Index    Field Book of the Stars by William Tyler Olcott

THE NAMES OF THE STARS AND THEIR MEANINGS.

Acubens, α Cancri, "the claws."

Situated in one of the Crab's claws. It is white in color and culminates[1] March 18th.

 [1] It will be noted that the date of culmination is given in almost every case. By culmination is meant the highest point reached by a heavenly body in its path, at which point it is said to be on the meridian. In this hemisphere this is in each case the highest point north.

For example:—the culmination of the sun occurs at noon.

The time when the stars here mentioned culminate on the dates specified is in each case nine o'clock p.m.

A-dar´-a, ε Canis Majoris, "the virgins," a name for four stars, of which Adara is brightest.

Situated in the Dog's right thigh. It is pale orange in color, and culminates Feb. 11th.

Adhil, ε Andromedæ, "the train of a garment."

Situated in the left shoulder of the chained lady.

Aladfar (al-ad-fär), μ Lyræ, "the talons" (of the falling eagle)

Al Bali, ε Aquarii, "the good fortune of the swallower."

Al-bi´-reo, or Al-bir´ë-o β Cygni, origin doubtful. Means the beak of the hen.

Situated in the beak of the Swan and the base of the Cross. Its color is topaz yellow, and it culminates Aug. 28th.

Alcaid, η Ursæ Majoris. See Benetnasch.

Alchiba (al-kē-bä´), α Corvi, "the tent," the desert title for the constellation.

Situated in the eye of the Crow. Orange in color.

Alcor (al´-kôr), g Ursæ Majoris, "the cavalier" or "the rider."

Situated close to Mizar in the handle of the "Dipper." Silver white in color. The Arabs called this star "Saidak," meaning "the proof," because they used it to test a good eye.

Al-cy´-o-ne, η Tauri.

Greenish yellow in color. The brightest of the Pleiades. Situated in the neck of the Bull.

Al-deb´-a-ran, α Tauri, "the hindmost" or the "follower," i.e. of the Pleiades.

Situated in the eye of the Bull. Pale rose in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of thirty miles per second, and culminates Jan. 10.

α Tauri is sometimes called Palilicium.

Alderamin (Al-der-am´-in), α Cephei "the right arm." It now marks the shoulder of Cepheus.

White in color. It culminates Sept. 27th.

Aldhafera, ζ Leonis.

Situated in the "Sickle," and the neck of the Lion. It culminates April 8th.

Alfirk (al-ferk´), or Alphirk, "stars of the flock," β Cephei.

The Arab name for the constellation. Situated in the girdle of Cepheus. White in color. It culminates Oct. 2d.

Algeiba (al-jē´-bä), γ Leonis, "the mane."

Situated in the "Sickle," and the shoulder of the Lion. It is approaching the earth at the rate of twenty-four miles per second, and culminates April 9th.

Al´-ge-nib, γ Pegasi, "the wing," possibly the "flank" or "side."

Situated in the wing of the Horse. White in color, and culminates Nov. 14th.

Al´-ge-nib, α Persei, "the side," or Mirfak, "the elbow."

Situated in the right side of Perseus. Lilac in color and approaching the earth at the rate of six miles per second. It culminates Jan. 1st. This star is also called Alchemb.

Algenubi (al-je-nö´-bi), ε Leonis, "the head of the Lion."

A yellow star situated in the Lion's mouth.

Al´-gol, β Persei, "the ghoul" or "demon."

Situated in the head of the Medusa held in the Hero's left hand. White in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of one mile per second, and culminates Dec. 23d.

Algorab (al-go-räb´), or Algores, (δ) Corvi, "the raven."

Situated on the right wing of the Crow. Pale yellow in color. It culminates May 14th.

Alhena (al-hen´-a), γ Geminorum, "a brand on the right side of the camel's neck," or a "ring" or "circlet."

Situated in the left foot of Pollux. White in color, and culminates Feb. 8th. Alhena is sometimes called Almeisam.

Al-i-oth, ε Ursæ Majoris, disputed derivation.

Situated in the tail of the Great Bear. It is approaching the earth at the rate of nineteen miles per second. It culminates May 20th. Alioth, the name sometimes given to α and θ Serpentis.

