Named Stars Index - The Night Sky Atlas

Star Name	Bayer Designation	Description	Offsite Links
Andromeda: Visible in July before dawn, to March after dusk, best in November.
Adhil	ξ	Xi	(train of a garment)
Almach	γ2	Gamma 2	´earthkid´ (Arabian weasel-like mammal)	Jim Kaler Notes
Alpheratz or Sirrah also delta Peg	α	Alpha	´the horse´ or ´navel´
Mirach	β	Beta	´the loins´	Jim Kaler Notes
Aquarius: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.
Al Bali	ε	Epsilon	´the swallower´
Ancha	θ	Theta	´hip-bone´
Sadachbia	γ	Gamma	´lucky star of the tents´	Jim Kaler Notes
Sadal Melik	α	Alpha	´lucky star of the king´
Sadal Suud	β	Beta	´luck of lucks´
Situla	χ	Chi	´water jar´	Jim Kaler Notes
Skat or Scheat or Seat	δ	Delta	´shin´ (lower leg)
Aquila: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.
Al Thalimain Iota	ι	Iota	´the two ostriches´ (with Iota)
Al Thalimain Lambda	λ	Lambda	´the two ostriches´ (with Lambda)
Alshain	β	Beta	´falcon´	Jim Kaler Notes
Altair	α	Alpha	´flying one´	Jim Kaler Notes
Tarazed	γ	Gamma	´plundering falcon´	Jim Kaler Notes
Ara: Visible in February before dawn, to October after dusk, best in June.
Choo or Tchou	α	Alpha	´staff/club´; ´pestle´ (Chinese)
Aries: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.
Botein	δ	Delta	´little belly´
Hamal	α	Alpha	´ram´	Jim Kaler Notes
Mesarthim	γ2	Gamma 2	´servants´	Jim Kaler Notes
Sheratan	β	Beta	´the two signs´ (Pisces & Aries)	Jim Kaler Notes
Auriga: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.
Capella	α	Alpha	´she-goat´	Jim Kaler Notes
Kabdhilinan	ι	Iota	´anklebone of the rein-holder´
Maaz	ε	Epsilon	´he-goat´
Menkalinan	β	Beta	´shoulder of him of the reins´ (Charioteer)	Jim Kaler Notes
Prijipati	δ	Delta	´Lord of Creation´ (Sanskrit/Pali)	Jim Kaler Notes
Sadatoni	ζ	Zeta	´two young goats (kids)´
Bootes: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.
Alkalurops	μ2	Mu 2	´shepherd's crook´	Jim Kaler Notes
Arcturus	α	Alpha	´bear-guard´	Jim Kaler Notes
Mirak, Izar, or Pulcherrima	ε	Epsilon	´loins´ or ´loincloth´
Muphrid	η	Eta	´isolated, single one (of the lance-bearer)´	Jim Kaler Notes
Nekkar or Nakkar	β	Beta	´cattleman´
Seginus	γ	Gamma	from Theguius; medieval Latin translit. of Arabic tlt. of Greek ´Bootes´	Jim Kaler Notes
Cancer: Visible in September before dawn, to May after dusk, best in January.
Acubens	α	Alpha	´claw´	Jim Kaler Notes
Asellus Australis	δ	Delta	´southern donkey´
Asellus Borealis	γ	Gamma	´northern donkey´
Tarf	β	Beta	´glance´ or ´eye´
Tegmine	ζ2	Zeta 2	´cover´
Canes Venatici: Visible in November before dawn, to July after dusk, best in March.
Chara	β	Beta	´joy´	Jim Kaler Notes
Cor Caroli	α2	Alpha 2	´heart of Charles´ (II of England)
Canis Major: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.
Adhara	ε	Epsilon	´maidens´	Jim Kaler Notes
Aludra	η	Eta	´maidenhood´	Jim Kaler Notes
Furud	ζ	Zeta	´solitary ones´	Jim Kaler Notes
Mirzam	β	Beta	?? (no known translation)	Jim Kaler Notes
Muliphein	γ	Gamma	´the two causing dispute and the swearing of an oath´	Jim Kaler Notes
Sirius	α	Alpha	´scorching´	Jim Kaler Notes
Wezen	δ	Delta	´weight´	Jim Kaler Notes
Canis Minor: Visible in September before dawn, to May after dusk, best in January.
Gomeisa	β	Beta	´the bleary eyed´	Jim Kaler Notes
Procyon	α	Alpha	´before the dog´	Jim Kaler Notes
Capricornus: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.
Al Giedi	α2	Alpha 2	´goat´
Dabih	β	Beta	´slaughterer´	Jim Kaler Notes
Deneb Algiedi	δ	Delta	´tail of the goat´
Nashira	γ	Gamma	´she who brings good news´	Jim Kaler Notes
Carina: Visible in September before dawn, to May after dusk, best in January.
Avior	ε	Epsilon	?? (modern)	Jim Kaler Notes
Canopus	α	Alpha	(Menelaus's helmsman; also Egyptian seaport)	Jim Kaler Notes
Miaplacidus	β	Beta	´placid waters´	Jim Kaler Notes
Scutulum or Aspidiske	ι	Iota	´little shield´
Cassiopeia: Visible in June before dawn, to February after dusk, best in October.
Achird	η	Eta	??	Jim Kaler Notes
Caph	β	Beta	´palm´ (reaching from the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Ruchbah or Rukbah	δ	Delta	´knee´
Schedar or Shedir	α	Alpha	´breast´
Segin or Navi	ε	Epsilon	?? ; ´Ivan´ backwards [Gus Grissom, Apollo 1]
Tsih or Cih	γ	Gamma	´whip´? (Chinese)
Centaurus: Visible in December before dawn, to August after dusk, best in April.
Hadar or Agena	β	Beta	(no known translation) ; from A=alpha (wrong) and genu=´knee´
Ke Kwan	κ	Kappa	(cavalry officer)
