Star designations go from letters of the alphabet thru numerals and even math's function symbols. Here is a recent example I fought with:
SwC10024+1652. I did work out the R.A & Dec. through GOOGLE and YAHOO.
But, isn't there an easier way and place in which to get the data. How about
Gliese 581 ? It was a struggle, but I got the coordinates. Another was
HH111.
The reason I'm harping on this subject is that as a Planetarium lecturer I
get asked about news articles that "name" a star with just the Astronomical
Communities designation, like HH111. Then he/she asks "where is this star ?"
And if YAHOO and GOOGLE don't break it down into R.A. & Dec. there's no
way to inform the asker.
I would hope there is a SuperDuper listing of names and coordinates . . . but
where is it if it does exist ?
I'd like any thoughts on this seemingly "secret data" for the designations.
Thank you, Richard R. Fink
rrphynq@aol.com