Antares

"Antares" is a classical Greek name, found in the Almagest (Scorpius). From its ancient Greek name ἀντάρης, "like Ares", likening the red colour of this star to its planetary namesake (the Roman Mars), name occurs in the Almagest. Possibly the Greek name goes back to a Sumerian precursor ^mulAN.TA.GUB (as suggested by Horowitz).

Etymology and History

Possible Babylonian root

Horowitz ( ) suggested that the Greek name "anti ares" roots in a misunderstanding or pun from the Babylonian term ^mulAN.TA.GUB, as GUB can also be read RE6.

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was discussed and approved by the IAU WGSN in 2016.

Reference

• References (general)
• References (early modern)