Bob Berman's Strange Universe: A few times only

DALE W FENSKE from OREGON said:

I am a happy subscriber of Astronomy Magazine for more than 35 years. Each month I especially look forward to Bob Berman’s column. His articles are both entertaining and educational.

In the March 2011 article entitled “A Few Times Only” Bob described the pronunciation of Epsilon Aurigae as “(say or-EYE-gee)”. I could not discern whether he used the hard g sound or the letter J sound. Internet authorities differ. Some use “or-RYE-ghee” while others use “or-RYE-jee”.

As a student, in the covered wagon days, there was heavy emphasis on phonics. At that time there was little phonetic guidance of astronomical names. Eventually, around 1980, I was able to compile a list of more than 300 astronomical names with phonetic rules. Aurigae was pronounced with the letter J sound then.

The rule for the letter G was: if the sound of the letter following the G makes the sound of an E or an I, then the letter G is pronounced as the letter J. Examples: Gin, Gem, Sagitta, Taygeta, gymnasium, etc.

I have to believe that, like me, most people would appreciate one standardized pronunciation guide of astronomical names. Does one exist today? Is pronunciation evolving as it did in the case of the star name, Vega (once Vee-gah, now Vay-gah)? What do you say?

Clear skies to you,
Dale

JAIME LISENBEE from NEW JERSEY said:

Ever since I've been an Astronomy subscriber I've enjoyed Bob Berman's monthly articles more so than even the fantastic photography. I hope he's around to contribute for at least the next two great total solar eclipses in America, and beyond. Keep up the great work Bob--it's your writings that keep the science of astronomy alive for amatuers like me and hopefully hundreds of thousands more.