Sterope (star)

Sterope is a name with multiple meanings, primarily associated with figures in Greek mythology. It signifies "lightning" or "flash of lightning" derived from the Greek word steropē (στεροπή).

Mythological Figures:

There are several characters named Sterope in Greek mythology, often associated with celestial phenomena or powerful beings:

• Sterope, one of the Pleiades: She was one of the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione, collectively known as the Pleiades. They were companions of Artemis and were pursued by Orion. To escape him, Zeus transformed them into stars, forming the Pleiades constellation. Sterope, in some accounts, is said to have married Oenomaus, king of Pisa, and was the mother of Hippodamia. She is sometimes considered the "hidden" or "dim" Pleiad, due to shame for marrying a mortal.

• Sterope, one of the Cyclopes: She was one of the three Cyclopes (along with Brontes and Arges) who were the sons of Uranus and Gaia. These Cyclopes were skilled craftsmen and aided Zeus in the Titanomachy by forging his thunderbolts. Sterope specifically contributed to the crafting of these lightning bolts, aligning with the meaning of her name.

• Sterope, a daughter of Porthaon: She was one of the daughters of Porthaon, king of Calydon, and Euryte.

Astronomical Significance:

Beyond the mythological context, the name Sterope is also directly associated with astronomy.

• 27 Sterope: This is the designation of a main-belt asteroid. It was discovered in 1853 and named after the Pleiad Sterope.

• Star in the Pleiades: Sterope is also the name of a star in the Pleiades star cluster (also known as the Seven Sisters) in the constellation Taurus. There are actually two stars in the cluster that bear the name, Sterope I and Sterope II.