Menkent	θ	Theta	´shoulder of the centaur´	Jim Kaler Notes
Muhlifain	γ	Gamma	(similar to Gamma CMa)	Jim Kaler Notes
Rigel Kentaurus or Rigilkent	α2	Alpha 2	´foot of the centaur´
Cepheus: Visible in April before dawn, to December after dusk, best in August.
Alderamin	α	Alpha	´right forearm´	Jim Kaler Notes
Alfirk	β	Beta	´flock´	Jim Kaler Notes
Er Rai	γ	Gamma	´shepherd´
Kurhah	ξ	Xi	´blaze´ (horse's brow)	Jim Kaler Notes
The Garnet Star	μ	Mu	´The Garnet Star´	Jim Kaler Notes
Cetus: Visible in July before dawn, to March after dusk, best in November.
Baten Kaitos	ζ	Zeta	´belly of Cetus´
Diphda or Deneb Kaitos	β	Beta	´frog´ or ´tail of Cetus´
Kaffaljidhmah	γ	Gamma	´cut-short hand´ (reaching from the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Menkar or Menkab	α	Alpha	´nostril´
Mira	ο	Omicron	´wonderful´	Jim Kaler Notes
Schemali	ι	Iota	´northern´ (branch of the tail)
Columba: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.
Phact of Phaet	α	Alpha	´dove´	Jim Kaler Notes
Tsze	λ	Lambda	´son´
Wezn or Wazn	β	Beta	´weight´
Corona Borealis: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.
Gemma or Alphecca	α	Alpha	´gem´ or ´the broken´ (ring of stars)
Nusakan	β	Beta	´the two series´	Jim Kaler Notes
Corvus: Visible in November before dawn, to July after dusk, best in March.
Alchibah	α	Alpha	´tent´	Jim Kaler Notes
Algorab	δ	Delta	´raven´	Jim Kaler Notes
Kraz; also Tso Hea	β	Beta	?? ; ´left-handed lynch-pin´ (from Chinese carriage constellation)
Minkar	ε	Epsilon	´beak´	Jim Kaler Notes
Crater: Visible in October before dawn, to June after dusk, best in February.
Alkes	α	Alpha	´cup´	Jim Kaler Notes
Crux: Visible in November before dawn, to July after dusk, best in March.
Acrux	α2	Alpha 2	´alpha of Crux´	Jim Kaler Notes
Gacrux	γ	Gamma	´gamma of Crux´	Jim Kaler Notes
Mimosa	β	Beta	´mime´? or ´mimosas´? (plant)	Jim Kaler Notes
Cygnus: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.
Albireo	β2	Beta 2	(from Ireus, a fragrant flower)	Jim Kaler Notes
Deneb	α	Alpha	´tail of the hen´	Jim Kaler Notes
Gienah	ε	Epsilon	´wing´	Jim Kaler Notes
Ruchba	ω2	Omega 2	´hen's knee´
Sadr	γ	Gamma	´breast´	Jim Kaler Notes
Delphinus: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.
Deneb or Al Dhanab al Dulfim	ε	Epsilon	´tail´ or ´tail of the dolphin´
Rotanev	β	Beta	´Venator´ backwards	Jim Kaler Notes
Sualocin	α	Alpha	´Nicolaus´ backwards	Jim Kaler Notes
Draco: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.
Alsafi	σ	Sigma	´cooking tripod´	Jim Kaler Notes
Arrakis	μ	Mu	´dancer´
Dziban	ψ2	Psi 2	´the two jackals´
Edasich	ι	Iota	´hyena´	Jim Kaler Notes
Eltanin	γ	Gamma	´snake´ (alternate word; Arabic name for Draco)	Jim Kaler Notes
Giauzar	λ	Lambda	´dragon´ (mythical Persian name designating nodes of lunar orbit)	Jim Kaler Notes
Grumium	ξ	Xi	´jaw´	Jim Kaler Notes
Kaou Pih	ζ	Zeta	??
Kuma	ν2	Nu 2	´as last´	Jim Kaler Notes
Nodus Secundus or Altais	δ	Delta	´second knot´ or ?? (misreading of same word as in Gamma Dra)
Rastaban	β	Beta	´head of the snake´	Jim Kaler Notes
Thuban	α	Alpha	´snake´	Jim Kaler Notes
Tyl; also Kin Yu	ε	Epsilon	?? ; ´goldfish´
Equuleus: Visible in April before dawn, to December after dusk, best in August.
Kitalpha	α	Alpha	´part of the horse´	Jim Kaler Notes
Eridanus: Visible in July before dawn, to March after dusk, best in November.
Acamar	θ2	Theta 2	´end of the river´ (before Achernar was added)	Jim Kaler Notes
Achernar	α	Alpha	´end of the river´	Jim Kaler Notes
Azha	η	Eta	´hatching place´	Jim Kaler Notes
Cursa	β	Beta	´chair/footstool of Orion´	Jim Kaler Notes
Rana	δ	Delta	´frog´	Jim Kaler Notes
Zaurak	γ	Gamma	´boat´	Jim Kaler Notes
Gemini: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.
Almeisan or Alhena	γ	Gamma	´shining´ or ´the mark´ (on the neck of a camel)
Castor	α	Alpha	´beaver´	Jim Kaler Notes
Mebsuta	ε	Epsilon	´outstretched´ (paw)	Jim Kaler Notes
Mekbuda	ζ	Zeta	´pulled in´ (paw)	Jim Kaler Notes
Pollux	β	Beta	´much wine´	Jim Kaler Notes
Propus Tejat prior	η	Eta	´forward foot´
Tejat Tejat posterior	μ	Mu	?? (no translation)
Wasat	δ	Delta	´middle of the sky´	Jim Kaler Notes
Grus: Visible in April before dawn, to December after dusk, best in August.
Al Dhanab	γ	Gamma	´tail´
Al Na'ir	α	Alpha	´the bright´
Hercules: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.
Cujam	ω	Omega	´club´
Kornephoros	β	Beta	´club-bearer´	Jim Kaler Notes
Maasim	κ	Kappa	´wrist´
Marfik	ξ	Xi	´elbow´	Jim Kaler Notes
