The Fixed Stars

Meissa

Meissa, Lambda Orionis, Heka, 39 Orionis

From Al Maisan, the shining one, taken for the head of Orion. It stands at about 27° Gemini (tropical).

The faint shining one that stands for the Hunter's head.

Meissa is the star that marks the head of Orion, a small triangle of faint stars set above the great shoulders of Betelgeuse and Bellatrix. The name is thought to descend from Al Maisan, the shining one, and it is also called Heka. Though it stands for the head of the giant, it shines dimly and carries no strong planetary nature in Robson; its distinction is its place at the crown of the figure.

Marks the head of the Hunter; a named star but faint, with no strong traditional delineation beyond its place in the figure.