It is with Richard Hinckley Allen, in the
very first years of the XXth century, that beginns the introduction
of non classical star names, that is to say Greek, Latin or Arab names and
their adaptation in the various european linguages.
As a matter of fact,
even if this author is responsible of numerous misinterpretations of star appellations
or localisations, he is presenting very happily non only mesopotamian names,
but also chinese,
indian and other names coming from various civilisations or cultures.
Since this time, astronomical catalogues and atlases
have taken up many of these names in their star lists. More over, other
appellations coming from the most various horizons have join them, such as
amerindian names, australian or maroris ones, etc.
There is not a single month, nowadays,
without the introduction of new star names...
These new appellations
constitute a strong incitation to discover celestial representations ans
star lore of the different peoples.
The
Azur Dragon d’azur, Tmakatsu Zuka tomb, Japan (NRICP, Nara) |