Ras Algethi	α2	Alpha 2	´head of the kneeling one´
Sarin	δ	Delta	??	Jim Kaler Notes
Hydra: Visible in October before dawn, to June after dusk, best in February.
Alphard or Cor Hydrae	α	Alpha	´the solitary´ or ´heart of the hydra´
Minhar al Shuja	σ	Sigma	´the snake's nose´
Ukdah	τ2	Tau 2	´the knot´
Indus: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.
Al nair	α	Alpha	´bright´
Leo: Visible in October before dawn, to June after dusk, best in February.
Adhafera	ζ	Zeta	´curl´ (of hair)	Jim Kaler Notes
Al Gieba	γ2	Gamma 2	´forehead´
Alterf	λ	Lambda	´glance´
Coxa or Chort or Chertan	θ	Theta	´hip´ or ´small rib´ or ´two small ribs´
Denebola	β	Beta	´tail of the lion´	Jim Kaler Notes
Ras Elased	ε	Epsilon	´head of the lion´
Rasalas	μ	Mu	´head of the lion´	Jim Kaler Notes
Regulus, Cor Leonis or Kalb	α	Alpha	´prince´, ´heart of the lion´
Tsze Tseang	ι	Iota	´second general´
Zozma	δ	Delta	´enzonement´ or ´loincloth´
Lepus: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.
Arneb	α	Alpha	´hare´	Jim Kaler Notes
Nihal	β	Beta	´camels quenching their thirst´	Jim Kaler Notes
Libra: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.
Mulu-lizi	δ	Delta	´man of fire´
Zuben El Genubi	α2	Alpha 2	´southern claw´ (of the scorpion)
Zuben Eschamali	β	Beta	´northern claw´ (of the scorpion)
Zubenhakrabi or Zubanalakrab	η	Eta	´scorpion's claw´
Lupus: Visible in December before dawn, to August after dusk, best in April.
Men	α	Alpha	??
Lyra: Visible in February before dawn, to October after dusk, best in June.
Al Athfar	μ	Mu	(with Eta:) ´talons´ (of the swooping eagle)
Aladfar	η	Eta	(with Mu:) ´talons´ (of the swooping eagle)	Jim Kaler Notes
Sheliak or Shelyak	β	Beta	´harp´ (from Greek Sambyke, a kind of harp)
Sulafat	γ	Gamma	´tortoise´	Jim Kaler Notes
Vega	α	Alpha	´the swooping´ (eagle)	Jim Kaler Notes
Ophiucus: Visible in February before dawn, to October after dusk, best in June.
Cheleb or Celbalrai	β	Beta	´dog of the shepherd´
Ras Alhague	α	Alpha	´head of the snake´
Sabik	η	Eta	´the preceding´	Jim Kaler Notes
Yed Posterior	ε	Epsilon	´hand´ (after; eastern)
Yed Prior	δ	Delta	´hand´ (before; western)
Orion: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.
Alnilam	ε	Epsilon	´arrangement´ (of pearls; middle of belt)	Jim Kaler Notes
Alnitak	ζ	Zeta	´belt´ (east end)	Jim Kaler Notes
Bellatrix	γ	Gamma	´warrioress´ (west shoulder)	Jim Kaler Notes
Betelgeuse	α	Alpha	´hand of Al-Jazwa´
Heka or Meissa	λ	Lambda	´white spot´ or ´shining´ (Orion's head)
Mintaka	δ	Delta	´belt´ (west end)	Jim Kaler Notes
Na'ir al Saif	ι	Iota	´bright one of the sword´ (tip)
Rigel	β	Beta	´foot´ (west)	Jim Kaler Notes
Saiph	κ	Kappa	´sword´ (hilt)	Jim Kaler Notes
Thabit	υ	Upsilon	´fixed star´ (sometimes given to Pi3 Ori or Tau Ori)
Pavo: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.
The peacock star	α	Alpha	´The peacock star´	Jim Kaler Notes
Pegasus: Visible in June before dawn, to February after dusk, best in October.
Algenib	γ	Gamma	´flank´	Jim Kaler Notes
Baham	θ	Theta	´livestock´
Enif	ε	Epsilon	´nose´	Jim Kaler Notes
Homam	ζ	Zeta	´the high-minded man´	Jim Kaler Notes
Markab or Marchab	α	Alpha	´shoulder´ (from Mankib)
Matar	η	Eta	´rain´	Jim Kaler Notes
Sadalbari	μ	Mu	´lucky star of the excellent one´
Scheat	β	Beta	´leg´	Jim Kaler Notes
Perseus: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.
Algol	β	Beta	´the ghoul´	Jim Kaler Notes
Atik	ο	Omicron	´shoulder´ (of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Menkib	ξ	Xi	´shoulder´	Jim Kaler Notes
Mirfak or Marfak	α	Alpha	´elbow´
Phoenix: Visible in June before dawn, to February after dusk, best in October.
Ankaa	α	Alpha	(a fabulous bird in Arab myth)	Jim Kaler Notes
Pisces: Visible in July before dawn, to March after dusk, best in November.
Al Rescha or Rischa	α	Alpha	´rope´
Fum al Samakah	β	Beta	´the fish's mouth´
Pisces Austrinus: Visible in April before dawn, to December after dusk, best in August.
Fomalhaut	α	Alpha	´mouth of the fish´	Jim Kaler Notes
Puppis: Visible in September before dawn, to May after dusk, best in January.
Asmidiske	ξ	Xi	´little shield´	Jim Kaler Notes
Naos	ζ	Zeta	´ship´	Jim Kaler Notes
Sagittarius: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.
Arkab	β2	Beta 2	´hamstring´
Ascella	ζ	Zeta	´armpit´	Jim Kaler Notes
El Nasl	γ2	Gamma 2	´arrowhead´
Kaus Australis	ε	Epsilon	´bow´ (southern)
Kaus Borealis	λ	Lambda	´bow´ (northern)
Kaus Media	δ	Delta	´bow´ (middle)
