Alioth

/ˈæliət/ noun

Definition

The brightest star in the constellation Ursa Major (the Big Dipper), also called Epsilon Ursae Majoris.

Etymology

From Arabic 'ali-oth' or 'Al-Ali', meaning 'the forefinger' or a pointing star. Named during Islamic astronomy's golden age when Arab scholars catalogued and named most bright stars.

Kelly Says

Alioth marks the bend in the Big Dipper's handle and was crucial for navigation—most star names came from Arabic astronomers who mapped the night sky around 1000 CE, showing how global knowledge really traveled.

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