The Astronomical Union of Corinth takes its name from Asterion, one of the two celestial hunting dogs in the constellation Canes Venatici. In star lore, Asterion and his companion Chara are depicted as the faithful celestial dogs of the herdsman Boötes, eternally chasing the Great Bear across the night sky. The name reflects our connection to astronomy, Greek sky lore, and the scientific work carried out at the Stephanion Observatory.

1. A Name Rooted in Local History and Greek Heritage
The choice of Asterion links the Astronomical Union not only to the stars but also to our region’s ancient past.
The ancient river Asterion, mentioned in classical texts, rises in the mountains around Stephani and flows toward the Argive Heraion, one of the most important sanctuaries of Hera in ancient Greece. This connection ties our organization to both the cultural and natural history of the Corinthia and the Argolid.

2. Meaning of “Asterion” in Greek Astronomy
In Greek, Asterion means “starry” or “of the stars.” Although Canes Venatici is a later constellation, its star names preserve clear Greek roots. This makes Asterion an ideal name for a Greek amateur astronomy organization dedicated to observing planets, galaxies, nebulae, deep-sky objects and more.

3. Symbolism: Perseverance, Curiosity, and Observation
Asterion, the celestial hunting dog, represents persistence and alertness—qualities essential for serious stargazing and astrophotography. Amateur astronomers, like hunting dogs, patiently track faint targets such as variable stars, comets, and galaxies.

4. Connection to Research at the Stephanion Observatory
Research conducted with the 30-inch Cassegrain telescope at Stephanion Observatory has focused on RS Canum Venaticorum–type variable stars, a class of magnetically active binary systems whose prototype resides in the same constellation after which the astronomy union was named.
This scientific link reinforces our identity and highlights the role of the Stephani region in modern observational astronomy.

5. A Gateway to Famous Deep-Sky Objects
The star Asterion points observers toward some of the most popular deep-sky targets in Canes Venatici, including:
The Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
The Sunflower Galaxy (M63)
The Spindle Galaxy (NGC 5866)

By taking its name from a star that guides stargazers to iconic galaxies, our association aims to guide the public toward meaningful astronomical experiences.