Rhombus
In 2024, the IAU WGSN decided to name the brightest star of constellation Reticulum "Rhombus" as this was the name of the predecessor constellation in this area.
Etymology and History
Constellation Name
The (now) official name of the constellation Reticulum was invented by Nicolas de Lacaille in the 1750s. He published the constellation name Réticule rhomboïde in French in 1752 and the Latin version "Reticulus" in 1756, republished 1763. The Latin term lacks the rhombus, but the earlier French version has it. It resembles an earlier constellation at that place, invented by the mathematician Isaac Habrecht from Strasbourg in 1628 (globe) and 1666 (planisphere). Habrecht's constellation was simply called "Rhombus", without a "Net" (Reticulum). It had been picked up by Royer (1679).
Star Name
When the WGSN of the IAU examined the histories of the modern IAU-constellations, they aimed to use historical name alternatives for the main stars. In some cases, the inventors gave alternative names or explained the name with another one. These alternatives are, in general, considered to represent the constellation well - as the brightest star as main star may represent the constellation. In this context, "Rhombus" seemed an appropriate variant of Lacaille's original definition.
IAU Working Group Star Names
The name was discussed and officialized by the IAU WGSN in 2024; it is now included in the IAU-CSN.
Weblinks
Reference
- REDIRECT Reticulum
