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Credit & Copyright: Tragoolchitr Jittasaiyapan
Explanation:
Do you know the names of some of the brightest stars?
It's likely that you do, even though some bright
stars
have names so old they date back to near the beginning of
written language.
Many world cultures have
their own names for the
brightest stars, and it is
culturally and historically important to remember them.
In the interest of clear global communication, however, the
International Astronomical Union (IAU) has begun to designate
standardized star names.
Featured here in true color are the 25 brightest stars in the night sky,
currently as seen by
humans, coupled with their
IAU-recognized names.
Some star names have
interesting meanings, including
Sirius ("the scorcher" in
Latin),
Vega ("falling" in
Arabic),
and Antares ("rival to Mars" in
Greek).
You are likely even familiar with the name of at least one star
too dim to make this list:
Polaris.
APOD Turns 30!:
Free public lecture in Anchorage TONIGHT (Wednesday) at 7 pm
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: star
Publications with words: star
See also: