Lang-Exster
As a star name newly applied to the brightest star in the constellation Tucana. The name was applied by IAU WGSN in 2024 because the entry in de Houtman's original star catalogue for the new constellation it is written in Dutch "den Indiaenschen Exster, op Indies Lang ghenaemt". The term "Lang" originates from the Malayan language and it was used by some globe makers to label the constellation (see Tucana-entry). The term "Exster" is Dutch and means magpie. The bird that de Houtman refers to is actually a hornbill which does not have a European equivalent; it has a strong significance in indigenous cultures, e.g. the Dayak cultures in Indonesia.
As alpha Tucanae is a spectroscopic binary, WGSN considered it justified to give it a double name.
- REDIRECT Tucana
