Lang-Exster

Tucana · α Tuc · HR 8502

HIP110130
IAU adoption2024/09/19

Name origin

Lang" is an Malayan/ Indonesian term meaning "hornbill", "Exster" is a Dutch word meaning "magpie" and both terms were used as name for the newly defined constellation in Early Modern Age by the Dutch sailors (de Houtman 1603) who artificially created the constellation as "Indian Magpie" referring to a species of bird with a strong cultural significance for the indigenous people they met (e.g. Dayak). The star is a spectroscopic binary which is why it makes sense to give it a double-name.

Alternative names

  • No alternative names yet.