Algedi

Algedi, also spelled Algiedi or Al-Jaddi, is a traditional star name that has been applied to the stars forming the horns of the zodiacal constellation Capricornus. The term is rooted in Arabic astronomy and has appeared in both Islamic and Western medieval star charts. In some sources, Algedi referred to a single asterism comprising the two nearby stars; in others, writers treated the two stars as distinct components within Capricornus.

Etymology and historical usage: Algedi derives from the Arabic al-jaddi, meaning “the young goat” or “the kid.” The name reflects the cultural practice of naming figures in the sky after animals and mythological motifs. Through the Middle Ages and into early modern astronomy, Algedi appears on various maps and catalogs, illustrating the cross-cultural exchange of celestial nomenclature.

Modern status: In contemporary astronomy, Algedi is not an official IAU designation. The stars are generally identified by their standard Bayer or Flamsteed designations within Capricornus, and the name Algedi is mainly of historical and cultural interest. Nevertheless, the term persists in literature, historic charts, and discussions of the naming of stars, highlighting how traditional names continue to accompany scientific understanding.

See also: Capricornus, star names, historical astronomy.