{{DISPLAYTITLE:}}
Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:PsalteriumGeorgium_MaxHell.png|thumb|The original (first) drawing of Psalterium Georgium in Hell (1789).]]
Psalterium Georgianum, George's Psaltery or Harp, is an early modern constellation introduced by Maximilian Hell in 1789.

Its name variant is the origin of the modern star name [[Harpa]] in [[Taurus]].

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
==== Variants ====

* Psalterium Georgianum
* Psaltriem Georgii
* Harpa Georgii
=== Origin of Constellation ===
Ian Ridpath:<ref>Ian Ridpath, Star Tales, [http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/harpa.html Online Edition]</ref><blockquote>Maximilian Hell (1720–92), the Hungarian-born director of the Vienna observatory, introduced this constellation in 1789 under the name Psalterium Georgianum, i.e. George’s Psaltery, a psaltery being an ancient form of harp. It was intended to honour King George III of England, patron of William Herschel who had discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. Hell depicted the harp dangling from a ribbon beneath the hooves of Taurus on a chart in Monumenta, Aere Perenniora, Inter Astra Ponenda, a special publication issued to announce this constellation and two others he invented that commemorated William Herschel’s telescopes (see Sources below).

Johann Bode adopted Hell’s new constellation on his ''Uranographia'' atlas of 1801 but simplified its name to Harpa Georgii. Bode depicted it as a more modern form of harp, dispensed with the suspending ribbon, and angled the harp to fit better between the surrounding constellations (''below''). This was the representation that became best-known, before it faded from the sky over the following decades. </blockquote>
==== Source ====
In 1789, Hell wrote a treatise in which he introduced three new constellations in the sky in honor of Herschel. It first appeared in Latin as ''Monumenta, Aere Perenniora, Inter Astra Ponenda''.

The three constellations that Hell sought to introduce to the heavens are '''Tubus Herschelii Major''' (Herschel’s large telescope, held in Castor's left hand), '''Tubus Herschelii Minor''' (Herschel’s small telescope, through which Taurus the Bull gazes), and '''Psalterium Georgianum''' (George’s Harp, located beneath the legs of Taurus and in front of the mouth of the sea monster Cetus), two in honour of Herschel, and one in honor of King George III. The positions of these constellations are depicted on a total of four star charts. The fourth chart, which provides a general overview of the celestial region, displays not only the constellations but also the position of the planet Uranus, which was discovered by Herschel in 1781.

In the preface, Maximilan Hell explains the introduction of the constellation:<blockquote>Constellationem hanc formo in Tabula mea III. quae Flamsteedio est 12ma, et in Atlante minore Domini Fortin 24ta, quae eadem comparet in Tabula mea II, et Flamstedii 2da, atque Domini Fortin 14ta; itemque in Tabula mea IV, infra Taurum Zodiacalem, et inter Orionem, atque Cetum, supra Eridanum, e fixis viginti et una, nondum in ullam Constellationem ordinatis, sub figura quidem Psalterii Davidici, decem chordarum, sed nomine, Psalterii Georgiani, insignitam, quod instrumentum Musicum decem chordarum (tanquam Symbolum Decalogi Mosaici) quoniam ab hebraeo Populo ad solas decantandas laudes divinas in Templo Hierosolymitano olim adhibitum sit, mihi (et fortassis etiam Reipublicae astronomicae) maxime congruum videtur, ad Pietatem singularem Christianum Georgii III, qua inter ceteras Virtutes, et dotes Regias maxime eminet, (hoc potissimum Seculo pseudo-philosophico) Symbolice declarandam, et ad Posterorum Astronomorum memoriam perennem, sub hoc Religionis, et Pietatis Symbolo in Coelo adservandam, celebrandamque aptissimum.

Psalterium hoc Georgianum, ut in Tabula mea II, III, et IV exhibetur, componitur e stellis fixis Catalogi Flamsteediani, viginti et una, quarum quatuor sunt quartae magnitudinis, novem quintae, et octo sextae classis.

Figura autem Psalterii ea est, quae respondet descriptionibus S. Hieronymi, S. Augustini, D. Schilte, et aliorum in Kircheri Musurgia relatis: nam ea, quam Kircherus in sua Musurgia Tomi I. Libro II de Musica Hebraeorum exhibet, et quam desumpsisse se asserit ex antiquo Codice Vaticano, quaeque etiam in Opere Encyclopedico: Recueil des Planches par ordre de Materires Tomo IIItio Pl. XIV ex Kirchero deprompt proponitur, descriptionibus S. Hieronymi, et S. Augustini minime congruit: Figura Kircheri similitudinem habet Clypei quadrati, decem chordis instructi: Dominus Schilte autem illud rectius exhibet sub figura Trapezii, et nomine hebraeo Nevel, aut Nablon indicatum, quae vox significat: irganum laudatorium: inde cantus laudatorius vocatur Psalmus, quia ad pulsum Psalterii laudes divinae, et sacrae cantabantur olim ab Hebraeis.

I am designing this constellation in my '''Plate III''', which corresponds to the 12th in Flamsteed’s and the 24th in Mr. Fortin’s celestial atlas; this constellation is also found on my '''Plate II''', and on the 2nd in Flamsteed’s, as well as on the 14th in Mr. Fortin’s star charts, and in my '''Map IV''', located below the zodiacal Taurus, between Orion and the Whale [Cetus], above the river Eridanus, marked by twenty-one fixed stars not yet organized into any constellation, under the figure of the ten-stringed '''Psaltery of David''', but with the name of the '''Georgian Psaltery'''. Since this musical instrument of ten strings (as a symbol of the Mosaic Decalogue) was once used by the Hebrew people solely for chanting divine praises in the Temple of Jerusalem, it seems to me (and perhaps also to the astronomical republic) most fitting for symbolically declaring the singular Christian piety of '''George III,''' which shines most brightly among his other virtues and royal gifts (especially in this pseudo-philosophical century), and most appropriate for preserving and celebrating his memory for future astronomers under this symbol of religion and piety in the heavens.

