Alexander, M. (2016) Astronomical names. In: Hough, C. (ed.) The Oxford Handbook of Names and Naming. Series: Oxford handbooks in linguistics. Oxford University Press: Oxford, pp. 628-635. ISBN 9780199656431 (doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199656431.013.3)
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Abstract
The study of astronomical naming practices sits at the intersection of astronomy and onomastics, and reveals much about scientific and general culture in both the historical background of, and the complex modern conventions for, naming of these phenomena. Stars, points of light against the night sky, were first given names as part of constellations, the grouping of stars into recognizable patterns, themselves given names based on what these patterns resembled. This chapter overviews the naming practices associated in the past and the present with a range of astronomical phenomena, linking them to the cultures and worldviews of both times. It focuses on constellation names, star names, and planet names, and discusses both historical patterns and ongoing trends.
| Item Type: | Book Sections |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Astronomy, onomastics, star names, planet names, constellation names. |
| Status: | Published |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Alexander, Professor Marc |
| Authors: | Alexander, M. |
| Subjects: | P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics P Language and Literature > PE English P Language and Literature > PJ Semitic Q Science > QB Astronomy |
| College/School: | College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > English Language and Linguistics |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
| ISBN: | 9780199656431 |
| Related URLs: |
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