Blaze Star

A long discussion in WGSN was caused by the question whether the IAU should adopt names that are used in modern astrophysics. In case of the eruptive star T CrB, for instance, it isn’t necessary because the designator (variable star nomenclature with capital letter and constellation abbreviation) is already short and practical for use in conference talks and research papers.

Still, the name “Blaze Star” has been used in the public since the middle of the 19th century and recently became again very popular, as the star is said to be close to its next eruption on a period of ~80 years. In press, the name seems to be more popular than the scientific designator. The astrophysicists did not want to adopt the name officially, the outreachers and educators love it – but the names in the IAU Catalog of Star Names are primarily for use in research.

As the discussion brought no general consensus, and the guidelines did not offer any criteria to judge, we voted on the topic.

Obviously, the name is adopted. 

This opens the door to review more names of this type; specifically, to review names that are given in the SIMBAD database already.