This Georgian Psaltery, as it is depicted in my '''Plates II, III, and IV''', comprises '''21 stars''' from Flamsteed’s star catalog, of which four are of the fourth magnitude, nine of the fifth, and eight of the sixth magnitude.

The shape of this Psaltery is exactly that which Saint Augustine and Jerome, as well as Schilte and others cited in Kircher’s ''Musurgia'', have described. For the figure which Kircher himself illustrated in his ''Musurgia'' (Book 2, Volume 1) in his description of the music of the Hebrews, which he claims to have drawn from an old Vatican codex, and which was also taken from Kircher for the French ''Encyclopédie'' (''Recueil des planches'', Vol. III, Plate XIV), does not correspond to the descriptions of Saint Jerome and Augustine. Kircher’s figure bears much resemblance to a square shield strung with ten strings; however, Mr. Schilte represents it more correctly in the shape of a '''trapezium''', with the designation ''Nebel'' or ''Nablum'', which is a Hebrew word signifying an instrument of songs of praise. Therefore, the song of praise is called a "Psalm", because the Hebrews once sang their hymns of praise during divine service while striking the psaltery.</blockquote>

==== Identifications ====
The exact area covered by this image differs between the historical atlases, but it in the area where Taurus, Cetus and Eridanus meet.

=== Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested. <gallery>
File:PsalteriumGeorgium_MaxHell.png| Hell (1789).
File:Harpa Georgii.JPG|Harpa Georgii in the Uranographia of Johann Bode (1801).
File:Sidney Hall - Urania's Mirror - Psalterium Georgii, Fluvius Eridanus, Cetus, Officina Sculptoris, Fornax Chemica, and Machina Electrica.jpg|Sidney Hall (1825), plate 28 in ''Urania's Mirror''
File:Psalterium Georgii.jpg|Alexander Jamieson (1822). Orion, Psaltriem Georgii, Sceptrum Brandenburgium, Lepus and Columba Noachi
File:Psalterium Georgianum Constellation Position.jpg|Psalterium Georgianum Constellation Position on a modern map
</gallery>

== Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:European]] [[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]
[[Category:Tau]][[Category:Cet]][[Category:Eri]]

Psalterium Georgianum

2026-04-21T11:38:36Z

Dorvic: /* Source */

2026-02-04T06:52:03Z

Dorvic: /* Here is an overview on all Christianized constellation names */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:C. 1648 Central Europe (Northern).jpg|thumb|Central Europe (c. 1648). The culture of Christianization of the sky was an early modern attempt to unite European thinkers across the boundaries of a multitude of Christian confessions.]]
In this lexicon, we describe the names of a specific historical movement in Early modern history. During the Thirty Years' War in Central Europe (1618-1648) and in the decades before it that led to this war, even the work of scholars was affected by religious conflicts and the depreciation of specific Christian subgroups (traditional Catholics versus Lutherian Protestants versus Calvinists etc.). Astronomers and cartographers in that time had the same idea of one humanity "under one sky" as the IAU has been doing in the 20th and 21st centuries, but there were also attempts to project the figures that were common in all of the Christian churches into the sky and consciously reinterpret the sky with characters known to everybody in Europe.

Note that the authors of this lexicon refrain from promoting any religion; we just document a historical movement.

== Name Lists ==

===Solar System Names===
{| class="wikitable"
!scope="col" style="width: 20%;"|Original term
!scope="col" style="width: 20%;" |English
!scope="col" style="width: 20%;" |Commentary
|-
|Jesus Christ
|Sun
|
|-
|Mary
|Moon
|
|-
|Elijah
|Mercury
|
|-
|St. John the Baptist
|Venus
|
|-
|Joshua
|Mars
|
|-
|Moses
|Jupiter
|
|-
|Adam
|Saturn
|
|}
===Here is an overview on all Christianized constellation names===

