A List of Standard Star Designation

Abstract

Some rules about star designation have been edicted by Commission 5 of the IAU: they are briefly recalled and discussed. The essential rule, to be kept in mind by every author, is: when quoting a designation of a star, always quote the complete bibliographic reference of the paper defining this star designation. “Standard” designations can be an exception to this rule: it is proposed to publish in the CDS Bulletin a list of designations considered as “standard”; the authors would be relieved of the obligation of quoting the references of these “standard” catalogues and could concentrate on the task of referencing the other catalogues.