Chapter 6 of 6 · 3285 words · ~16 min read

Part 6

Situated in the nose of the Great Bear.

NEKKAR, or NAKKAR (nak'-k[:a]r), [b] _Bo[:o]tis_, "the herdsman," the Arab name for the whole constellation.

Situated in the head of Bo[:o]tes. A golden yellow star which culminates June 20th.

NAOS (n[=a]'-os), [z] _Argus_, "the ship."

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

NASHIRA, [g] _Capricorni_, "the fortunate one, or the bringer of good tidings."

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

NIHAL, [b] _Leporis_.

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

NODUS SECUNDUS, [d] _Draconis_, "the second of the four knots or convolutions."

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

NUNKI, [s] _Sagittarii_, "the star of the proclamation of the sea," or SADIRA (sad'-[=e]-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 (f[=a]'-ed), [g] _Ursae 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, [a] _Columbae_.

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

PHERKAD (fer'-kad), [g] _Ursae Minoris_, "the calf."

Situated in the right fore leg of the Little Bear.

PO-L[/A]-RIS, [a] _Ursae 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, [b] _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-m[:a]), [g] _Virginis_, Latin name for "a goddess of prophecy."

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

PRO'-CY-ON, [a] _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 (pr[=o]'-pus), [[^e]] _Geminorum_, "the forward foot."

Situated in the northern foot of Castor.

RASALAS (ras'-a-las), [m] _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 (r[:a]s-al-ge'-thi), [a] _Herculis_, "the kneeler's head."

Orange red in color. It culminates July 23d.

RAS'-AL-H[=A]G'-UE, [a] _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 (r[:a]s-ta-b[:a]n'), [b] or [g] _Draconis_ "the dragon's head," or "the head of the basilisk."

A yellow star culminating Aug. 3d. This star also called Alwaid (al-w[=i]d') "the sucking camel-colts." The three stars near it are included in this appellation.

REG'-U-LUS, [a] _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), [b] _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-b[:a]r).

ROTANEV (rot'-a-nev), [b] _Delphini_, from Venator, assistant to Piazzi, his name reversed.

It culminates Sept. 15th.

RUCHBA, [[^o]] _Cygni_, "the hen's knee."

A pale red star.

RUCHBAH, or RUCBAH, [d] _Cassiopeiae_, "the knee."

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

RUKBAT, [a] _Sagittarii_, "the archer's knee."

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

SABIK, [[^e]] _Ophiuchi_.

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

SADACHBIA (s[=a]d-ak-b[=e]'-y[:a]), [g] _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, [l] and [m] _Pegasi_, "the good luck of the excelling one."

Situated close to the fore legs of Pegasus.

SADAL MELIK (s[:a]d-al-mel'-ik), or RUCBAH, [a] _Aquarii_, "the lucky star of the king."

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

SADALSUND, or SADALSUUD (s[:a]d-al-s[:o]-[:o]d), [b] _Aquarii_, "the luckiest of the lucky."

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

SADATONI (sad-a-t[=o]'-ni), [z] _Aurigae_.

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

SADR (sadr), or SADIR (s[=a]'-d[=e]r), [g] _Cygni_, "the hen's breast."

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

SAIPH (s[=a]-if'), [k] _Orionis_, "the sword of the giant."

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

SARGAS, [th] _Scorpii_.

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

SCHEAT (she'-at), or Menkib, [b] _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, [i] _Ceti_.

SEGINUS (se-j[=i]'nus), [g] _Bo[:o]tis_, from Ceginus of the constellation, possibly.

Situated in the left shoulder of Bo[:o]tes. It culminates June 13th.

SHAULA (sh[^a]'-l[:a]), [l] _Scorpii_, "the sting."

In the tip of the Scorpion's tail.

SHEDAR, SCHEDIR, or SHEDIR, [a] _Cassiopeiae_, "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," [b] _Lyrae_, Arabian name for the constellation.

A very white star culminating Aug. 17th.

SHERATAN (sher-a-tan'), [b] _Arietis_, "a sign," or "the two signs."

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

SIR'-I-US, [a] _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'-[=u]-l[=a]), [k] _Aquarii_, "the water jar or bucket."

Situated in the rim of the Water Jar.

SKAT, or SCHEAT, [d] _Aquarii_, "a wish," or possibly it means a "shin bone."

Situated in the right leg of Aquarius.

SPI'CA, [a] _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'-[=o]-sin), Nicolaus reversed, [a] _Delphini_.

A pale yellow star culminating Sept. 15th.

SULAFAT, or SULAPHAT (s[:o]'-l[:a]-f[:a]t), "the tortoise," [g] _Lyrae_.

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

SYRMA, [i] _Virginis_; this name used by Ptolemy to designate this star in the train of the Virgin's robe.