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!scope="col" style="width: 21,25%;"|short description
!scope="col" style="width: 21,25%;"|original description
!scope="col" style="width: 21,25%;"|English
!scope="col" style="width: 21,25%;"|constellation
!scope="col" style="width: 15%;"|Our notes
|-
|Aaron
|Aaron Summus Sacerdos
|Aaron, High Priest
|[[Grus]]
|
|-
|Abel
|Abel Iustus
|Abel the Just
|[[Dorado]]
|
|-
|Abraham et Isaac
|Sancti Patriarchi Abraham et Isaac
|The Holy Patriarchs, Abraham and Isaac
|[[Centaurus]]
|
|-
|Agnus Paschalis
|Agnus Paschalis
|The Paschal Lamb
|[[Canis Minor]]
|
|-
|Altare Thymiamatis
|Altare Thymiamatis
|The Altar of Incense
|[[Ara]]
|
|-
|Andrea
|Sanctus Andrea Apostolus
|St Andrew, Apostle
|[[Taurus]]
|
|-
|Arca Foederis
|Sancta Arca Foederis sive Testimonium Divinum
|The Ark of the Covenant or The Divine Testimoium
|[[Crater]]
|
|-
|Arca Noachi
|Arca Patriarchae Noachi
|The Ark of the Patriarch Noah
|[[Argo]] Navis
|
|-
|Bartholomaeus
|Sanctus Bartholomaeus Apostolus
|St Bartholomew, Apostle
|[[Scorpius]]
|
|-
|Benedictus
|Santus Pater Benedictus inter spinas
|St Benedict Amongst the Thorns
|[[Ophiuchus]]
|
|-
|Camelus Rebeccae
|
|Camel of Rebecca
| colspan="2" |[[Camelopardalis]]
|-
|Catharina
|Sancta Catharina Virgo et Martyr
|St Catherine, Virgin and Martyr
|[[Aquila]]
|
|-
|Clavum Lanceaque Christi
|Sanctissimi Clavi et Lancea Christi Domini Crucifixi
|The Most Holy Nails and Lance of the Crucified Christ the Lord
|[[Sagitta]]
|
|-
|[[Columba]] Noachi
|Columba Noachi
|The Dove of Noah
| colspan="2" |[[Columba]]
|-
|Corona Christi Spinea
|Tremenda et Spinea Christi Regis Regum Corona
|The Crown of Thorns of Christ, King of Kings
|[[Corona Borealis]]
|
|-
|[[Crux]]
|Salutifera et Termagna Crux Christi, Cum Augusta Eius Inventrice Sancta Helena
|The Health-Giving Third Cross of Christ with Its Discoverer, Empress St Helena
|[[Cygnus]]
|
|-
|David
|Sanctus Rex et Propheta David
|St David, King and Prophet
|[[Canis Major]]
|
|-
|Diademata Salomonis
|Diademata regis Salomonis
|The Crown of King Solomon
|[[Corona Australis]]
|
|-
|Eva
|Eva Mater Cunctorum Viventium
|Eve, the Mother of all Living Things
|
|Apis
|-
|Flagellum Christi
|Sacratissimum Flagellum Christi Salvatoris
|The Most Sacred Scourge of Christ the Saviour
|[[Coma Berenices]]
|
|-
|Frondis Rosa
|Rosa Mystica sive Frondis Rosa
|The Mystic Rose or The Rose Branch
|[[Equuleus]]
|
|-
|Gabriel
|Sanctus Gabriel Archangelus
|St Gabriel, Archangel
|[[Pegasus]]
|
|-
|Gallus
|Gallus
|The cockerel
| colspan="2" |now part of [[Puppis]]
|-
|Hieronymus
|Sanctus Hieronymus Ecclesiae Doctor
|St Jerome, Doctor of the Church
|[[Auriga]]
|
|-
|Hydria Chananea
|Hydria Chananea Aquae in Vinum Versa
|The Jars of Water Turned to Wine in Cana
|[[Delphinus]]
|
|-
|Hydria Serapthanae
|Hydria Farina Sarepthanae Viduae
|The Grain Jar of the Widow of Zarephath
|[[Piscis Austrinus]]
|
|-
|Iacobus
|Sanctus Iacobus Maior Apostolus
|St James the Greater, Apostle
|[[Gemini]]
|
|-
|Iacobus Minor
|Sanctus Iacobus Minor Apostolus
|St James the Lesser, Apostle
|[[Virgo]]
|
|-
|Innocentii
|Sancti Innocentii Pueri
|The Holy Innocent Children
|[[Draco]]
|
|-
|Ioachim et Anna
|Santi Ioachim et Anna Parentes Deiparae
|Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Holy Mother
|[[Cetus]]
|
|-
|Ioannes
|Sanctus Ioannes Apostolus et Evangelista
|St John, Apostle and Evangelist
|[[Cancer]]
|
|-
|Iob
|Servus Dei Iob
|Job, Servant of God
|[[Indus]]
|
|-
|[[Jordanus|Iordanus]]
|Iordanus Fluvius
|The Jordan River
|[[Hydra]]
|
|-
|Ioseph
|Sanctus Ioseph Vir Mariae
|St Joseph, Husband of Mary
|[[Orion]]
|
|-
|Maria Magdalena
|Sancta Maria Magdalena
|St Mary Magdalene
|[[Cassiopeia]]
|
|-
|Matthaeus
|Sanctus Matthaeus Apostolus et Evangelista
|St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
|[[Sagittarius]]
|
|-
|Matthias
|Sanctus Matthias Apostolus
|St Matthew, Apostle
|[[Pisces]]
|
|-
|[[S. Michaelis Archangeli|Michael]]
|Sanctus Michael Archangelus Princeps Militae Coelestis Exercitus
|St Michael, Archangel, Military Leader
|[[Ursa Minor]]
|
|-
|Mitra
|Mitra Pontificalis S. Petri
|The Pontifical Mitre of St Peter
|[[Triangulum]]
|
|-
|[[Monoceros]]
|
|
|
|see [[Monoceros]]
|-
|[[Navicula S. Petri]]
|Navicula Sancti Petri Apostoli
|The Boat of St Peter, Apostle
|[[Ursa Major]]
|
|-
|Paulus
|Sanctus Paulus Apostolus, Gentiumque Doctor
|St Paul, Apostle, Teacher of the People
|[[Perseus]]
|
|-
|Petrus
|Santus Petrus Princeps Apostolorum
|St Peter, First Apostle
|[[Aries]]
|
|-
|Philippus
|Sanctus Philippus Apostolus
|St Philip, Apostle
|[[Libra]]
|
|-
|Praesepium Christi
|Ter venerandum Praesepium Salvatoris Christi
|Thrice Venerated Manger of Christ the Saviour
|[[Lyra]]
|
|-
|Raphael
|Sanctus Raphaelus Archangelus
|St Raphael, Archangel
|[[Hydrus]]
|
|-
|Sanctus Israelis
|Sanctus Israelis sive Iacobus Patriarcha
|The Holy One of Israel or The Patriarch Jacob
|[[Lupus]]
|
|-
|Sepulchrus Christi
|Sepulchrus Triumphatoris Christi
|The Tomb of Christ, Triumphant
|[[Andromeda]]
|
|-
|Signum Tau
|Signum Mystici Tau
|The Sign of the Mystical Tau
|[[Triangulum Australe]]
|
|-
|Silvester
|Sanctus Silvester Pontifex Maximus
|Pope St Sylvester
|[[Bootes]]
|
|-
|Simon
|Sanctus Simon Zelotus Apostolus
|St Simon the Zealot, Apostle
|[[Capricornus]]
|
|-
|Stephanus
|Sanctus Stephanus Protomartyrus
|St Stephen, the First Martyr
|[[Cepheus]]
|
|-
|Thadaeus
|Sanctus Iudas Thadaeus Apostolus
|St Jude Thaddeus, Apostle
|[[Aquarius]]
|
|-
|Thomas
|Sanctus Thomas Apostolus
|St Thomas, Apostle
|[[Leo]]
|
|-
|Transitus Israel
|Transitus Israel nempe per mare rubrum
|Israel Crossing the Red Sea
|[[Eridanus]]
|
|-
|Trium Reges
|Sancti Trium Reges
|The Three Kings
|[[Hercules]]
|
|-
|Vellera Gedeonis
|Vellera Gedeonis
|The Fleece of Gideon
|[[Lepus]]
|
|-
|}

