Arcturus

Arcturus (α Boötis) is a orange star in the constellation Boötes. With an apparent magnitude of −0.04 it is the 4th-brightest star in the night sky, and it is about 37 light-years from Earth.

Finder chart showing where Arcturus is in the constellation Boötes
Arcturus (circled) in Boötes, with the surrounding constellations and bright stars.
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Facts

ConstellationBoötes
Designationα Boötis (Alpha Boötis), HR 5340
Apparent magnitude−0.04 (4th brightest)
Spectral typeK1.5IIIFe-0.5
Colororange (B−V 1.23)
Distanceabout 37 light-years
Right ascension14 h 15.7 min
Declination+19.18°
Best monthJune (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find Arcturus

Arcturus is in Boötes. From 40° N it is highest in the south in June evenings, about 69° above the horizon. From 35° S it reaches about 36° in the north. Nearby bright stars: Alphecca (20° away), Alkaid (31° away) and Spica (33° away).

Boötes constellation →

Other named stars in Boötes

MuphridIzarSeginusNekkarXuangeAlkalurops

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