Bayer designation
Noun
Meaning
Bayer designation (plural Bayer designations)
a stellar designation in which a specific star is identified by a Greek letter, followed by the genitive form of its parent constellation's Latin name.
Rigel has the Bayer designation β ("beta") Orionis.
Synonyms
Examples
Flamsteed designations are often used instead of the Bayer designation if the latter contains an extra attached number; for example, " 55 Cancri " is more common than "Rho-1 Cancri".
Despite their faintness, Benjamin Gould upheld their Bayer designation as they were closer than 25 degrees to the south celestial pole.
The Bayer designation Beta Sagittarii (Beta Sgr, β Sagittarii, β Sgr) is shared by two star systems, β¹ Sagittarii, with apparent magnitude 3.96, and β² Sagittarii, magnitude 7.4.
The HD numbers remain in widespread use for stars that do not have a Flamsteed or Bayer designation.