*

[[Category:Eurasia]] [[Category:European]] [[Category:Latin]] [[Category:Christianised]]
[[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Michael

2026-02-04T06:29:34Z

Dorvic:

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Coelum Stellatum Christianum 01.jpg|thumb|S. Michaelis constellation in Schiller, 1627 (public domain, Linda hall Library)]]
S. Michaelis Archangeli, the constellation of Archangel Michael, is an Early Modern, European constellation in [[Ursa Minor]]. It was introduced by Julius Schiller?.

Julius Schiller (d. 1627) was an Augustinian monk and astronomer from Augsburg. In collaboration with Johann Bayer, he published the ''Coelum Stellatum Christianum'', an attempt to "Christianize" the heavens. Schiller organized the heavens by placing New Testament symbols in the north and Old Testament figures in the south, while famously replacing the twelve zodiac signs with the Twelve Apostles.

Unlike Bayer’s famous ''Uranometria'', Schiller’s work remained a historical curiosity. He depicted the stars mirror-reversed, viewing the firmament from "God’s perspective" looking down toward Earth, a style common for celestial globes but rare for printed maps. Despite its radical imagery, the atlas remained scientifically rigorous for its time. Schiller utilized Johann Bayer's data, which was largely based on the precise observations of Tycho Brahe.

Schiller’s constellations never gained much popularity. Only Dutch cartographer and cosmographer Andreas Cellarius used them in two plates in his 1660 publication ''Harmonia Macrocosmica''.

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
=== Origin of Constellation ===
In Julius Schiller’s ''Coelum Stellatum Christianum'' (1627), the constellation Ursa Minor was reimagined as Saint Michael the Archangel. By placing the leader of the heavenly armies at the very pivot of the northern sky, Schiller created a powerful theological symbol: the Archangel Michael stands as the eternal guardian of the North Pole, around whom all other stars revolve. This position mirrored Michael’s role in Christian tradition as the defender of the faith and the chief opponent of darkness, effectively turning the celestial pole into a "throne" of divine protection.

True to Schiller’s commitment to scientific accuracy, the figure of the Archangel was carefully overlaid onto the existing stars of Ursa Minor. Polaris, the North Star, was positioned in Michael’s raised sword, while the other stars of Ursa Minor formed the contours of his radiant wings and flowing robes.

==== Spelling Variants ====

* Sanctus Michael Archangelus Princeps Militae (Latin Nominative)
* Sancti Michaelis Archangeli, Principis Militae (Latin Genitive )

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "..." can have the following identifications:

* (a) The [[...]] (also ..., ...)
* (b) The [[...]] (also ..., ...)
* (c) The tail of [[...]] (... Scorpii)

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|Pleiades
|-
|
|The Hyades
|-
|
|The tail of Scorpius (η, θ, ι, κ, λ, and υ Scorpii)
|}

== Religion/ Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Eurasia]] [[Category:European]] [[Category:Latin]] [[Category:Christianised]]
[[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]
[[Category:UMi]]

Navicula S. Petri

2026-02-04T06:25:14Z

Dorvic:

Navicula S. Petri

2026-02-04T06:22:57Z

Dorvic:

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
..., ..., is an Early Modern, European constellation, introduced by ...

== Concordance, Etymology, History ==

=== Origin of Constellation ===
where was it mentioned, what is the earliest source ...

==== Spelling Variants ====

* ... (Latin Genitive)
* ... (Latin Nominative)
* ... (Latin Dative? / Translation )

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "..." can have the following identifications:

* (a) The [[...]] (also ..., ...)
* (b) The [[...]] (also ..., ...)
* (c) The tail of [[...]] (... Scorpii)

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|Pleiades
|-
|
|The Hyades
|-
|
|The tail of Scorpius (η, θ, ι, κ, λ, and υ Scorpii)
|}

== Religion/ Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

Navicula S. Petri

2026-02-04T06:22:47Z

Dorvic: Created page with "..., ..., is an Early Modern, European constellation, introduced by ... == Concordance, Etymology, History == === Origin of Constellation === where was it mentioned, what is the earliest source ... ==== Spelling Variants ==== * ... (Latin Genitive) * ... (Latin Nominative) * ... (Latin Dative? / Translation ) ==== Identifications ==== Depending on the season and context, the term "..." can have the following identifications: * (a) The ... (also ..., ...) * (b)..."

..., ..., is an Early Modern, European constellation, introduced by ...

== Concordance, Etymology, History ==

=== Origin of Constellation ===
where was it mentioned, what is the earliest source ...

