Alya

/ˈæliə/ noun

Definition

A bright star in the constellation Boötes, also known as Theta Boötis; a binary star system visible from Earth.

Etymology

From Arabic 'al-aia' or similar, an astronomical name preserved in Western star catalogs. Arabic dominated medieval astronomy and contributed many star names used today.

Kelly Says

Medieval Islamic astronomers created the star catalog that Europeans still use—about 1,500 star names in English come from Arabic, so when you look at the night sky, you're reading a medieval Arab astronomer's notes!

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