Al-kaid (al-kād), See Alcaid.

Alkalurops (al-ka-lū´-rops), μ Boötis, "a herdsman's club, crook, or staff."

Situated near the right shoulder of the Herdsman. Its color is flushed white.

Alkes (al´-kes), α Crateris, from Al Kas, "the cup," the Arab name for the constellation.

Situated in the base of the Cup. Orange in color, and culminates April 20th.

Almac, γ Andromedæ, "a badger," possibly "the boot."

Situated in the left foot of Andromeda. Orange in color, and culminates Dec. 8th.

Al Naaim, τ and ν Pegasi, "the cross bars over a well."

Al Nasl (al-nas´l), or Elnasl (el-nas´-l), γ Sagittarii, "the point head of the arrow."

Situated in the arrow's tip. It is yellow in color, and culminates Aug. 4th. This star sometimes called Nushaba and Warida.

Al Nath, or Nath γ Aurigæ, and β Tauri, "the heel of the rein-holder," the "butter" i.e. the "horn."

Situated in the right foot of the Charioteer, and the tip of the northern horn of the Bull. Brilliant white in color, and culminates Dec. 11th.

Alnilam (al-ni-lam´), ε Orionis, "a belt of spheres or pearls."

Situated in Orion's belt. It is bright white in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 25th.

Alnitak (al-ni-tak´), ζ Orionis, "the girdle."

Situated in Orion's belt. Topaz yellow in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of nine miles per second, and culminates Jan. 26th.

Al-Niyat, σ Scorpii, "the outworks of the heart."

Situated near the Scorpion's heart. It is creamy white in color.

Al´-phard or (al-färd´), α Hydræ, "the solitary one in the serpent."

Situated in the heart of Hydra. Orange in color, and culminates Mar. 26th. The Chinese called this star "the Red Bird."

Al-phec´-ca, α Coronæ Borealis, "the bright one of the dish." See Gemma. Century Dictionary gives meaning "the cup or platter of a dervish."

Al´-phe-ratz or (al-fe-rats´), α Andromedæ, "the head of the woman in chains." "The navel of the horse."

Situated in the head of Andromeda. White and purplish in color. It culminates Nov. 10th. Alpheratz is some times called Sirrah.

Al-phirk, β Cephei, from al-Firk, the flock.

Al Rakis, μ Draconis, "the dancer."

Situated in the Dragon's nose. Brilliant white in color. The Century Dictionary gives for this star Arrakis, "The trotting camel."

Al Rescha, α Piscium, "the cord or knot."

Situated in the knot joining the ribbons that hold the Fishes together. Pale green in color, and culminates Dec. 7th.

Alsafi σ Draconis.

Alschain (al-shān´), β Aquilæ, part of the Arab name for the constellation.

Situated in the head of Antinoüs. Pale orange in color, and culminates Sept. 3d.

Al Shat, ν Capricorni, "the sheep."

Al´-tair, or Atair, α Aquilæ, "the flying eagle," part of the Arab name for the constellation.

Situated in the neck of the Eagle. Yellow in color, and culminates Sept. 1st.

Alterf (al-terf´), λ Leonis, "the glance," i.e. the Lion's eye.

Situated in the Lion's mouth, the point of the Sickle. Red in color.

Aludra (al-ö´-dra), η Canis Majoris, "the virgins." The four stars near each other in Canis Major.

Situated in the Great Dog's tail. Pale red in color, and culminates Feb. 21st.

Alula Borealis, ν Ursæ Majoris.

Alula Australis, ζ Ursæ Majoris The "northern and southern wing."

Situated in the Southern hind foot of the Great Bear. The latter star is sometimes called El Acola.

Al´-ya, θ Serpentis.

Situated in the tip of the Serpent's tail. Pale yellow in color. It culminates Aug. 18th.

Ancha, θ Aquarii, "the hip."

Situated in the right hip of Aquarius.

Ant-ār-es, or An-ta´-rez, α Scorpii, "the rival of Mars."

Situated in the heart of the Scorpion. Fiery red and emerald green in color. It culminates July 11th.

Arc-tū-rus, α Boötis, "the leg of the lance-bearer," or "the bear-keeper."

