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Stellar classification. In astronomy, stellar classification is the classification of stars based on their spectral characteristics. Electromagnetic radiation from the star is analyzed by splitting it with a prism or diffraction grating into a spectrum exhibiting the rainbow of colors interspersed with spectral lines.
In practice, names are only universally used for the very brightest stars ( Sirius, Arcturus, Vega, etc.) and for a small number of slightly less bright but "interesting" stars ( Algol, Polaris, Mira, etc.). For other naked eye stars, the Bayer or Flamsteed designation is often preferred. In addition to the traditional names, a small number of ...
Many star names are, in origin, descriptive of the part in the constellation they are found in; thus Phecda, a corruption of Arabic فخذ الدب ( fakhdh ad-dubb, 'thigh of the bear'). Only a handful of the brightest stars have individual proper names not depending on their asterism; so Sirius ('the scorcher'), Antares ('rival of Ares ', i.e ...
Photometric system. In astronomy, a photometric system is a set of well-defined passbands (or optical filters ), with a known sensitivity to incident radiation. The sensitivity usually depends on the optical system, detectors and filters used. For each photometric system a set of primary standard stars is provided.
All stars but one can be associated with an IAU (International Astronomical Union) constellation. IAU constellations are areas of the sky. Although there are only 88 IAU constellations, the sky is actually divided into 89 irregularly shaped boxes as the constellation Serpens is split into two separate sections, Serpens Caput (the snake's head) to the west and Serpens Cauda (the snake's tail ...
An astronomical system positing that the Earth, Moon, Sun, and planets revolve around an unseen " Central Fire " was developed in the fifth century BC and has been attributed to the Pythagorean philosopher Philolaus. [1] [2] The system has been called "the first coherent system in which celestial bodies move in circles", [3] anticipating ...
Equatorial stars. The equatorial region of the celestial sphere's eastern hemisphere includes 17 navigational stars from Alpheratz in the constellation Andromeda to Denebola in Leo. It also includes stars from the constellations Cetus, Aries, Taurus, Orion, Canis Major and Minor, Gemini, and Hydra.
The Indestructibles ( Ancient Egyptian: j.ḫmw-sk – literally "the ones not knowing destruction" [1] [2]) was the name given by ancient Egyptian astronomers to two bright stars which, at that time, could always be seen circling the North Pole. [3] The name is directly related to Egyptian belief in constant North as a portal to heaven for ...