Nunki	σ	Sigma	´of Enki´ (Sumerian god of waters & of most ancient city of Eridu)	Jim Kaler Notes
Rukbat	α	Alpha	´knee´	Jim Kaler Notes
Scorpius: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.
Al Niyat	σ	Sigma	´the arteries´
Antares	α	Alpha	´anti-Ares´, rival of Mars	Jim Kaler Notes
Dschubba	δ	Delta	´forehead´	Jim Kaler Notes
Graffias or Acrab	β2	Beta 2	´claws´ (Latin) or ´scorpion´ (Arabic)
Jabbah	ν	Nu	´forehead´	Jim Kaler Notes
Jabhat al Akrab	ω2	Omega 2	´scorpion's forehead´
Lesath or Lesuth	υ	Upsilon	´sting´ or ´bite´ (of a poisonous animal)
Sargas	θ	Theta	´seizer/smiter´ (Babylonian title; name of a weapon of the God of War)
Shaula	λ	Lambda	´raised tail´	Jim Kaler Notes
Serpens: Visible in February before dawn, to October after dusk, best in June.
Alya	θ2	Theta 2	´the fatty tail´ (of a breed of Oriental sheep)	Jim Kaler Notes
Chow	β	Beta	´imperial dynasty´
Unuk Al Hay or Unukalhai	α	Alpha	´neck of the snake´
Taurus: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.
Ain	ε	Epsilon	(second) ´eye of the bull´ (after Aldebaran)	Jim Kaler Notes
Alcyone	η	Eta	´queen who wards off evil [storms]´ (one of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Aldebaran	α	Alpha	´follower´ (of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Asterope			´lightning/twinkling/sun-face/stubborn-face´ (one of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Atlas			´he who dares/suffers´ (a Titan; father of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Celaeno			´swarthy´ (one of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
El Nath	β	Beta	´the butting´ (horn)
Electra			´amber/shining/bright´ (one of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Maia			´grandmother/mother´, ´nurse´, ´great one´ (one of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Merope			´eloquent´, ´bee-eater´, ´mortal´ (one of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Pleione			´sailing queen´ (an Oceanid; mother of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Primus Hyadum	γ	Gamma	´first Hyad´
Taygeta			?? (maybe) ´long-necked´ (one of the Pleiades)	Jim Kaler Notes
Triangulum: Visible in July before dawn, to March after dusk, best in November.
Mothallah or Caput Trianguli	α	Alpha	´triangle´, ´head of the triangle´
Triangulum Australe: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.
Atria	α	Alpha	´alpha of triangulum australe´	Jim Kaler Notes
Ursa Major: Visible in October before dawn, to June after dusk, best in February.
Al Haud	θ	Theta	´the pond´	Jim Kaler Notes
Alioth	ε	Epsilon	´black horse/bull´	Jim Kaler Notes
Alkaid or Benetnasch	η	Eta	´the leader´ (of the mourning women?); ´daughters of the bier´
Alula Australis	ξ	Xi	´first [leap of the gazelle], south´
Alula Borealis	ν	Nu	´first [leap of the gazelle], north´
Dubhe, Dubh, Dubb, or Alruccabah	α	Alpha	´bear´
Megrez	δ	Delta	´insertion-point´ (of the bear's tail)	Jim Kaler Notes
Merak or Mirak	β	Beta	´loins´
Mizar	ζ	Zeta	(from a corrupt reading of ´loins´; see Beta UMa)	Jim Kaler Notes
Muscida	ο	Omicron	´muzzle´	Jim Kaler Notes
Phad or Phecda	γ	Gamma	´thigh´
Talitha Australis	κ	Kappa	´third [leap of the gazelle], south´	Jim Kaler Notes
Talitha Borealis or Dnoces	ι	Iota	´third [leap of the gazelle], north´; ´Second´ backwards [Ed White II, Apollo 1]
Tania Australis	μ	Mu	´second [leap of the gazelle], south´
Tania Borealis	λ	Lambda	´second [leap of the gazelle], north´
Ursa Minor: Visible in December before dawn, to August after dusk, best in April.
Kochab or Kokab	β	Beta	´star´
Pherkab	γ	Gamma	´calf´
Polaris	α	Alpha	´pole star´	Jim Kaler Notes
Yildun	δ	Delta	´star´	Jim Kaler Notes
Vela: Visible in October before dawn, to June after dusk, best in February.
Markab	κ	Kappa	´ship´	Jim Kaler Notes
Suhail	λ	Lambda	?? (no translation)	Jim Kaler Notes
Suhail or Regor	γ2	Gamma 2	?? (no translation); ´Roger´ backwards [Roger Chaffee, Apollo 1]
Tseen Ke	φ	Phi	´heaven's record´
Virgo: Visible in November before dawn, to July after dusk, best in March.
Auva	δ	Delta	´the barker´	Jim Kaler Notes
Heze	ζ	Zeta	??	Jim Kaler Notes
Porrima	γ	Gamma	(Roman goddess of childbirth)	Jim Kaler Notes
Spica or Azimech	α	Alpha	´ear of wheat´ (held by Virgo), ??
Syrma	ι	Iota	´train´ (of a garment)
Vindemiatrix	ε	Epsilon	´vine-harvestress´	Jim Kaler Notes
Zaniah	η	Eta	´corner´	Jim Kaler Notes
Zavijava or Alaraph	β	Beta	´corner of the barker´; ´grape gatherer´