Situated in the left knee of the Herdsman. Golden yellow in color. It culminates June 8th.

Arided, See Deneb.

Arneb (är´-neb), α Leporis, "the hare," the Arab name for the constellation.

Situated in the heart of the Hare. Pale yellow in color. It culminates Jan. 24th. α Leporis is sometimes called Arsh.

Arkab (är´-kab), β Sagittarii, "the tendon uniting the calf of the leg to the heel."

Situated in the Archer's left fore leg.

Ashfar, μ and ε Leonis, "the eyebrows."

Situated close to the Lion's right eye. μ orange in color, sometimes called Alshemali or Asmidiske.

Aspidiski (as-pi-dis´ke), or Asmidiske, ι Argus, "in the gunwale."

Situated in the shield which ornaments the vessel's stern. Pale yellow in color. The Century Dictionary gives "a little shield" as the meaning for this star name.

Ascella, ζ Sagittarii, "the armpit."

Situated near the Archer's left armpit. It culminates Aug. 19th.

Ascellus, θ Boötis.

It marks the finger tips of the Herdsman's upraised hand.

Ascellus Borealis, ν Cancri, "northern ass."

Straw color.

Ascellus Australis, δ Cancri, "the southern ass."

Situated on the back of the Crab. Straw color.

Atik, ο Persei.

Situated in the wing on the right foot of Perseus.

Azelfafage, π Cygni, "the horse's foot or track."

Azha, η Eridani, "the ostrich's nest."

Pale yellow in color.

Baham, θ Pegasi, "the young of domestic animals."

Situated near the left eye of Pegasus.

Bat´en Kaitos, ζ Ceti, "the whale's belly."

A topaz-yellow-colored star, which culminates Dec. 5th.

Beid (bā´-id), ο Eridani, "the egg."

A very white star.

Bel´-la-trix, γ Orionis, "the female warrior." The Amazon star.

Situated in the left shoulder of Orion. Pale yellow in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of six miles per second, and culminates Jan. 22d. The Century Dictionary gives the color as very white.

Be-net´-nasch, η Ursæ Majoris, "the chief or governor of the mourners" (alluding to the fancied bier).

Situated in the tip of the Great Bear's tail. Brilliant white in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second, and culminates June 2d. This star is also called Alkaid, from al-kaid, "the Governor."

Betelgeuze (Bet-el-gerz´), α Orionis, "the giant's shoulder," or "the armpit of the central one."

Situated in the right shoulder of Orion. Orange in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of ten miles per second, and culminates Jan. 29th.

Sometimes called Mirzam, the roarer.

Botein (bō-tē-in´), δ Arietis, "the little belly."

Ca-pel´-la, α Aurigæ, "the she-goat."

Situated in the left shoulder of the Charioteer. It is a white star, and is receding from the earth at the rate of fifteen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 19th. The color of Capella is nearly that of the sun.

Caph (kaf), β Cassiopeiæ, "the camel's hump," or "the hand."

It is white in color, and culminates Nov. 11th.

Cas´-tor, α Geminorum, "the horseman of the twins."

Its color is bright white, and it culminates Feb. 23d. Situated in the head of Castor. The Century Dictionary gives the color as greenish.

Cheleb, β Ophiuchi, also Ceb´elrái from kelb, the shepherd's dog.

Situated in the head of the Serpent. It is a yellow star, and culminates Aug. 30th.

Chort (chôrt), θ Leonis.

Situated in the hind quarters of the Lion. It culminates April 24th. The Century Dictionary has θ Centauri for this star.

Cor Caroli (kôr kar´-ō-lī), α Can. Ven., "the heart of Charles II."

It is flushed white in color, and culminates May 20th. A yellowish star according to the Century Dictionary.

Cujam, ω Herculis. Word used by Horace for the club of Hercules.

Cursa (Ker´ sa), β Eridani, "the footstool of the central one," or "the chair or throne."

Situated about at the source of the river near Orion. Topaz yellow in color, and culminates January 13th. This star is also known as Dhalim (Tha´lim) ("the ostrich").

Dabih (dä´-be), β Capricorni, "the lucky one of the slaughterers," or "the slayer's lucky star."

