Star and constellation names date back to old traditions; most of them having Arabic, Greek, Latin, or Chinese origins.
Numerous stars carry names given to them during the golden age of Islamic astronomy (9th–13th centuries.)
The biggest influence in this field was made by astronomer Abu al-Husayn Abd Al-Rahman al-Sufi (903-986,) whose name has been Latinized to Azophi.
Al-Sufi's book, al-Kawakib (The Book of Fixed Stars,) is based on a fundamental book by the Roman mathematician Ptolemy, Almagest.
The contributions of Islamic astronomy remain remarkable to this day. They have refined the work of Ptolemy while influencing Chinese and Malian astronomy.
Here are seven star names and their Arabic origins:
1. Beta Scorpii
Known by the name Acrab - derived from al-Aqrab (the scorpion) in Arabic - the star appears on the Brazilian flag, symbolizing the state of Maranhão.
2. Alpha Eridani
Commonly known as Achernar, this star's name is derived from Akhir al-Nahr (the end of the river.)
It is the brightest shining star at the southern tip of the Eridanus constellation.
3. Alpha Capricorni
This star is also known as Algedi, Arabic for 'the goat.' According to the IAU Catalog of Star Names, the Working Group on Star Names (WGSN) approved the name Algedi for α² Capricorni in 2016.
4. Beta Persei
The star's common name Algol, derives from Ras al-Ghoul (the demon's head.)
Algol is heavily used in modern fiction; it has been part of various works like Star Trek: The Next Generation series as well as in the book The Sorrows of Satan, by Marie Corelli.
5. Delta Corvi
Algorab, is derived from the Arabic al-Ghourab (the crow.) The WSGN also approved the name Algorab for this third magnitude star.
6. Mu Draconis
Known as Alrakis (the dancer,) this star can be seen with the naked eye ona combined magnitude of 4.92.
7. Beta Cassiopeiae
As for this giant star, it bears the traditional name Caph, derived from Kaff (palm.)