Alcor

/ˈælkɔːr/ noun

Definition

A bright star in the constellation of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major), traditionally used as a test of eyesight in astronomy.

Etymology

From Arabic 'al-khawwar,' meaning 'the faint one.' The name reflects medieval Islamic astronomy's sophisticated observations, later adopted into European astronomical terminology.

Kelly Says

Alcor was used in traditional eyesight tests — if you could see this faint star next to Mizar, your vision was excellent! It's one of the few Arabic star names still used in Western astronomy today.

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