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Re: Question

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Posted by Phil/">Phil on February 3, 2000 18:38:40 UTC

: I have a question about star designations. I know that stars are given Greek alphebet designations per magnitute within a constellation with the brightest being Alpha, the secont Beta ect, (except for Urisa Major) how ever how are the other designations assigned such as 51 Pegasi in Pegasus, is it that it is the 51 st brightest or is it by location somehow? : Thanks and clear skies, : Starman :>)

Hello, Actually, Ursa Major isn't the only constellation where the Alpha star isn't the brightest. There are a few others. Anyway, on to your question. The 51 is from a system devised by John Flamsteed. He numbered the stars, primarily in the northern hemisphere, depending on how close they are to the western edge of their respective constellation. 51 Pegasi is the 51st closest star to the western edge (in the Flamsteed catalog, anyway).

Hope this information helps. Clear skies, Phil

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