==== Spelling Variants ====

* ... (Latin Genitive)
* ... (Latin Nominative)
* ... (Latin Dative? / Translation )

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "..." can have the following identifications:

* (a) The [[...]] (also ..., ...)
* (b) The [[...]] (also ..., ...)
* (c) The tail of [[...]] (... Scorpii)

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|Pleiades
|-
|
|The Hyades
|-
|
|The tail of Scorpius (η, θ, ι, κ, λ, and υ Scorpii)
|}

== Religion/ Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

Pattern:Christianized

2026-02-04T06:22:27Z

Dorvic:

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
..., ..., is an Early Modern, European constellation, introduced by ...

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
=== Origin of Constellation ===
where was it mentioned, what is the earliest source ...

==== Spelling Variants ====

* ... (Latin Genitive)
* ... (Latin Nominative)
* ... (Latin Dative? / Translation )

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "..." can have the following identifications:

* (a) The [[...]] (also ..., ...)
* (b) The [[...]] (also ..., ...)
* (c) The tail of [[...]] (... Scorpii)

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|Pleiades
|-
|
|The Hyades
|-
|
|The tail of Scorpius (η, θ, ι, κ, λ, and υ Scorpii)
|}

== Religion/ Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Eurasia]] [[Category:European]] [[Category:Latin]] [[Category:Christianised]]
[[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Michael

2026-02-04T06:11:16Z

Dorvic: /* Origin of Constellation */

Authors: {{PAGEAUTHORS}}
----
[[File:Coelum Stellatum Christianum 01.jpg|thumb|S. Michaelis constellation in Schiller, 1627 (public domain, Linda hall Library)]]
S. Michaelis Archangeli, the constellation of Archangel Michael, is an Early Modern, European constellation in [[Ursa Minor]]. It was introduced by Julius Schiller?.

Julius Schiller (d. 1627) was an Augustinian monk and astronomer from Augsburg. In collaboration with Johann Bayer, he published the ''Coelum Stellatum Christianum'', an attempt to "Christianize" the heavens. Schiller organized the heavens by placing New Testament symbols in the north and Old Testament figures in the south, while famously replacing the twelve zodiac signs with the Twelve Apostles.

Unlike Bayer’s famous ''Uranometria'', Schiller’s work remained a historical curiosity. He depicted the stars mirror-reversed, viewing the firmament from "God’s perspective" looking down toward Earth, a style common for celestial globes but rare for printed maps. Despite its radical imagery, the atlas remained scientifically rigorous for its time. Schiller utilized Johann Bayer's data, which was largely based on the precise observations of Tycho Brahe.

==Concordance, Etymology, History==
=== Origin of Constellation ===
In Julius Schiller’s ''Coelum Stellatum Christianum'' (1627), the constellation Ursa Minor was reimagined as Saint Michael the Archangel. By placing the leader of the heavenly armies at the very pivot of the northern sky, Schiller created a powerful theological symbol: the Archangel Michael stands as the eternal guardian of the North Pole, around whom all other stars revolve. This position mirrored Michael’s role in Christian tradition as the defender of the faith and the chief opponent of darkness, effectively turning the celestial pole into a "throne" of divine protection.

True to Schiller’s commitment to scientific accuracy, the figure of the Archangel was carefully overlaid onto the existing stars of Ursa Minor. Polaris, the North Star, was positioned in Michael’s raised sword, while the other stars of Ursa Minor formed the contours of his radiant wings and flowing robes.

==== Spelling Variants ====

* Sanctus Michael Archangelus Princeps Militae (Latin Nominative)
* Sancti Michaelis Archangeli, Principis Militae (Latin Genitive )

==== Identifications ====
Depending on the season and context, the term "..." can have the following identifications:

* (a) The [[...]] (also ..., ...)
* (b) The [[...]] (also ..., ...)
* (c) The tail of [[...]] (... Scorpii)

=== Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Source
!Identification
|-
|
|Pleiades
|-
|
|The Hyades
|-
|
|The tail of Scorpius (η, θ, ι, κ, λ, and υ Scorpii)
|}

== Religion/ Mythology ==
mnemonic tales and cultural significance

== Weblinks ==

* {{NAMESPACE}}

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)

[[Category:Eurasia]] [[Category:European]] [[Category:Latin]] [[Category:Christianised]]
[[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]
[[Category:UMi]]

2025-11-10T11:38:37Z

Dorvic: /* Here is an overview on all Christianized constellation names */

[[File:C. 1648 Central Europe (Northern).jpg|thumb|Central Europe (c. 1648). The culture of Christianization of the sky was an early modern attempt to unite European thinkers across the boundaries of a multitude of Christian confessions.]]
In this lexicon, we describe the names of a specific historical movement in Early modern history. During the Thirty Years' War in Central Europe (1618-1648) and in the decades before it that led to this war, even the work of scholars was affected by religious conflicts and the depreciation of specific Christian subgroups (traditional Catholics versus Lutherian Protestants versus Calvinists etc.). Astronomers and cartographers in that time had the same idea of one humanity "under one sky" as the IAU has been doing in the 20th and 21st centuries, but there were also attempts to project the figures that were common in all of the Christian churches into the sky and consciously reinterpret the sky with characters known to everybody in Europe.

Note that the authors of this lexicon refrain from promoting any religion; we just document a historical movement.

