What does vega mean?
Vega is a proper noun naming the brilliant blue-white star that forms one corner of the Summer Triangle. It is the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, where it is formally designated Alpha Lyrae, and it is the fifth-brightest star visible from Earth. Vega lies relatively close to the Sun, at a distance of about 25 light-years, and rotates rapidly around its axis. Its brightness made it important to early astronomers, and its light has been studied extensively using modern telescopes and spectrographs. In everyday English, the name is normally capitalized because it identifies a unique celestial object rather than a common class of things. Vega was also historically important in the development of photography: it became the first star other than the Sun to be photographed. The name entered English astronomical usage from Spanish, in which vega means a meadow or fertile plain.
proper nounVega is the brightest star in the constellation Lyra and the fifth-brightest star visible from Earth. It is also known as Alpha Lyrae.
- The name of the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, formally designated Alpha Lyrae.
"The pale blue star Vega shines brightly above the northern horizon in summer."
"The Summer Triangle consists of the bright stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair."
"Scientists studying Vega have examined its spectrum in search of clues about stellar composition."
Vega names a unique star and is normally used in the singular.
"Vega is the brightest star in Lyra."
Vega was the first star other than the Sun to be photographed, helping pioneer photographic astronomy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vega come from?
The astronomical name comes through Spanish, where vega denotes a meadow or fertile plain, from Latin vega, meaning an open field or lowland. The name had long been associated with the star in European and Arabic astronomical traditions. It ultimately became the standard name of the brightest star in Lyra.
How vega is actually used
Vega is a proper noun and is normally capitalized. Lowercase "vega" is not standard in ordinary English usage.