Situated in the head of the Sea-Goat. It is an orange-colored star, and culminates Sept. 10th.

Dē´-neb, or Arided (ar´-i-ded), α Cygni, "the hen's tail," "the hindmost."

Situated in the tail of the Swan, and at the top of the Cross. Brilliant white in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of thirty-six miles per second. It culminates Sept. 16th.

Deneb al okab (den´-eb al-ō-kâb), ε and ζ Aquilæ, "the eagle's tail."

Deneb algedi (den´-eb al´-jē-dē), δ Capricorni, "the tail of the goat."

Situated in the tail of the Sea-Goat.

Deneb al shemali (den´-eb-al-she-mä-le), ι Ceti

A bright yellow star situated at the tip of the northern fluke of the monster's tail.

Deneb Kaitos (den´-eb kī´-tos), β Ceti, "the tail of the whale."

Situated in the tail of the Whale. It is a yellow star, and culminates Nov. 21st. This star sometimes called Diphda.

De-neb´-o-la, β Leonis, "the lion's tail."

It is a blue star which is approaching the earth at the rate of twelve miles per second. It culminates May 3d. This star also called Dafirah, and Serpha.

Dschubba, δ Scorpii, "the front of the forehead."

Situated in the head of the Scorpion. It culminates July 4th.

Dsiban, ψ Draconis.

Pearly white in color.

Dub´-he (döb´-he), α Ursæ Majoris, "a bear."

The northern pointer star. It is a yellow star, and is approaching the earth at the rate of twelve miles per second. It culminates April 21st. The Arabs called the four stars in the Dipper the "bier."

El nath β Tauri, the one who butts. This star is receding at the rate of five miles a second.

Eltanin, or Etanin (et´-ā-nin), γ Draconis, "the dragon," "the dragon's head."

It is orange in color and culminates Aug. 4th. Rasaben is another name for this star.

E´-nif, or en´-if, ε Pegasi, "the nose."

Situated in the nose of Pegasus. It is a yellow star, which is receding from the earth at the rate of five miles per second, and culminates Oct. 4th. This star was also called fum-al-far-as, "the mouth of the horse."

Er rai (er-rā´-ē), γ Cephei, "the shepherd."

Situated in the left knee of Cepheus. It is yellow in color and culminates Nov. 10th.

Fomalhaut (Fō´-mal-ō), (disputed pronunciation), α Piscis Austri, "the fish's mouth."

Situated in the head of the Southern Fish. It is reddish in color, and culminates Oct. 25th. This star was also known as the first frog, the second frog being β Ceti.

Furud, or Phurud (fu-rōd), ζ Canis Majoris, "the bright single one."

Situated in the left hind paw of the Greater Dog. It is light orange in color.

Gem´-ma, α Coronæ Borealis, "a bud."

The brightest star in the Northern Crown. It is brilliant white in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of twenty miles per second. It culminates June 28th. This star is also known as Alphecca and Alfeta.

Giansar λ Draconis, "the twins," "the poison place."

Situated in the tip of the Dragon's tail. An orange-colored star. It culminates April 28th.

Giedi, α Capricorni, also called Algied´-i, the goat.

Situated in the head of the Sea-Goat. It is a yellow star, and culminates Sept. 9th.

Gienah, γ Corvi, "the right wing of the raven."

Situated in the Crow's wing. It culminates May 10th.

Gienah, ε Cygni, "the wing."

Situated in the Swan's wing. It is a yellow star, and culminates Sept. 17th.

Gomeisa (gō-mī´-zä), Gomelza, β Canis Minoris, "Watery-eyed, weeping." A white star.

Situated in the neck of the Lesser Dog.

Graffias, β Scorpii, derivation unknown; the name may mean "the crab." This star was also called Ak´rab, the Scorpion.

Situated in the head of the Scorpion. It is a pale white star, and culminates July 5th.

Grumium (grö´-mi-um), ξ Draconis, "the dragon's under jaw."

A yellow star.

Ham´-al or (ha-mäl´), α Arietis, "the head of the sheep."

Situated in the forehead of the Ram. It is yellow in color, and is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles per second. It culminates Dec. 11th.

Homam (ho-mam´), ζ Pegasi, "the lucky star of the hero, or the whisperer."

