[AJames]

Originally Posted by Bobj

Had a squiz at Wikipedia....they know it all

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigma_Octantis

Yes, but this now this fortunately reads much better...

"Sigma Octantis is sometimes called '''Polaris Australis''', or [[South Star]], though it has never been officially recognised as such. If the name has only been created to mark the pole. It is certainly a modern invention."

This seems to me just another classic example of northern hemisphere bias. Polaris is a northern star name - and bears little resemblance to this little faint star. Next we will have some tourist trying to find south using this presumed bright southern star, get lost somewhere in the central Australian desert, then dying of thirst looking for something that they can't see!!

Really.... Why does everything have to some mirror of something in the northern sky?

Grrrrr!!!! Damn. My glasses just fogged up!

I know no other reference to this particular name. If you or anyone can point this out in a credible printed article I would really appreciate it. Wiki rules state there must be an official reference source. This article on this issue is thus hearsay - at least until it is properly referenced!

Andrew