== Name Lists ==

===Solar System Names===
{| class="wikitable"
!scope="col" style="width: 26%;"|Original term
!scope="col" style="width: 20%;" |English
!scope="col" style="width: 54%;" |Commentary
|-
|
|Sun
|
|-
|
|Moon
|
|-
|
|Mercury
|
|-
|
|Venus
|
|-
|
|Mars
|
|-
|
|Jupiter
|
|-
|
|Saturn
|
|}
===Here is an overview on all Christianized constellation names===

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!scope="col" style="width: 30%;"|short description
!original description
!scope="col" style="width: 30%;"|English
!constellation
!Our notes
|-
|Aaron
|Aaron Summus Sacerdos
|Aaron, High Priest
|Grus
|
|-
|Abel
|Abel Iustus
|Abel the Just
|Dorado
|
|-
|Abraham et Isaac
|Sancti Patriarchi Abraham et Isaac
|The Holy Patriarchs, Abraham and Isaac
|Centaurus
|
|-
|Agnus Paschalis
|Agnus Paschalis
|The Paschal Lamb
|Canis Minor
|
|-
|Altare Thymiamatis
|Altare Thymiamatis
|The Altar of Incense
|Ara
|
|-
|Andrea
|Sanctus Andrea Apostolus
|St Andrew, Apostle
|Taurus
|
|-
|Arca Foederis
|Sancta Arca Foederis sive Testimonium Divinum
|The Ark of the Covenant or The Divine Testimoium
|Crater
|
|-
|Arca Noachi
|Arca Patriarchae Noachi
|The Ark of the Patriarch Noah
|Argo Navis
|
|-
|Bartholomaeus
|Sanctus Bartholomaeus Apostolus
|St Bartholomew, Apostle
|Scorpio
|
|-
|Benedictus
|Santus Pater Benedictus inter spinas
|St Benedict Amongst the Thorns
|Ophiuchus
|
|-
|Camelus Rebeccae
|
|Camel of Rebecca
|Camelopardalis
|see [[Camelopardalis]]
|-
|Catharina
|Sancta Catharina Virgo et Martyr
|St Catherine, Virgin and Martyr
|Aquila
|
|-
|Clavum Lanceaque Christi
|Sanctissimi Clavi et Lancea Christi Domini Crucifixi
|The Most Holy Nails and Lance of the Crucified Christ the Lord
|Sagitta
|
|-
|[[Columba]] Noachi
|Columba Noachi
|The Dove of Noah
|Columba
|see [[Columba]]
|-
|Corona Christi Spinea
|Tremenda et Spinea Christi Regis Regum Corona
|The Crown of Thorns of Christ, King of Kings
|Corona Borealis
|
|-
|[[Crux]]
|Salutifera et Termagna Crux Christi, Cum Augusta Eius Inventrice Sancta Helena
|The Health-Giving Third Cross of Christ with Its Discoverer, Empress St Helena
|Cygnus
|
|-
|David
|Sanctus Rex et Propheta David
|St David, King and Prophet
|Canis Maior
|
|-
|Diademata Salomonis
|Diademata regis Salomonis
|The Crown of King Solomon
|Corona Australis
|
|-
|Eva
|Eva Mater Cunctorum Viventium
|Eve, the Mother of all Living Things
|Apis
|
|-
|Flagellum Christi
|Sacratissimum Flagellum Christi Salvatoris
|The Most Sacred Scourge of Christ the Saviour
|Coma Berenices
|
|-
|Frondis Rosa
|Rosa Mystica sive Frondis Rosa
|The Mystic Rose or The Rose Branch
|Equuleus
|
|-
|Gabriel
|Sanctus Gabriel Archangelus
|St Gabriel, Archangel
|Pegasus
|
|-
|Hieronymus
|Sanctus Hieronymus Ecclesiae Doctor
|St Jerome, Doctor of the Church
|Auriga
|
|-
|Hydria Chananea
|Hydria Chananea Aquae in Vinum Versa
|The Jars of Water Turned to Wine in Cana
|Delphinus
|
|-
|Hydria Serapthanae
|Hydria Farina Sarepthanae Viduae
|The Grain Jar of the Widow of Zarephath
|Piscis Notius
|
|-
|Iacobus
|Sanctus Iacobus Maior Apostolus
|St James the Greater, Apostle
|Gemini
|
|-
|Iacobus Minor
|Sanctus Iacobus Minor Apostolus
|St James the Lesser, Apostle
|Virgo
|
|-
|Innocentii
|Sancti Innocentii Pueri
|The Holy Innocent Children
|Draco
|
|-
|Ioachim et Anna
|Santi Ioachim et Anna Parentes Deiparae
|Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Holy Mother
|Cetus
|
|-
|Ioannes
|Sanctus Ioannes Apostolus et Evangelista
|St John, Apostle and Evangelist
|Cancer
|
|-
|Iob
|Servus Dei Iob
|Job, Servant of God
|Indus
|
|-
|[[Jordanus|Iordanus]]
|Iordanus Fluvius
|The Jordan River
|Hydra
|
|-
|Ioseph
|Sanctus Ioseph Vir Mariae
|St Joseph, Husband of Mary
|Orion
|
|-
|Maria Magdalena
|Sancta Maria Magdalena
|St Mary Magdalene
|Cassiopeia
|
|-
|Matthaeus
|Sanctus Matthaeus Apostolus et Evangelista
|St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
|Sagittarius
|
|-
|Matthias
|Sanctus Matthias Apostolus
|St Matthew, Apostle
|Pisces
|
|-
|[[S. Michaelis Archangeli|Michael]]
|Sanctus Michael Archangelus Princeps Militae
|St Michael, Archangel, Military Leader
|Ursa Minor
|
|-
|Mitra
|Mitra Pontificalis S. Petri
|The Pontifical Mitre of St Peter
|Triangulum
|
|-
|[[Monoceros]]
|
|
|
|see [[Monoceros]]
|-
|Navicula S. Petri
|Navicula Sancti Petri Apostoli
|The Boat of St Peter, Apostle
|Ursa Maior
|
|-
|Paulus
|Sanctus Paulus Apostolus, Gentiumque Doctor
|St Paul, Apostle, Teacher of the People
|Perseus
|
|-
|Petrus
|Santus Petrus Princeps Apostolorum
|St Peter, First Apostle
|Aries
|
|-
|Philippus
|Sanctus Philippus Apostolus
|St Philip, Apostle
|Libra
|
|-
|Praesepium Christi
|Ter venerandum Praesepium Salvatoris Christi
|Thrice Venerated Manger of Christ the Saviour
|Lyra
|
|-
|Raphael
|Sanctus Raphaelus Archangelus
|St Raphael, Archangel
|Hydrus
|
|-
|Sanctus Israelis
|Sanctus Israelis sive Iacobus Patriarcha
|The Holy One of Israel or The Patriarch Jacob
|Lupus
|
|-
|Sepulchrus Christi
|Sepulchrus Triumphatoris Christi
|The Tomb of Christ, Triumphant
|Andromeda
|
|-
|Signum Tau
|Signum Mystici Tau
|The Sign of the Mystical Tau
|Triangulum Australe
|
|-
|Silvester
|Sanctus Silvester Pontifex Maximus
|Pope St Sylvester
|Bootes
|
|-
|Simon
|Sanctus Simon Zelotus Apostolus
|St Simon the Zealot, Apostle
|Capricornus
|
|-
|Stephanus
|Sanctus Stephanus Protomartyrus
|St Stephen, the First Martyr
|Cepheus
|
|-
|Thadaeus
|Sanctus Iudas Thadaeus Apostolus
|St Jude Thaddeus, Apostle
|Aquarius
|
|-
|Thomas
|Sanctus Thomas Apostolus
|St Thomas, Apostle
|Leo
|
|-
|Transitus Israel
|Transitus Israel nempe per mare rubrum
|Israel Crossing the Red Sea
|Eridanus
|
|-
|Trium Reges
|Sancti Trium Reges
|The Three Kings
|Hercules
|
|-
|Vellera Gedeonis
|Vellera Gedeonis
|The Fleece of Gideon
|Lepus
|
|-
|}

