Ginan

Ginan is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Aboriginal/ Wardaman. It is the name of HIP60260 (ε Cru, HR 4700) in constellation Cru.

Etymology and History

Ginan is the Wardaman name of ε Cru, from the Northern Territory, Australia. Ginan was found by Mulugurnden (the crayfish), who brought the red flying foxes from the underworld to the sky. The bats flew up the track of the Milky Way and traded the spiritual song with Guyaru, the Night Owl (Sirius). The bats fly through the constellation Scorpius on their way to the Southern Cross, trading songs as they go. The song informs the people about initiation, which is managed by the stars in Scorpius and related to Larawag (who ensures the appropriate personnel are present for the final stages of the ceremony). The colour of the star is reflected as the brownish-red colour of the dilly bag and its association with ceremonial fire.

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was adopted by the IAU WGSN on 2017/11/17.

Weblinks

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

Reference

• References (general)
• Cairns, H. and Harney, B.Y. (2003) Dark Sparklers - Yidumduma's Aboriginal Astronomy. H.C. Cairns, Merimbula, NSW, pp. 147-149, 153.