Procyon: Difference between revisions
From All Skies Encyclopaedia
(Created page with "The name originates from Greek "pro kyon", "before the dog". Today, this term is used as a star name in the constellation Canis Minor but in antiquity, it designated the area - originally likely a (single star-)asterism. ==Etymology and History== The bright star Procyon was possibly used in Mesopotamia as an indicator for the rising of Cancer. The stars in Cancer are so faint that you can barely see them at dusk - but the bright Procyon rises at the same time, which is...") Tags: Visual edit Disambiguation links |
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The name originates from Greek "pro kyon", "before the dog". Today, this term is used as a star name in the constellation Canis Minor but in antiquity, it designated the area - originally likely a (single star-)asterism. |
The name originates from Greek "pro kyon", "before the dog". Historically, the Latin translation "Antecanis" was occasionally used. Today, this term is used as a star name in the constellation Canis Minor but in antiquity, it designated the area - originally likely a (single star-)asterism. |
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==Etymology and History== |
==Etymology and History== |
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The bright star Procyon was possibly used in Mesopotamia as an indicator for the rising of Cancer. The stars in Cancer are so faint that you can barely see them at dusk - but the bright Procyon rises at the same time, which is suitable for telling the time. |
The bright star Procyon was possibly used in Mesopotamia as an indicator for the rising of Cancer. The stars in Cancer are so faint that you can barely see them at dusk - but the bright Procyon rises at the same time, which is suitable for telling the time. |
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Spelling Variants: |
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* Prokyon (Greek), Procyon (Latinized Greek), |
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* Antecanis (Latin) |
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==Mythology== |
==Mythology== |
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Revision as of 14:43, 16 May 2025
The name originates from Greek "pro kyon", "before the dog". Historically, the Latin translation "Antecanis" was occasionally used. Today, this term is used as a star name in the constellation Canis Minor but in antiquity, it designated the area - originally likely a (single star-)asterism.
Etymology and History
The bright star Procyon was possibly used in Mesopotamia as an indicator for the rising of Cancer. The stars in Cancer are so faint that you can barely see them at dusk - but the bright Procyon rises at the same time, which is suitable for telling the time.
Spelling Variants:
- Prokyon (Greek), Procyon (Latinized Greek),
- Antecanis (Latin)
Mythology
IAU Working Group on Star Names
The name was approved by the IAU WGSN in 2016.
Weblinks
Reference
- References (general)
- References (early modern)
- Ian Ridpath's website (Star Tales )