Situated in the neck of Pegasus. Light yellow in color. It culminates Oct. 22d. The Century Dictionary gives this star name to η Pegasi.

Hyadum I, γ Tauri.

Situated in the Hyades, the nose of the Bull. A yellow star.

Izar (ē-zär), Mirach, or Mizar, ε Boötis, "the girdle."

Pale orange in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of ten miles per second, and culminates June 16th. A beautiful colored double star.

Jabbah (Jab´-bä), ν Scorpii, "crown of the forehead."

A triple star.

Kaus (kâs), Australis, ε Sagittarii, "the southern part of the bow."

An orange-colored star. It culminates Aug. 8th.

Kaus (kâs), Borealis, λ Sagittarii, "the northern part of the bow."

Orange color.

Kitalpha, α Equulei, the Arab name for the asterism. In the head of the Little Horse. It culminates Sept. 24th.

Ko´-chab (kō-käb´), β Ursæ Minoris, "the star of the North."

Situated in the right shoulder of the Little Bear. One of the two Guardians of the Pole. It is reddish in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of eight miles per second. It culminates June 19th.

Kornephoros, β Herculis, the Arab name for the constellation.

Situated in the right arm-pit of Hercules. Pale yellow in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of twenty-two miles per second. It culminates July 12th.

Lesuth, ν Scorpii, "the sting."

Situated in the tip of the Scorpion's tail. It culminates July 27th.

Marfak (mär´fak), θ Cassiopeiæ, "the elbow."

Situated in the left elbow of Cassiopeia. This star name is also given to μ Cassiopeiæ.

Marfic (mär´-fik), λ Ophiuchi, "the elbow."

Situated in the left elbow of the Serpent Bearer. Yellowish white in color.

Marfik (mär´ fik), or Marsic, κ Herculis, "the elbow."

Situated in the right elbow of Hercules. Light yellow in color.

Mar´-kab (mär´kab), α Pegasi, Arab word for "saddle". Century Dictionary gives "a wagon" or "chariot."

Situated in the base of the Horse's neck. It is a white star which is receding from the earth at the rate of three quarters of a mile a second. It culminates Nov. 3d.

Markeb, κ Argus.

Situated in the stern of the Ship. It culminates Mar. 25th.

Marsym, λ Herculis, "the wrist."

Situated in the left wrist of Hercules. Deep yellow in color.

Matar or Sad (Säd), "a lucky star," or more fully, Sad-Mator, η Pegasi, "the fortunate rain."

Situated in the left fore leg of Pegasus.

Mebusta, Mebsuta (Meb-sö´-ta), or Meboula, ε Geminorum, "the outstretched."

A brilliant white star situated in the right knee of Castor.

Media, or Kaus Media, δ Sagittarii, "middle (of the) bow."

Orange yellow in color. It culminates Aug. 8th.

Mē-gres, or (Mē´-grez), δ Ursæ Majoris, "the root of the bear's tail."

It is a pale yellow star, and culminates May 10th. This star is the faintest of the seven which form the Dipper.

Meissa, λ Orionis.

Situated in the face of the Giant Hunter. Pale white in color.

Mekbuda (mek-bū´-dā), ζ Geminorum, "the contracted (arm)."

Situated in the left knee of Pollux. Pale topaz in color.

Menkalinan (men-ka-lē-nan´ or Men-kal´-i-nan), β Aurigæ, "the shoulder of the rein-holder or driver."

Situated in the right arm of the Charioteer. A lucid yellow star which is receding from the earth at the rate of seventeen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 29th. This star was one of the first discovered and most remarkable "spectroscopic binaries."

Menkar (men´kär), α Oeti, "the nose, or snout."

Situated in the nose of Cetus. Bright orange in color. It culminates Dec. 21st. Sometimes written Menkab.

Menkib, ξ Persei, "the shoulder."

Situated in the calf of the right leg of Perseus.

Merak (mē´rak), β Ursæ Majoris, "the loin of the bear."

A greenish white star which is approaching the earth at the rate of eighteen miles per second. It culminates Apr. 20th. The southern of the two "pointers."

Mesartim (mē-sär´tim), γ Arietis, the Hebrew word for "minister."

