Graffias

/ɡræˈfaɪ.əs/ noun

Definition

The star Beta Scorpii, also known as the second brightest star in the constellation Scorpius.

Etymology

From Arabic 'al-'aqrab' (the scorpion), with the variant name 'Graffias' possibly derived from Arabic 'al-riqq' or related to Arabic stellar nomenclature. The name entered European astronomy through medieval Arabic-Latin translation.

Kelly Says

Graffias is confusing because it has multiple names—it's also called Acrab, and Beta Scorpii—showing how Arabic astronomy created most of our star names before Europeans had their own telescopes or naming systems.

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