Star Name

Bayer
Designation

Description

Offsite Links

Andromeda: Visible in July before dawn, to March after dusk, best in November.

Adhil

(train of a garment)

Almach

γ2

Gamma 2

´earthkid´ (Arabian weasel-like mammal)

Jim Kaler Notes

Alpheratz or Sirrah also delta Peg

Alpha

´the horse´ or ´navel´

Mirach

Beta

´the loins´

Jim Kaler Notes

Aquarius: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.

Al Bali

Epsilon

´the swallower´

Ancha

Theta

´hip-bone´

Sadachbia

Gamma

´lucky star of the tents´

Jim Kaler Notes

Sadal Melik

Alpha

´lucky star of the king´

Sadal Suud

Beta

´luck of lucks´

Situla

Chi

´water jar´

Jim Kaler Notes

Skat or Scheat or Seat

Delta

´shin´ (lower leg)

Aquila: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.

Al Thalimain Iota

Iota

´the two ostriches´ (with Iota)

Al Thalimain Lambda

Lambda

´the two ostriches´ (with Lambda)

Alshain

Beta

´falcon´

Jim Kaler Notes

Altair

Alpha

´flying one´

Jim Kaler Notes

Tarazed

Gamma

´plundering falcon´

Jim Kaler Notes

Ara: Visible in February before dawn, to October after dusk, best in June.

Choo or Tchou

Alpha

´staff/club´; ´pestle´ (Chinese)

Aries: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.

Botein

Delta

´little belly´

Hamal

Alpha

´ram´

Jim Kaler Notes

Mesarthim

γ2

Gamma 2

´servants´

Jim Kaler Notes

Sheratan

Beta

´the two signs´ (Pisces & Aries)

Jim Kaler Notes

Auriga: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.

Capella

Alpha

´she-goat´

Jim Kaler Notes

Kabdhilinan

Iota

´anklebone of the rein-holder´

Maaz

Epsilon

´he-goat´

Menkalinan

Beta

´shoulder of him of the reins´ (Charioteer)

Jim Kaler Notes

Prijipati

Delta

´Lord of Creation´ (Sanskrit/Pali)

Jim Kaler Notes

Sadatoni

Zeta

´two young goats (kids)´

Bootes: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.

Alkalurops

μ2

Mu 2

´shepherd's crook´

Jim Kaler Notes

Arcturus

Alpha

´bear-guard´

Jim Kaler Notes

Mirak, Izar, or Pulcherrima

Epsilon

´loins´ or ´loincloth´

Muphrid

Eta

´isolated, single one (of the lance-bearer)´

Jim Kaler Notes

Nekkar or Nakkar

Beta

´cattleman´

Seginus

Gamma

from Theguius; medieval Latin translit. of Arabic tlt. of Greek ´Bootes´

Jim Kaler Notes

Cancer: Visible in September before dawn, to May after dusk, best in January.

Acubens

Alpha

´claw´

Jim Kaler Notes

Asellus Australis

Delta

´southern donkey´

Asellus Borealis

Gamma

´northern donkey´

Tarf

Beta

´glance´ or ´eye´

Tegmine

ζ2

Zeta 2

´cover´

Canes Venatici: Visible in November before dawn, to July after dusk, best in March.

Chara

Beta

´joy´

Jim Kaler Notes

Cor Caroli

α2

Alpha 2

´heart of Charles´ (II of England)

Canis Major: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.

Adhara

Epsilon

´maidens´

Jim Kaler Notes

Aludra

Eta

´maidenhood´

Jim Kaler Notes

Furud

Zeta

´solitary ones´

Jim Kaler Notes

Mirzam

Beta

?? (no known translation)

Jim Kaler Notes

Muliphein

Gamma

´the two causing dispute and the swearing of an oath´

Jim Kaler Notes

Sirius

Alpha

´scorching´

Jim Kaler Notes

Wezen

Delta

´weight´

Jim Kaler Notes

Canis Minor: Visible in September before dawn, to May after dusk, best in January.

Gomeisa

Beta

´the bleary eyed´

Jim Kaler Notes

Procyon

Alpha

´before the dog´

Jim Kaler Notes

Capricornus: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.

Al Giedi

α2

Alpha 2

´goat´

Dabih

Beta

´slaughterer´

Jim Kaler Notes

Deneb Algiedi

Delta

´tail of the goat´

Nashira

Gamma

´she who brings good news´

Jim Kaler Notes

Carina: Visible in September before dawn, to May after dusk, best in January.

Avior

Epsilon

?? (modern)

Jim Kaler Notes

Canopus

Alpha

(Menelaus's helmsman; also Egyptian seaport)

Jim Kaler Notes

Miaplacidus

Beta

´placid waters´

Jim Kaler Notes

Scutulum or Aspidiske

Iota

´little shield´

Cassiopeia: Visible in June before dawn, to February after dusk, best in October.

Achird

Eta

Jim Kaler Notes

Caph

Beta

´palm´ (reaching from the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Ruchbah or Rukbah

Delta

´knee´

Schedar or Shedir

Alpha

´breast´

Segin or Navi

Epsilon

?? ; ´Ivan´ backwards [Gus Grissom, Apollo 1]

Tsih or Cih

Gamma

´whip´? (Chinese)

Centaurus: Visible in December before dawn, to August after dusk, best in April.