Situated in the Ram's left horn. Bright white in color.

Mintaka (min´ta-kä), δ Orionis, "the belt (of the giant)."

One of the three stars in Orion's belt. A brilliant white star with very little motion. It culminates Jan. 24th.

Mī´-ra (mī´ra or mē´ra), ο Ceti.

Situated in the neck of Cetus. A famous variable, flushed yellow in color. It culminates Dec. 15th.

Mī´rach, or Mirak (mī´rak or mē´rak), β Andromedæ, "the girdle," or "the loins."

A yellow star culminating Nov. 28th.

Mīzar (mīzär or mē´zär), ζ Ursæ Majoris, "a girdle or apron."

Situated in the tail of the Great Bear. Brilliant white in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of nineteen miles per second. It culminates May 28th.

Muliphen, γ Canis Majoris.

Situated in the neck of the Greater Dog. It culminates Feb. 26th.

Muphrid (mū´-frid), η Boötis, "the solitary star of the lancer."

Situated in the calf of the left leg of the Herdsman. Pale yellow in color. It culminates June 4th.

Murzim or Mirzam (mer-zäm´), β Canis Majoris, "the announcer" or "the roarer."

Situated in the Greater Dog's left fore paw. A white star culminating Feb. 5th.

Muscida, ο Ursæ Majoris, "the muzzle."

Situated in the nose of the Great Bear.

Nekkar, or Nakkar (nak´-kär), β Boötis, "the herdsman," the Arab name for the whole constellation.

Situated in the head of Boötes. A golden yellow star which culminates June 20th.

Naos (nā´-os), ζ Argus, "the ship."

Situated in the stern of the Ship. It culminates Mar. 3d.

Nashira, γ Capricorni, "the fortunate one, or the bringer of good tidings."

Situated in the tail of the Sea-Goat. It culminates Oct. 3d.

Nihal, β Leporis.

Situated in the right foot of the Hare. Deep yellow in color. It culminates Jan. 23d.

Nodus Secundus, δ Draconis, "the second of the four knots or convolutions."

Deep yellow in color. It culminates Aug. 24th.

Nunki, σ Sagittarii, "the star of the proclamation of the sea," or Sadira (sad´-ē-ra), "the ostrich returning from the water."

Situated in the upper part of the Archer's left arm. It culminates Aug. 17th.

Phad, Phec´-da, or Phaed (fā´-ed), γ Ursæ Majoris, "the thigh" (of the bear).

Topaz yellow in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second. It culminates May 4th.

Phaet or Phact, α Columbæ.

Situated in the heart of the Dove. It culminates Jan. 26th.

Pherkad (fer´-kad), γ Ursæ Minoris, "the calf."

Situated in the right fore leg of the Little Bear.

Po-lá-ris, α Ursæ Minoris, "the pole star."

Situated in the tip of the Little Bear's tail. Topaz yellow in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second.

Pol´-lux, β Geminorum, Ovid's "Pugil," the pugilist of the two brothers.

Situated in the head of Pollux. An orange-colored star which is receding from the earth at the rate of one mile per second. It culminates Feb. 26th. The Century Dictionary gives the color of Pollux as very yellow.

Porrima (por´-i-mä), γ Virginis, Latin name for "a goddess of prophecy."

Situated in the Virgin's left arm. It culminates May 17th.

Pro´-cy-on, α Canis Minoris, "the foremost dog."

A yellowish-white star. It is approaching the earth at the rate of six miles per second. It culminates Feb. 24th. It is situated in the right side of the Lesser Dog. Dr. Elkin gives its distance as 12.3 light years, and its proper motion as 13.9 miles per second.

Propus (prō´-pus), η Geminorum, "the forward foot."

Situated in the northern foot of Castor.

Rasalas (ras´-a-las), μ Leonis, "the lion's head toward the south."

Situated in the Sickle, close to the Lion's right eye. An orange-colored star. It culminates Apr. 1st. Alshemali and Borealis are other names for this star.

Ras Algethi (räs-al-ge´-thi), α Herculis, "the kneeler's head."

Orange red in color. It culminates July 23d.

Ras´-al-hāg´-ue, α Ophiuchi, "the head of the serpent charmer."

