthe lucky star of Rainسعد مطرEta Pegasi
Mebsutaadh-Dhirāʿu l-Mabsūṭahthe Outstretched (Paw)الذّراع المبسوطهEpsilon Geminorum
Megrezal-Maghrizthe Base of the bear's tailمغرزDelta Ursae Majoris
Meissaal-Maysānthe Shining oneالميسانLambda Orionis
Mekbudaadh-Dhirāʿu l-Maqbūḍahthe Folded (Arm)الذّراع المقبوضةZeta Geminorum
MelephAl Ma᾽lafthe StallEpsilon Cancri
MenkalinanMankib Dhiyi l-ʿInānShoulder of the Rein-holderمنكب ذي العنانBeta Aurigae
Menkaral-Minkharthe NostrilالمنخرAlpha Ceti
MenkentMankib ul-Qanṭūristhe Shoulder of the Centaurمنكب قنطورسTheta Centauri
MenkibAl-Mankib uth-Thurayyāthe Shoulder (of the Pleiades)منكب الثّريّا
Merakʼal-Marāqqthe Loins (of the bear)المراقّالْمِرَاقّBeta Ursae Majoris
Mintakaal-Minṭaqahthe Belt (of Orion)المنطقةDelta Orionis
Mirachʼal-Marāqqthe Loins / LoinclothالمراقّالْمِرَاقّBeta Andromedae
MirakEpsilon Boötis
Mirfakal-Mirfaq uth-Thurayyāthe Elbowمرفق الثّريّاAlpha Persei
Mizaral-Mi'zarthe ApronالمئزرZeta Ursae Majoris
MothallahRa'as ul-Muthallath(Head of) the Triangleالرعس المثلثAlpha Trianguli
Muhlifainʼal-MuḥlifaynمحلفينمُحْلِفَيْنGamma Centauri
MulipheinGamma Canis Majoris
MuphridMufrid ur-Rāmiḥthe Solitary one of the Lancerالمفرد الرامحEta Boötis
Murzim / Mirzamʼal-Murzim / ʼal-Mirzamthe Heraldالمرزمالْمُرْزِم \الْمِرْزَمBeta Canis Majoris

N

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
NashiraSaʿad NāshirahLucky star of Nashirahسعد ناشرةGamma Capricorni
Nekkaral-Baqqārthe CattlemanالبقارBeta Boötis
Nihalan-Nihāl(camels) Quenching their thirstالنهالBeta Leporis
Nusakanan-NasaqānThe two arraysالنسقانBeta Coronae Borealis
Nushaba / AlnaslZujji n-Nashshāba [Zujji n-Nashāba?] / an-Naşlthe Arrowheadزُجِّ النشابة / النصلGamma Sagittarii

O

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Okdaal-ʿUqdahthe KnotالعقدةAlpha Piscium

P

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Phactarthe DoveAlpha Columbae
Phadarthe ThighGamma Ursae Majoris
Pherkadarthe CalfGamma Ursae Minoris

R

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
RasalasedarHead of the lionEpsilon Leonis
RasalgethiarHead of the KneelerAlpha Herculis
RasalhaguearHead of the Snake-manAlpha Ophiuchi
RastabanarHead of the SnakeBeta Draconis
RigelarFoot of the GiantBeta Orionis
Rigil KentaurusarFoot of the CentaurAlpha Centauri
Rishaarthe Well-RopeAlpha Piscium
Rukbaharthe KneeDelta Cassiopeiae
RukbatarKnee of the archerAlpha Sagittarii

S

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Sabikarthe PrecedingEta Ophiuchi
SadachbiaarLucky star of the TentsGamma Aquarii
SadalbariarLucky star of the Splendid oneMu Pegasi
SadalmelikarLucky star of the KingAlpha Aquarii
SadalsuudarLuck of LucksBeta Aquarii
Sadrarthe Breast (of the hen)Gamma Cygni
Saipharthe Sword (of Orion)Kappa Orionis
Scheatarthe ShoulderBeta Pegasi
Shaulaarthe Raised (tail of the scorpion)Lambda Scorpii
Shedirarthe BreastAlpha Cassiopeiae
SheliakarLyraBeta Lyrae
Sheratanarthe Two SignsBeta Arietis
SirraharNavel (of the Mare)Alpha Andromedae
Skatar (or ar)the Leg (or the Wish)Delta Aquarii
Spicaarthe StemAlpha Virginis
Sulafatarthe TortoiseGamma Lyrae

T

Arab-Latinized nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameArabic nameScientific star name
Talitha Australis,
Talitha Borealisarthe Third Leap (of the ghazal)Kappa Ursae Majoris
Tania Australis,
Tania Borealisarthe Second Leap (of the gazelle)Mu Ursae Majoris
Tarfar"The glance" of the lionBeta Cancri
Thubanarthe SnakeAlpha Draconis
Tolimanarthe (two male) ostrichesAlpha Centauri B

U

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
UnukalhaiarNeck of the SnakeAlpha Serpentis

V

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Vegaarthe Falling EagleAlpha Lyrae

W

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Wasatar"Middle" of the skyDelta Geminorum
Wezenarthe WeightDelta Canis Majoris
WeznBeta Columbae

Y

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Yed Posteriorar(Back of the Snake Man's) HandEpsilon Ophiuchi
Yed Priorar(Palm of the Snake Man's) HandDelta Ophiuchi

Z

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic nameScientific star name
Zauracarthe BoatGamma Eridani
Zavijavaarthe Angle of the Barking DogBeta Virginis
ZawiaharThe angleEta Virginis
ZubenelgenubiarSouthern Claw (of the scorpion)Alpha Librae
ZubenelhakrabiarClaws (of the scorpion)Gamma Librae
ZubeneschamaliarNorthern Claw (of the scorpion)Beta Librae

Others

Common nameArabic name (transliteration)MeaningArabic name
Milky WayarThe Milky Road
Andromeda Galaxyar ("small cloud")"little cloud" was the Arabic name for the Andromeda Galaxy, which was first mentioned by Al-Sufi in his Book of Fixed Stars

References

  • Islamic Crescents' Observation Project (ICOP) website, which in turn cites:
    • Paul Kunitzsch, Tim Smart, Short Guide to Modern Star Names and Their Derivations (1986)
    • Guy Ottewell, The Astronomical Companion
    • Abdul-Rahim Bader, Rasd al-Sama ("Observing the Sky")
    • Hamid Al-Naimy Elm al-Falak ("Astronomy")

References

  1. "Stargazing Network". Stargazing.net.
  2. (2013). "Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions".
  3. [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928043446/http://www.rmsc.org/planetarium/qandi/snames.htm "Star Names: Where Do They Come From? And Can You Buy One?"], RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium Information Bulletin #19 December 1996, (archived 2007)
  4. "International Astronomical Union | IAU".
  5. Henbest, N.. (1994). "The guide to the galaxy". CUP Archive.
  6. Kepple, G. R.. (1998). "The Night Sky Observer's Guide". [[Willmann-Bell]].
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