== Authors==
'''Julius Schiller''' († 1627 in Augsburg) was a German astronomer and Augustinian monk, as well as a contemporary of Johann Bayer, who also lived in Augsburg.

With Bayer’s assistance, Schiller published the star atlas ''Coelum Stellatum Christianum'' in 1627, the year of his death. The work was an attempt to create a "Christian" star catalogue, in which the common constellations were renamed and depicted with figures from Christian tradition. In general, figures and symbols from the New Testament appear north of the ecliptic, and those from the Old Testament to the south, while the zodiac constellations of the twelve signs were replaced with the twelve apostles.

The star catalogue is considered a curiosity and, unlike Bayer’s ''Uranometria'', never achieved great significance. Unlike Bayer, Schiller depicted the starry sky reversed, that is, from God’s perspective of the firmament looking down toward the Earth. This representation followed the tradition of celestial globes, whereas for individual celestial sections in historical maps and atlases the "correct" orientation was more common. Schiller’s constellations were taken up in only one later work: the artistic atlas ''Harmonia Macrocosmica'' by Andreas Cellarius in 1661. The lunar crater Schiller is named after him.

==Acknowledgements==
== References ==

* Julius Schiller, ''Coelum Stellatum Christianum''. Aperger, Augsburg 1627
* Julius Schiller, ''Coelum Stellatum Christianum Convexum.'' Aperger, Augsburg 1627

[[Category:Eurasia]] [[Category:European]] [[Category:Latin]] [[Category:Christianised]]
[[Category:Asterism]] [[Category:Constellation]]

Camelopardalis

2025-10-17T12:13:35Z

Dorvic: Undo revision 33849 by Dorvic (talk)

[[File:Camelopardalis IAU.svg|alt=star chart|thumb|Cam star chart (IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine, Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg)]]
[[File:Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) drinking (31986816190).jpg|thumb|Mphafa Hide, iMfolozi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Kwazulu-Natal, SOUTH AFRICA (CC BY Bernard DUPONT)]]
[[File:Cam Plancius1612.png|thumb|Cam on the globe gores of Plancius (1612).]]
One of the [[:Category:88_IAU-Constellations|88 IAU constellations]]. Plancius (1612) meant and drew the Latin giraffe and not the camel, but the strange word was sometimes misunderstood by other astronomers as camel or as panther.<ref name=":0">Morgan, Morris H. ; Agassiz, Alexander ; Pickering, Edward C. (1908). The Constellation Camelopardalis. Harvard College Observatory Circular, vol. 146, pp.1-3</ref> So until the constellations were canonised by the IAU, there were two interpretations of this animal.

==Etymology and History==
Camelopardalis was invented in 1612 by Petrus Plancius and represents a giraffe. The constellation’s name is Greek ''Καμηλοπάρδαλις,'' which was adopted by ancient authors into Latin ''Camelopardalis'' (e.g. Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia VIII, 69), derived from the words for “camel” and “leopard”, reflecting an animal suited to hot climates like a camel, yet marked with spots like a leopard.

The Latin word Camelopardalis is a transcription of the Greek word for giraffe and literally means “spotted camel,” but this was probably already forgotten in Roman times. Incidentally, the fact that it is a Greek loanword explains the ending -is instead of -us in the nominative case of the name. It also explains why the nominative and genitive cases are the same in Latin.