A sapphire-hued star. It is receding from the earth at the rate of twelve miles per second. It culminates July 28th.

Rastaban (räs-ta-bän´), β or γ Draconis "the dragon's head," or "the head of the basilisk."

A yellow star culminating Aug. 3d. This star also called Alwaid (al-wīd´) "the sucking camel-colts." The three stars near it are included in this appellation.

Reg´-u-lus, α Leonis, diminutive of the earlier Rex.

Situated in the handle of the Sickle, and the right fore paw of the Lion. It is flushed white in color, and is approaching the earth at the rate of five miles per second. It culminates April 6th. According to Dr. Elkin it is 35.1 light years distant, and has a proper motion of 8.5 miles per second.

Rigel (ri´-jel), β Orionis, "the [left] leg of the Jabbah, or giant."

A bluish-white star, which is receding from the earth at the rate of ten miles per second. It culminates Jan. 20th. This star is sometimes called Algebar (al´-je-bär).

Rotanev (rot´-a-nev), β Delphini, from Venator, assistant to Piazzi, his name reversed.

It culminates Sept. 15th.

Ruchba, ω Cygni, "the hen's knee."

A pale red star.

Ruchbah, or Rucbah, δ Cassiopeiæ, "the knee."

Situated in the left knee of Cassiopeia. It culminates Dec. 2d.

Rukbat, α Sagittarii, "the archer's knee."

Situated in the left fore foot of the Archer. It culminates Aug. 24th.

Sabik, η Ophiuchi.

A pale yellow star in the left leg of the Serpent Bearer. It culminates Aug. 21st.

Sadachbia (sād-ak-bē´-yä), γ Aquarii, "the luck star of hidden things."

Greenish in color and situated in the water jar of Aquarius. It culminates Oct. 16th.

Sad al Bari, λ and μ Pegasi, "the good luck of the excelling one."

Situated close to the fore legs of Pegasus.

Sadal Melik (säd-al-mel´-ik), or Rucbah, α Aquarii, "the lucky star of the king."

A red star situated in the right shoulder of Aquarius. It culminates Oct. 9th.

Sadalsund, or Sadalsuud (säd-al-sö-öd), β Aquarii, "the luckiest of the lucky."

Pale yellow in color. Situated in the left shoulder of Aquarius. It culminates Sept. 29th.

Sadatoni (sad-a-tō´-ni), ζ Aurigæ.

One of the three stars known as "the kids." Orange color.

Sadr (sadr), or Sadir (sā´-dēr), γ Cygni, "the hen's breast."

This star is approaching the earth at the rate of four miles per second. It culminates Sept. 11th.

Saiph (sā-if´), κ Orionis, "the sword of the giant."

Situated in Orion's right knee. It culminates Jan. 27th.

Sargas, θ Scorpii.

A red star situated in the tail of the Scorpion. It culminates July 27th.

Scheat (she´-at), or Menkib, β Pegasi, "the upper part of the arm."

Situated in the left fore-leg of Pegasus. It is deep yellow in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of four miles per second. It culminates Oct. 25th.

Schemali, see Deneb al schemali, ι Ceti.

Seginus (se-jī´nus), γ Boötis, from Ceginus of the constellation, possibly.

Situated in the left shoulder of Boötes. It culminates June 13th.

Shaula (shâ´-lä), λ Scorpii, "the sting."

In the tip of the Scorpion's tail.

Shedar, Schedir, or Shedir, α Cassiopeiæ, "the breast," or from El Seder, "the sedar tree," a name given to this constellation by Ulugh Beigh.

Pale rose in color. It culminates Nov. 18th.

Sheliak, or Shelyak (shel´-yak), "a tortoise," β Lyræ, Arabian name for the constellation.

A very white star culminating Aug. 17th.

Sheratan (sher-a-tan´), β Arietis, "a sign," or "the two signs."

Situated in the Ram's horn. A pearly white star culminating Dec. 7th.

Sir´-i-us, α Canis Majoris, "the sparkling star or scorcher."

Situated in the mouth of the Great Dog. Brilliant white in color. The brightest of the fixed stars. It culminates Feb. 11th.

Situla (sit´-ū-lā), κ Aquarii, "the water jar or bucket."