Hadar or Agena

Beta

(no known translation) ; from A=alpha (wrong) and genu=´knee´

Ke Kwan

Kappa

(cavalry officer)

Menkent

Theta

´shoulder of the centaur´

Jim Kaler Notes

Muhlifain

Gamma

(similar to Gamma CMa)

Jim Kaler Notes

Rigel Kentaurus or Rigilkent

α2

Alpha 2

´foot of the centaur´

Cepheus: Visible in April before dawn, to December after dusk, best in August.

Alderamin

Alpha

´right forearm´

Jim Kaler Notes

Alfirk

Beta

´flock´

Jim Kaler Notes

Er Rai

Gamma

´shepherd´

Kurhah

´blaze´ (horse's brow)

Jim Kaler Notes

The Garnet Star

´The Garnet Star´

Jim Kaler Notes

Cetus: Visible in July before dawn, to March after dusk, best in November.

Baten Kaitos

Zeta

´belly of Cetus´

Diphda or Deneb Kaitos

Beta

´frog´ or ´tail of Cetus´

Kaffaljidhmah

Gamma

´cut-short hand´ (reaching from the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Menkar or Menkab

Alpha

´nostril´

Mira

Omicron

´wonderful´

Jim Kaler Notes

Schemali

Iota

´northern´ (branch of the tail)

Columba: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.

Phact of Phaet

Alpha

´dove´

Jim Kaler Notes

Tsze

Lambda

´son´

Wezn or Wazn

Beta

´weight´

Corona Borealis: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.

Gemma or Alphecca

Alpha

´gem´ or ´the broken´ (ring of stars)

Nusakan

Beta

´the two series´

Jim Kaler Notes

Corvus: Visible in November before dawn, to July after dusk, best in March.

Alchibah

Alpha

´tent´

Jim Kaler Notes

Algorab

Delta

´raven´

Jim Kaler Notes

Kraz; also Tso Hea

Beta

?? ; ´left-handed lynch-pin´ (from Chinese carriage constellation)

Minkar

Epsilon

´beak´

Jim Kaler Notes

Crater: Visible in October before dawn, to June after dusk, best in February.

Alkes

Alpha

´cup´

Jim Kaler Notes

Crux: Visible in November before dawn, to July after dusk, best in March.

Acrux

α2

Alpha 2

´alpha of Crux´

Jim Kaler Notes

Gacrux

Gamma

´gamma of Crux´

Jim Kaler Notes

Mimosa

Beta

´mime´? or ´mimosas´? (plant)

Jim Kaler Notes

Cygnus: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.

Albireo

β2

Beta 2

(from Ireus, a fragrant flower)

Jim Kaler Notes

Deneb

Alpha

´tail of the hen´

Jim Kaler Notes

Gienah

Epsilon

´wing´

Jim Kaler Notes

Ruchba

ω2

Omega 2

´hen's knee´

Sadr

Gamma

´breast´

Jim Kaler Notes

Delphinus: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.

Deneb or Al Dhanab al Dulfim

Epsilon

´tail´ or ´tail of the dolphin´

Rotanev

Beta

´Venator´ backwards

Jim Kaler Notes

Sualocin

Alpha

´Nicolaus´ backwards

Jim Kaler Notes

Draco: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.

Alsafi

Sigma

´cooking tripod´

Jim Kaler Notes

Arrakis

´dancer´

Dziban

ψ2

Psi 2

´the two jackals´

Edasich

Iota

´hyena´

Jim Kaler Notes

Eltanin

Gamma

´snake´ (alternate word; Arabic name for Draco)

Jim Kaler Notes

Giauzar

Lambda

´dragon´ (mythical Persian name designating nodes of lunar orbit)

´jaw´

Zeta

ν2

Nu 2

´as last´

Jim Kaler Notes

Nodus Secundus or Altais

Delta

´second knot´ or ?? (misreading of same word as in Gamma Dra)

Rastaban

Beta

´head of the snake´

Jim Kaler Notes

Thuban

Alpha

´snake´

Jim Kaler Notes

Tyl; also Kin Yu

Epsilon

?? ; ´goldfish´

Equuleus: Visible in April before dawn, to December after dusk, best in August.

Kitalpha

Alpha

´part of the horse´

Jim Kaler Notes

Eridanus: Visible in July before dawn, to March after dusk, best in November.

Acamar

θ2

Theta 2

´end of the river´ (before Achernar was added)

Jim Kaler Notes

Achernar

Alpha

´end of the river´

Jim Kaler Notes

Azha

Eta

´hatching place´

Jim Kaler Notes

Cursa

Beta

´chair/footstool of Orion´

Jim Kaler Notes

Rana

Delta

´frog´

Jim Kaler Notes

Zaurak

Gamma

´boat´

Jim Kaler Notes

Gemini: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.

Almeisan or Alhena

Gamma

´shining´ or ´the mark´ (on the neck of a camel)

Castor

Alpha

´beaver´

Jim Kaler Notes

Mebsuta

Epsilon

´outstretched´ (paw)

Jim Kaler Notes

Mekbuda

Zeta

´pulled in´ (paw)

Jim Kaler Notes

Pollux

Beta

´much wine´

Jim Kaler Notes

Propus Tejat prior

Eta

´forward foot´

Tejat Tejat posterior

?? (no translation)

Wasat

Delta

´middle of the sky´

Jim Kaler Notes

Grus: Visible in April before dawn, to December after dusk, best in August.

Al Dhanab

Gamma

´tail´

Al Na'ir

Alpha

´the bright´

Hercules: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.

