Alnath

/ælˈnæθ/ noun

Definition

A fixed star in the constellation Taurus, also known as Beta Tauri, visible to the naked eye in the night sky.

Etymology

From Arabic al-nāth, meaning 'the butting' or 'the horns,' referring to the horns of the bull (Taurus). This is one of many star names that came into English astronomy through Arabic astronomical knowledge preserved during the Middle Ages.

Kelly Says

Medieval European scholars got most of their constellation names and star catalogs from Arab astronomers who had advanced observatories—the name 'alnath' literally means 'the horns' because it marks one tip of Taurus the bull.

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