Xuanyuan
Xuanyuan
Xuanyuan is the name of the Yellow Emperor. But in Chinese astrology, it is a constellation/ asterism symbolizes the body of a yellow dragon. It consists of 17 stars in the area of Leo and Lynx.
Etymology & History of the term
The Yellow Emperor is a legendary figure in China. It is unknown whether or not the "persona" goes back to a real ruler of the country in the 3rd millennium or is completely invented.
In the 20th century, this figure was made a symbol for the creator of the state of China and bringer of civilization.
Ian Ridpath's webpage on Leo has more information.
Historical Maps
As one of the oldest Chinese constellations, Xuanyuan is depicted on many historical star charts from China.
Identification of stars
| Rufus and Tien (1945)
Suzhou map |
HO (1962) | SUN Shuwei
Su Song map |
SUN X. & J. Kistemaker
Han Dynasty |
Boshun Yang | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| determinative star of X. | alf Leo | alf Leo | alf Leo | alf Leo | alf Leo |
| 4th star of X. | alf Lyn | ||||
| Cifei | alf Lyn |
Preserved Images
constellation Xuanyuan on the Suzhou Star Chart (retrieved from https://www.chinesehsc.org/zoomify/suzhou_planisphere.html)
Xuanyuan on the Korean Star Chart (CC BY SA 4.0 ThULB 2014)
Xuanyuan in the Xinyixiangfayao Star Map from Su Song(苏颂, 1020-1101 AD).
Star Name Discussion (IAU)
Europeans in the IAU WGSN proposed in 2023/4 to use the name "Xuanyuan" for any star in this area, for instance, apply it to the star "alf Lyn" in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (CSN).
The Chinese members of IAU WGSN considered "Xuanyuan" too important in Chinese Culture and refused to apply this name to any other than the determinative star. Hence, the only proper star for this name would be alpha Leonis which is already named "Regulus". Therefore, the IAU WGSN decided to not use "Xuanyuan" as a name of any stars.