Cujam

Omega

´club´

Kornephoros

Beta

´club-bearer´

Jim Kaler Notes

Maasim

Kappa

´wrist´

Marfik

´elbow´

Jim Kaler Notes

Ras Algethi

α2

Alpha 2

´head of the kneeling one´

Sarin

Delta

Jim Kaler Notes

Hydra: Visible in October before dawn, to June after dusk, best in February.

Alphard or Cor Hydrae

Alpha

´the solitary´ or ´heart of the hydra´

Minhar al Shuja

Sigma

´the snake's nose´

Ukdah

τ2

Tau 2

´the knot´

Indus: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.

Al nair

Alpha

´bright´

Leo: Visible in October before dawn, to June after dusk, best in February.

Adhafera

Zeta

´curl´ (of hair)

Jim Kaler Notes

Al Gieba

γ2

Gamma 2

´forehead´

Alterf

Lambda

´glance´

Coxa or Chort or Chertan

Theta

´hip´ or ´small rib´ or ´two small ribs´

Denebola

Beta

´tail of the lion´

Jim Kaler Notes

Ras Elased

Epsilon

´head of the lion´

Rasalas

´head of the lion´

Jim Kaler Notes

Regulus, Cor Leonis or Kalb

Alpha

´prince´, ´heart of the lion´

Tsze Tseang

Iota

´second general´

Zozma

Delta

´enzonement´ or ´loincloth´

Lepus: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.

Arneb

Alpha

´hare´

Jim Kaler Notes

Nihal

Beta

´camels quenching their thirst´

Jim Kaler Notes

Libra: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.

Mulu-lizi

Delta

´man of fire´

Zuben El Genubi

α2

Alpha 2

´southern claw´ (of the scorpion)

Zuben Eschamali

Beta

´northern claw´ (of the scorpion)

Zubenhakrabi or Zubanalakrab

Eta

´scorpion's claw´

Lupus: Visible in December before dawn, to August after dusk, best in April.

Men

Alpha

Lyra: Visible in February before dawn, to October after dusk, best in June.

Al Athfar

(with Eta:) ´talons´ (of the swooping eagle)

Aladfar

Eta

(with Mu:) ´talons´ (of the swooping eagle)

Jim Kaler Notes

Sheliak or Shelyak

Beta

´harp´ (from Greek Sambyke, a kind of harp)

Sulafat

Gamma

´tortoise´

Jim Kaler Notes

Vega

Alpha

´the swooping´ (eagle)

Jim Kaler Notes

Ophiucus: Visible in February before dawn, to October after dusk, best in June.

Cheleb or Celbalrai

Beta

´dog of the shepherd´

Ras Alhague

Alpha

´head of the snake´

Sabik

Eta

´the preceding´

Jim Kaler Notes

Yed Posterior

Epsilon

´hand´ (after; eastern)

Yed Prior

Delta

´hand´ (before; western)

Orion: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.

Alnilam

Epsilon

´arrangement´ (of pearls; middle of belt)

Jim Kaler Notes

Alnitak

Zeta

´belt´ (east end)

Jim Kaler Notes

Bellatrix

Gamma

´warrioress´ (west shoulder)

Jim Kaler Notes

Betelgeuse

Alpha

´hand of Al-Jazwa´

Heka or Meissa

Lambda

´white spot´ or ´shining´ (Orion's head)

Mintaka

Delta

´belt´ (west end)

Jim Kaler Notes

Na'ir al Saif

Iota

´bright one of the sword´ (tip)

Rigel

Beta

´foot´ (west)

Jim Kaler Notes

Saiph

Kappa

´sword´ (hilt)

Jim Kaler Notes

Thabit

Upsilon

´fixed star´ (sometimes given to Pi3 Ori or Tau Ori)

Pavo: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.

The peacock star

Alpha

´The peacock star´

Jim Kaler Notes

Pegasus: Visible in June before dawn, to February after dusk, best in October.

Algenib

Gamma

´flank´

Jim Kaler Notes

Baham

Theta

´livestock´

Enif

Epsilon

´nose´

Jim Kaler Notes

Homam

Zeta

´the high-minded man´

Jim Kaler Notes

Markab or Marchab

Alpha

´shoulder´ (from Mankib)

Matar

Eta

´rain´

Jim Kaler Notes

Sadalbari

´lucky star of the excellent one´

Scheat

Beta

´leg´

Jim Kaler Notes

Perseus: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.

Algol

Beta

´the ghoul´

Jim Kaler Notes

Atik

Omicron

´shoulder´ (of the Pleiades)

´shoulder´

Alpha

´elbow´

Phoenix: Visible in June before dawn, to February after dusk, best in October.

Ankaa

Alpha

(a fabulous bird in Arab myth)

Jim Kaler Notes

Pisces: Visible in July before dawn, to March after dusk, best in November.

Al Rescha or Rischa

Alpha

´rope´

Fum al Samakah

Beta

´the fish's mouth´

Pisces Austrinus: Visible in April before dawn, to December after dusk, best in August.

Fomalhaut

Alpha

´mouth of the fish´

Jim Kaler Notes

Puppis: Visible in September before dawn, to May after dusk, best in January.

Asmidiske

´little shield´

Jim Kaler Notes

Naos

Zeta

´ship´

Jim Kaler Notes

Sagittarius: Visible in March before dawn, to November after dusk, best in July.

Arkab

β2

Beta 2

´hamstring´

Ascella

Zeta

´armpit´

Jim Kaler Notes

El Nasl

γ2

Gamma 2

´arrowhead´

Kaus Australis

Epsilon

´bow´ (southern)

Kaus Borealis

Lambda

´bow´ (northern)

Kaus Media

Delta

´bow´ (middle)

Nunki

Sigma

´of Enki´ (Sumerian god of waters & of most ancient city of Eridu)

Jim Kaler Notes

Rukbat

Alpha

´knee´

Jim Kaler Notes

Scorpius: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.