TALITA (t[:a]'-l[=e]-t[:a]), [k] or [i] _Ursae Majoris_, "the third vertebra."

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

TANIA BOREALIS, [l] _Ursae Majoris_.

TANIA AUSTRALIS, [m] _Ursae 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), [g] _Aquilae_, "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, [z] _Cancri_, "in the covering."

A yellow-colored star.

TE'-JAT, [m] _Geminorum_.

THU'-BAN or (th[=o]-ban'), [a] _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 ([=u]'-nuk-al-h[:a]'-i), [a] _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.

V[:E]'GA, or WEGA, [a] _Lyrae_, "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, [e] _Virginis_, "the vintager or grape gatherer."

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

WASAT (w[:a]'-sat), [d] _Geminorum_, "the middle."

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

WESEN, [d] _Canis Majoris_, "the weight."

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

YED PRIOR (yed), [d] _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, [e] _Ophiuchi_, "the hand."

A red star culminating July 8th.

YILDUM, [d] _Ursae Minoris_.

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

ZANIAH, [[^e]] _Virginis_.

Situated in the Virgin's left shoulder.

ZAURAK (z[^a]'-rak), [g] _Eridani_, "the bright star of the boat."

A yellow star.

ZAVIJAVA (zav-ija'-va), [b] _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 (z[=o]s'-ma), [d] _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 (z[:o]ben-ak'-ra-vi or -bi), [g] _Scorpii_, "the claw of the Scorpion." A red star.

ZUBEN ELGENUBI (z[:o]-ben-el-jen-[=u]'-bi), [a] _Librae_, "the southern claw" (of the Scorpion).

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

ZUBEN ESCHAMALI (z[:o]-ben-es-she-ma'-li), [b] _Librae_, "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."

[Footnote 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.]

TABLE SHOWING THE STARS OF THE FIRST AND SECOND MAGNITUDE RISING IN THE EASTERN SKY AT NINE O'CLOCK P.M. ON THE DATES SPECIFIED.

INDEX

NAME PAGE

Andromeda, 73

Antino[:u]s, 39

Aquarius, 81

Aquila, 39

Argo Navis, 107

Aries, 85

Auriga, 11

Bo[:o]tes, 55

Brandenburg Sceptre, The, 111

Bull of Poniatowskio, 45

Camelopardalis, 7

Cancer, 13

Canes Venatici, 59

Canis Major, 105

Canis Minor, 21

Capricornus, 83

Cassiopeia, 67

Cepheus, 69

Cerberus, 53

Cetus, 87

Columba, 103

Coma Berenices, 19

Corona Australis, 43

Corona Borealis, 51

Corvus, 23

Crater, 25

Cygnus, 37

Delphinus, 41

Draco, 33

Equ[:u]leus, 71

Eridanus, 111

Gemini, 9

Gloria Frederica, 73

Hercules, 53

Herschel's Telescope, 11

Hydra, 15

Leo, 17

Leo Minor, 95

Lepus, 101

Libra, 49

Lupus, 47

Lynx, 95

Lyra, 35

Monoceros, 109

Musca, 89

Ophiuchus, 45

Orion, 99

Pegasus, 71

Perseus, 75

Pisces, 77

Piscis Australis, 81

Sagitta, 37

Sagittarius, 43

Scorpius, 47

Serpens, 45

Sobieski's Shield, 39

Taurus, 97

Triangulum, 79

Ursa Major, 5

Ursa Minor, 7

Virgo, 57

Vulpecular and Anser, 41

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Transcriber's Notes:

The original text contains many characters that cannot be rendered properly in a 7 bit (ascii) version of the text.

Accented characters markup scheme:

Accented characters indicate pronunciation. The accented character and the symbol representing the accent are surrounded with square brackets. Symbols in this text have been placed in front of the character as the accents all appear above the character.

Accent Symbol acute / macron = breve ) diaresis : circumflex ^

Greek characters markup scheme:

Greek characters indicate specific stars within a given constellation. The Greek character has been transcribed and surrounded with square brackets. Where the transcription resulted in an accented character this character was rendered according to the character markup scheme (above) and both sets of square brackets were retained. Example [[^e]].

Other symbols markup scheme:

Symbols that represent the various signs of the zodiac were rendered according to the following example [Symbol: Gemini] The degree symbol is represented by [deg] Acute accent as a single character represented by '. The ae ligature has been expanded to ae. Superscripted characters are preceded by a ^

Corrections made: Page 12 Au iga corrected to Auriga. Page 118 preceptible corrected to perceptible. Page 148 Oeti corrected to Ceti. Page 163 cometimes corrected to sometimes.

Inconsistencies retained: Alphecca and Alphacca. Gloria Frederika and Gloria Frederica. Bull of Poniatowskio and Bull of Poniatowski.

End of Project Gutenberg's A Field Book of the Stars, by William Tyler Olcott