In the 19th century, Bode wrote “der Kameelopard,” which in German is more reminiscent of spotted big cats such as leopards (“spotted lions”) or cheetahs. However, he also means a giraffe and only refers to the alternative interpretation in the text. The correct term “Cameloparalis” used by Delporte<ref>Delporte, Eugène, ''Délimitation scientifique des constellations (tables et cartes)'' (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1930) [[https://historiadelaastronomia.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/delporte.pdf online link]] -- published on behalf of the International Research Council of the International Astronomical Union</ref> for the IAU is sometimes confusing<ref name=":0" />, because the Greek loanword in Latin also led to the (misleading) Latin variants Camelopardus and Camelopardalus. The original Greek form comes from “pardalis” (spotted) as an adjective to “kamelos” (camel).
=== Origin of Constellation ===
Although it is a relatively large constellation located in the circumpolar region, which is always visible, no figure was defined here in ancient times. The area between Cassiopeia, Perseus, and the Big Dipper was constellation-free. In the first generations after the introduction of the telescope for observing the sky, some astronomers had begun to establish a “new astronomy” and accept new constellations. The Dutch globe maker Petrus Plancius had already defined new constellations in the southern sky before 1600 and later began to fill the constellation-free areas in the northern sky with figures. Plancius had suggested the name Camelopardalis for this empty area in 1612.

===== Petrus Plancius (...) =====
In 1612 (or possibly 1613), Petrus Plancius introduced eight new constellations on a 26.5-centimeter celestial globe published in Amsterdam by Pieter van der Keere. These were: Apes (the Bee), '''Camelopardalis''' (the Giraffe), Cancer Minor (the Small Crab), Euphrates Fluvius et Tigris Fluvius (the Rivers Euphrates and Tigris), Gallus (the Cock), Jordanis Fluvius (the River Jordan), Monoceros (the Unicorn), and Sagitta Australis (the Southern Arrow).

===== Jacob Bartsch (1600-1632) =====
[[File:Campelopardalis in Bartsch's Usus astronomicus.png|thumb|The description of Camelopardalis in ''Usus astronomicus planisphaerii stellati'']]
[[File:Camelopardalis.png|thumb|Cam in Bartsch (1624).]] In 1624, Bartsch published ''Usus astronomicus planisphaerii stellati''<ref>Jacob Bartsch, ''Usus Astronomicus Planisphaerii Stellati,'' Argentoratum (Strasburgo) 1624.</ref>, a book of star charts that included several new constellations first proposed around 1613 by the Dutch cartographer Petrus Plancius. Among these was '''Camelopardalis''', the constellation representing a giraffe, which Bartsch depicted on his charts based on Plancius’s celestial globe created by Pieter van den Keere.

Bartsch's description of the constellation in ''Usus astronomicus planisphaerii stellati'' reads: <blockquote>V. CAMELOPARDALIS, ''Καμηλοπάρδαλις'', Ital. ''Giraffa, Greyff'', animal cameli proceritate, pantherae colore, bovis pedibus: ex informibus circa polum arcticum, iis stellulis Cassiopeiae & Aurigam, recentioribus sic formatur. ''Mihi sit Camelus Rebeccae, quo cum Abrahami servo ad Isacum profecta.'' Gen. 24. v. 61 & 65<ref>Jacob Bartsch, ''Usus Astronomicus Planisphaerii Stellati,'' Argentoratum (Strasburgo) 1624, p.81</ref>.

'''Camelopardalis''', ''Καμηλοπάρδαλις'', in Italian ''Giraffa'', the giraffe. An animal the height of a camel, the colour of a panther, and the feet of an ox. It is formed from faint stars near the Arctic Pole, between Cassiopeia and Auriga, as established by more recent astronomers. ''Let it be to me the camel of Rebecca, with which she journeyed with Abraham’s servant to Isaac.'' (Genesis 24:61, 65) (translation: Doris Vickers)</blockquote>

=== Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation ===
<gallery>
File:Cam Plancius1612.png|Cam on the Plancius (1612) Globe.
File:Cam Habrecht1621.png|Cam in Habrecht (1628)<ref>Isaac Habrecht, ''Planiglobium Coeleste, et Terrestre. Sive, Globus Coelestis'', 1628.</ref>.
File:Camelopardalis Coronelli1688.png|Cam on the Coronelli (1688) Globe, see [https://homepage.univie.ac.at/georg.zotti/virtual_globes/index.html Zotti's Globe Gallery]
File:Cam Hevel.png|Cam in Hevelius (1690).
File:Cam Flamsteed 1729.png|Cam in Flamsteed (1729).
File:Cam Cassini1792.png|Cam on the Cassini (1792) Globe, see [https://homepage.univie.ac.at/georg.zotti/virtual_globes/index.html Zotti's Globe Gallery]
File:Sidney Hall - Urania's Mirror - Camelopardalis, Tarandus and Custos Messium.jpg|Hall (1825) Camelopardalis
</gallery>

== Mythology / Religion ==
[[File:Meister der Wiener Genesis 002.jpg|thumb|''Vienna Genesis, Rebecca at the Well'' ]]
The mythological interpretation of this European constellation does not lie in Greek culture, but rather in contemporary Christian culture. Confusingly, it refers to the (incorrect) reading of the word as camel instead of giraffe. It is said to have been the mount on which the Old Testament character Rebekah was brought to her bridegroom.

In the Book of Genesis in the Bible and in the Talmud, the various tribes and peoples are personified and their connections prefigured. According to this story, old Abraham sent a servant to the Arameans to find a wife for his son Isaac. The selection criterion was godliness, and Rebekah had demonstrated this by not only giving the servant a drink at his request, but also his camels. So he asked for her hand for Isaac and brought the caring woman to Canaan.

Normally, men walk alongside the camels and guide the caravan, because a camel will simply stop if a rein or strap to the next animal breaks. Riding is reserved for women.

== Weblinks ==

*

== References ==

* [[References]] (general)
* [[References (Medieval and Early Modern)|References (medieval)]]

[[Category:Eurasia]] [[Category:Constellation]] [[Category:Modern]]
[[Category:88 IAU-Constellations]] [[Category:European]][[Category:4work]]
<references />