tähtinimestä

A "tähtinimi" is a Finnish term that translates to "star name." In astronomy, a tähtinimi refers to the name given to a celestial body, specifically a star. While stars are often known by their catalog designations, such as Bayer designations (e.g., Alpha Centauri) or Flamsteed numbers (e.g., 61 Cygni), some bright and historically significant stars have acquired proper names. These proper names can originate from various cultures and languages, reflecting humanity's long-standing observation of the night sky.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the recognized authority for naming celestial objects. In the past, there have been instances of unofficial naming or commercial "star naming" services that allow individuals to purchase a certificate with a star name. However, these names are not officially recognized by the astronomical community. Authentic tähtinimi are typically derived from historical usage, mythology, or scientific observations. For example, Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, has a name rooted in ancient Greek. The study and cataloging of star names are part of the broader field of astronomical nomenclature.