Caph

/kæf/ noun

Definition

A bright star in the constellation Cassiopeia, also known as Beta Cassiopeiae, one of the five main stars in the distinctive W shape.

Etymology

From Arabic qaf meaning 'palm of the hand,' referring to an open hand—the Cassiopeia constellation's pattern roughly resembles a hand in the sky.

Kelly Says

Ancient Arabic astronomers named many of the brightest stars, and Caph is one of them—if you look at Cassiopeia's distinctive W shape, Caph marks the 'palm' of the cosmic hand!

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