Bootes, the Herdsman, is well-known because of its bright star Arcturus. Although this star is the fourth brightest in earth's night sky, it is actually the brightest star above the northern hemisphere. Only Sirius appears brighter from Starry Hill but this is in the southern hemisphere and a winter star.
Arcturus means bear-chaser. So where is the bear? It is Ursa Major, of course! Due to Earth's rotation, Arcturus appears to be chasing Ursa Major and her cub, Ursa Minor, in a giant circle each day. It chases but never gets closer.
Take a closer look at the shape of Bootes. Some people think that it looks like an ice cream cone with a scoop of ice cream on top. Nekkar is the top of the scoop and Arcturus is the bottom point of the cone. What do you think? I wonder what type of ice cream it is?
By the way, Bootes is pronounced 'BOW-O-TEASE' -- yes, three syllables. The 'BOW' part is like a 'bow and arrow'. It was named by our ancestors thousands of years ago.
Viewing Bootes, the Herdsman
Level
Easy
Rating
Best Viewing
April through July
Find
Using the end of the handle of the Big Dipper in Ursa Major, follow the arc down to bright Arcturus in Bootes. Use the Constellations of Summer link below for more help.
Find Arcturus and the other main stars of Bootes. Try drawing the constellation with stars, lines and labels.
With binoculars many more stars will be visible. Take time to explore.
