Polaris

Polaris is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Latin. It is the name of HIP11767 (α UMi, HR 424) in constellation Ursa Minor.

Etymology and History

A Latin adjective meaning "of the pole" (related to the noun polus, "the pole"). Applied as a star name to α UMi in Renaissance times, it reflects the star's temporary proximity to the north celestial pole. The name is in use for this star for roughly 400 years.

There was no name for the star in Greek antiquity, just "the one at the tip of the tail [of Ursa Minor]."

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was adopted by the IAU WGSN on 2016/06/30.

Weblinks

• Website of the IAU WGSN: https://exopla.net/

Reference

• References (general)
• Kunitzsch, Paul; Smart, Tim (2006). A Dictionary of Modern star Names: A Short Guide to 254 Star Names and Their Derivations (2nd rev. ed.). Cambridge, Massachusetts: Sky Pub.