Al Niyat

Sigma

´the arteries´

Antares

Alpha

´anti-Ares´, rival of Mars

Jim Kaler Notes

Dschubba

Delta

´forehead´

Jim Kaler Notes

Graffias or Acrab

β2

Beta 2

´claws´ (Latin) or ´scorpion´ (Arabic)

Jabbah

´forehead´

Jim Kaler Notes

Jabhat al Akrab

ω2

Omega 2

´scorpion's forehead´

Lesath or Lesuth

Upsilon

´sting´ or ´bite´ (of a poisonous animal)

Sargas

Theta

´seizer/smiter´ (Babylonian title; name of a weapon of the God of War)

Shaula

Lambda

´raised tail´

Jim Kaler Notes

Serpens: Visible in February before dawn, to October after dusk, best in June.

Alya

θ2

Theta 2

´the fatty tail´ (of a breed of Oriental sheep)

Jim Kaler Notes

Chow

Beta

´imperial dynasty´

Unuk Al Hay or Unukalhai

Alpha

´neck of the snake´

Taurus: Visible in August before dawn, to April after dusk, best in December.

Ain

Epsilon

(second) ´eye of the bull´ (after Aldebaran)

Jim Kaler Notes

Alcyone

Eta

´queen who wards off evil [storms]´ (one of the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Aldebaran

Alpha

´follower´ (of the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Asterope

´lightning/twinkling/sun-face/stubborn-face´ (one of the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Atlas

´he who dares/suffers´ (a Titan; father of the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Celaeno

´swarthy´ (one of the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

El Nath

Beta

´the butting´ (horn)

Electra

´amber/shining/bright´ (one of the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Maia

´grandmother/mother´, ´nurse´, ´great one´ (one of the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Merope

´eloquent´, ´bee-eater´, ´mortal´ (one of the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Pleione

´sailing queen´ (an Oceanid; mother of the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Primus Hyadum

Gamma

´first Hyad´

Taygeta

?? (maybe) ´long-necked´ (one of the Pleiades)

Jim Kaler Notes

Triangulum: Visible in July before dawn, to March after dusk, best in November.

Mothallah or Caput Trianguli

Alpha

´triangle´, ´head of the triangle´

Triangulum Australe: Visible in January before dawn, to September after dusk, best in May.

Atria

Alpha

´alpha of triangulum australe´

Jim Kaler Notes

Ursa Major: Visible in October before dawn, to June after dusk, best in February.

Al Haud

Theta

´the pond´

Jim Kaler Notes

Alioth

Epsilon

´black horse/bull´

Jim Kaler Notes

Alkaid or Benetnasch

Eta

´the leader´ (of the mourning women?); ´daughters of the bier´

Alula Australis

´first [leap of the gazelle], south´

Alula Borealis

´first [leap of the gazelle], north´

Dubhe, Dubh, Dubb, or Alruccabah

Alpha

´bear´

Megrez

Delta

´insertion-point´ (of the bear's tail)

Jim Kaler Notes

Merak or Mirak

Beta

´loins´

Mizar

Zeta

(from a corrupt reading of ´loins´; see Beta UMa)

Jim Kaler Notes

Muscida

Omicron

´muzzle´

Jim Kaler Notes

Phad or Phecda

Gamma

´thigh´

Talitha Australis

Kappa

´third [leap of the gazelle], south´

Jim Kaler Notes

Talitha Borealis or Dnoces

Iota

´third [leap of the gazelle], north´; ´Second´ backwards [Ed White II, Apollo 1]

Tania Australis

´second [leap of the gazelle], south´

Tania Borealis

Lambda

´second [leap of the gazelle], north´

Ursa Minor: Visible in December before dawn, to August after dusk, best in April.

Kochab or Kokab

Beta

´star´

Pherkab

Gamma

´calf´

Polaris

Alpha

´pole star´

Jim Kaler Notes

Yildun

Delta

´star´

Jim Kaler Notes

Vela: Visible in October before dawn, to June after dusk, best in February.

Markab

Kappa

´ship´

Jim Kaler Notes

Suhail

Lambda

?? (no translation)

Jim Kaler Notes

Suhail or Regor

γ2

Gamma 2

?? (no translation); ´Roger´ backwards [Roger Chaffee, Apollo 1]

Tseen Ke

Phi

´heaven's record´

Virgo: Visible in November before dawn, to July after dusk, best in March.

Auva

Delta

´the barker´

Zeta

Gamma

(Roman goddess of childbirth)

Jim Kaler Notes

Spica or Azimech

Alpha

´ear of wheat´ (held by Virgo), ??

Syrma

Iota

´train´ (of a garment)

Vindemiatrix

Epsilon

´vine-harvestress´

Jim Kaler Notes

Zaniah

Eta

´corner´

Jim Kaler Notes

Zavijava or Alaraph

Beta

´corner of the barker´; ´grape gatherer´

The night sky atlas creates images of any part of the night sky, allowing easy location of any object. Detailed chart images show all stars visible to the naked eye, the constellations, Messier objects, and names of the brightest stars. Data sources: Bright Star Catalog from the Astronomical Data Center, star names list from Steven Gibson, all-sky Milky Way image by Axel Mellinger. The data used in this product, in whole or in part, is used with permission of The NGC/IC Project LLC. Many thanks go to those who maintain and make available their astronomy datasets without which this sky atlas would not have been possible. Permission for any use of these chart images is granted, provided that the original website address remains visible on all images. Enjoy!