What is the story of Algol?
The average young space ager knows what Algol is and most likely where to find it. But let’s un mystify our non celestial readers and politely inform them that Algol is a star. We can make them feel even more comfortable by explaining that the weird behavior of Algol mystified the world’s brightest star gazers for untold ages. The major constellations and their vivid, visible stars were named ages ago, perhaps before the dawn of recorded history. The bright star Algol was given an Arabic name meaning “ghoul” or “ogre.” Later generations referred to it as Algol, the Demon Star. This seems a most unlikely name to bestow upon a bright, celestial star, but there was a reason for it. Most of the fixed stars can be depended upon to shine with steady, unchangeable brilliance. Algol does not. Its brilliance fluctuates, growing dimmer and brighter at regular intervals.. This odd behavior can be observed by any keen eyed star gazer without a telescope. The name Algol, the Demon Star, suggests th
