Star-names and their meanings 599 pages

Star names, the zodiac, constellations; folklore, and literature associated with heavens. Based on years of thorough research into astronomical writings and observations of the ancient Chinese, Arabic, Euphrates, Hellenic, and Roman civilizations.

Sirius, Algol, Castor and Pollux, Mizar and Alcor: these names are well known to stargazers. But others ? Rasalhague, Vindemiatrix, Zubenelgenubi ? are obscure tongue twisters. Have you ever wondered where all these exotic-sounding star names came from? In this second, revised edition of Short Guide to Modern Star Names and their Derivations, Paul Kunitzsch and Tim Smart track down the origin and meaning of 254 star names. This fascinating work, long out of print, is considered to be the most authoritative English-language treatment of star names in use today.