Alnein

/ælˈneɪn/ noun

Definition

A fixed star, also known as Epsilon Boötis, located in the constellation Boötes and visible without a telescope.

Etymology

From Arabic al-nayyim, possibly meaning 'the bright ones' or related to names for Boötes. Like other star names, it entered European astronomy through the transmission of Arabic astronomical texts during the medieval period.

Kelly Says

Most of the brightest stars visible from Earth have Arabic names because Arab astronomers mapped the entire night sky during a golden age when European astronomy was mostly dormant—we're still using their naming system today.

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