Astronomy Without a Telescope
latinized bayer designation
- Sheratan (stars.astro.illinois.edu)
SHERATAN (Beta Arietis). The most prominent part of Aries, the Ram, historically the “first” constellation of the Zodiac (as it held the Vernal Equinox in ancient times), is a thin flat triangle of stars that Bayer lettered (from east to west) Alpha (Hamal), Beta (our Sheratan), and Gamma (Mesarthim).
- Alfirk (stars.astro.illinois.edu)
ALFIRK (Beta Cephei). In mythology, Cepheus (the King) pales beside Cassiopeia (the Queen), who is central to the story of Andromeda and Perseus. And so does his constellation, which is the faintest of those of the myth. Yet dim Cepheus is not without glory.
