Boötes

Constellation in the northern sky

Boötes is a prominent constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere. Its name is derived from the Greek word for "herdsman" or "plowman," and it is one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy. Boötes is now one of the 88 modern constellations.

Characteristics

Boötes is best known for its brightest star, Arcturus, which is the fourth brightest star in the night sky and the brightest in the northern celestial hemisphere. Arcturus is a red giant star, located approximately 36.7 light-years from Earth. It is often used in navigation due to its brightness and distinct orange hue.

The constellation is bordered by Ursa Major to the north, Virgo to the south, and Hercules to the west. Boötes is visible in the northern hemisphere from March to October and is best seen at 9 p.m. during the month of June.

Mythology

In Greek mythology, Boötes is often associated with the story of Icarius, a figure who was taught the art of winemaking by the god Dionysus. Icarius shared his wine with shepherds, who, after becoming intoxicated, believed they had been poisoned and killed him. His daughter, Erigone, and his faithful dog, Maera, found his body and, in their grief, took their own lives. The gods placed them in the sky as the constellations Boötes, Virgo, and Canis Minor.

Notable Features

Arcturus, the brightest star in Boötes

Boötes contains several other notable stars and deep-sky objects. Besides Arcturus, the constellation includes:

• Izar, a binary star system with a bright orange giant and a smaller blue companion.
• Muphrid, a yellow-white subgiant star.
• NGC 5466, a globular cluster located near the border with Canes Venatici.

Observing Boötes

Boötes is relatively easy to locate in the night sky. Observers can find it by following the arc of the handle of the Big Dipper (part of Ursa Major) to Arcturus, a technique often summarized by the phrase "Follow the arc to Arcturus."

Related Pages

• List of constellations
• Arcturus
• Ursa Major
• Virgo (constellation)