Merga

Merga 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 HIP72487 (38 Boo, HR 5533) in constellation Boo.

Etymology and History

A Latin word meaning "reaping hook," used in a Renaissance discussion of the constellation Bootes. According to this discussion, some classical sources mentioned a reaping hook held in Bootes' hand opposite the staff. Subsequently the word was applied as a star name to hBoo.

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was adopted by the IAU WGSN on 2016/09/12.

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.