| Fixed star: MARKEB | |
| Constellation: Kappa (κ) in Vela of the Ship Argo Navis | |
| Longitude 1900: 27VIR31 | Longitude 2000: 28VIR54 |
| Declination 1900: -54.35′ | Declination 2000: -54.59′ |
| Right ascension: 09h 22m | Latitude: -63.43′ |
| Spectral class: B3 | Magnitude: 2.6 |
The history of the star: Markeb
Kappa (κ) Vela, Markeb or Markab, is a star within the Sail constellation of the Ship Argo Navis, close to Carina, the Keel.
This star is visible from the latitude of New York, culminating on the 25th of March.
Star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889].
The astrological influences of the constellation Vela
No myths or astrological interpretations are associated with the constellation Vela because this constellation had always been seen as part of the constellation Argo Navis, the Great Ship, until French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in 1752 subdivided Argo Navis into Carina (the keel of the ship), Puppis (the poop), and Vela (the sails), plus a subordinate division of Argo now called Pyxis Nautica. The constellation Argo Navis represents the ship in which Jason brought the Golden Fleece from Colchis, said to be the first ship ever built.
The astrological influences for the whole constellation of Argo Navis, the Great Ship: According to Ptolemy the bright stars are like Saturn and Jupiter. Argo is said to give prosperity in trade and voyages, and strength of mind and spirit, but it has been observed to accompany cases of drowning, a notable instance being furnished by the horoscope of Shelley, where Argo occupied the 8th house and contained the Sun, Venus and Uranus. Drowning is particularly to be feared when Saturn afflicts the Moon in or from Argo. It is probably on account of this constellation that Virgo, especially the first decanate, is frequently found to be connected with drowning. [Robson, p.30.]
The astrological influences of the star Markeb
A small star in the Buckler of the Ship. Of the nature of Saturn and Jupiter. It gives piety, a wide knowledge, educational work and voyages. [Robson, p.175.]
If Rising: Profitable journeys in company with Jupiterian and Saturnian people wherein the native is grave and discreet, but suffers much injury, which ultimately turns to good. [Robson, p.175.]
References:
Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923].