Bellatrix

Bellatrix is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Latin. It is the name of HIP25336 (γ Ori, HR 1790) in constellation Ori.

Etymology and History

A Latin name meaning "the Female Warrior", given to α Aur in a medieval astrological text (the reason behind this initial application is not fully understood and awaits further findings in corresponding Arabic texts). In late medieval times, bellatrix was transferred to γ Ori, perhaps by association with the name Bellator, "the Male Warrior", which was used for Orion in other astrological texts.

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was adopted by the IAU WGSN on 2016/06/30.

Weblinks

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

Reference

• References (general)
• Kunitzsch, Paul; Smart, Tim (2006). A Dictionary of Modern star Names: A Short Guide to 254 Star Names and Their Derivations (2nd rev. ed.). Cambridge, Massachusetts: Sky Pub.