Situated in the rim of the Water Jar.

Skat, or Scheat, δ Aquarii, "a wish," or possibly it means a "shin bone."

Situated in the right leg of Aquarius.

Spï´ca, α Virginis, "the ear of wheat or corn" (held in the Virgin's left hand).

A brilliant flushed white star, which is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles a second. It culminates May 28th.

Sualocin, or Svalocin (sval´-ō-sin), Nicolaus reversed, α Delphini.

A pale yellow star culminating Sept. 15th.

Sulafat, or Sulaphat (sö´-lä-fät), "the tortoise," γ Lyræ.

Arabian title for the whole constellation. It is bright yellow in color, and culminates Aug. 19th.

Syrma, ι Virginis; this name used by Ptolemy to designate this star in the train of the Virgin's robe.

Talita (tä´-lē-tä), κ or ι Ursæ Majoris, "the third vertebra."

Situated in the right fore paw of the Great Bear. Topaz yellow in color.

Tania Borealis, λ Ursæ Majoris.

Tania Australis, μ Ursæ Majoris, a red star.

These stars are situated in the right hind foot of the Great Bear. The former star culminates Apr. 8th.

Tarazed (tar´-a-zed), γ Aquilæ, "the soaring falcon," part of the Persian title for the constellation.

Situated in the body of the Eagle. A pale orange star, culminating Aug. 31st.

Tegmeni, ζ Cancri, "in the covering."

A yellow-colored star.

Te´-jat, μ Geminorum.

Thu´-ban or (thō-ban´), α Draconis, "the dragon," the Arab title for the constellation.

Situated in one of the Dragon's coils. It is pale yellow in color, and culminates June 7th.

Unuk al Hay or Unukalhai (ū´-nuk-al-hä´-i), α Serpentis, "the neck of the snake."

A pale yellow star which is receding from the earth at the rate of fourteen miles a second. It culminates July 28th.

Vë´ga, or Wega, α Lyræ, "falling," i.e., the falling bird, "the harp star."

A beautiful pale star sapphire in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles a second. It culminates Aug. 12th.

Vindemiatrix, ε Virginis, "the vintager or grape gatherer."

Situated in the Virgin's right arm. A bright yellow star culminating May 22d.

Wasat (wä´-sat), δ Geminorum, "the middle."

Situated in the body of Pollux. Pale white in color. It culminates Feb. 19th.

Wesen, δ Canis Majoris, "the weight."

A light yellow star in the right side of the Great Dog. It culminates Feb. 17th.

Yed Prior (yed), δ Ophiuchi, "the hand," "the star behind or following."

Deep yellow in color. It culminates July 7th. It is in the left hand of the Serpent Bearer.

Yed Posterior, ε Ophiuchi, "the hand."

A red star culminating July 8th.

Yildum, δ Ursæ Minoris.

Situated in the tail of the Little Bear. A greenish-hued star culminating Aug. 12th.

Zaniah, η Virginis.

Situated in the Virgin's left shoulder.

Zaurak (zâ´-rak), γ Eridani, "the bright star of the boat."

A yellow star.

Zavijava (zav-ija´-va), β Virginis, "angle or corner," "the retreat or kennel of the barking dog."

Situated on the Virgin's left wing. A pale yellow star culminating May 3d.

Zosma (zōs´-ma), δ Leonis, "a girdle."

Situated at the root of the Lion's tail. A pale yellow star which is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles a second. It culminates Apr. 24th. This star is also called Duhr, and sometimes Zubra.

Zubenakravi (zöben-ak´-ra-vi or -bi), γ Scorpii, "the claw of the Scorpion." A red star.

Zuben Elgenubi (zö-ben-el-jen-ū´-bi), α Libræ, "the southern claw" (of the Scorpion).

A pale yellow star culminating June 17th. This star is also called Kiffa Australis.

Zuben Eschamali (zö-ben-es-she-ma´-li), β Libræ, "the northern claw."

A pale emerald color, a very unusual color for a star. It is approaching the earth at the rate of six miles a second and culminates June 23d. This star is also known as "Kiffa Borealis."

In the compilation of the foregoing list, the author has been greatly assisted by Allen's "Star Names and their Meanings."