Alhena
/ælˈhiːnə/noun
Alhena is the traditional name for Gamma Geminorum, a bright star in the constellation Gemini.
Did you know?Alhena derives from an Arabic lunar-mansion name, al-hanʿah, associated with a mark or brand on a camel’s neck in traditional sky imagery.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Arabic astronomy
Arabic
al-hanʿah
“The mark or brand; the name of an Arabic lunar mansion”
Medieval Arabic star catalogues
Arabic
al-hanʿa
“A celestial station or marked region associated with the stars of Gemini”
10th–12th Century
Arabic/Latin
Alhena
“A star-name transmitted into European astronomical tradition”
17th Century
Latin
Alhena
“The traditional name applied to Gamma Geminorum”
Modern English
English
Alhena
“The proper name of Gamma Geminorum, a bright star in Gemini”