Bootes

Constellations

Boötes

The Herdsman

Boötes is a large constellation in the Northern celestial hemisphere with a relatively large number of relatively bright stars.

Its name is derived from the Greek Boṓtēs, literally meaning ox-driver. It is commonly referred to as the Herdsman, other interpretations are Plowman and Bear Watcher.

It is one of the 48 original Ptolemaic Constellations.

Boötes' main star is Arcturus, which is derived from the Greek Arctophylax, meaning Guardian of the Bear.

Arcturus is the brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere in the fourth brightest star in the night sky. Boötes in the Night Sky

This section describes the constellation as it is seen in the night sky.

For myth and star lore about Boötes, click here.

Star maps based on map provided by Sea & Sky

The stars of Boötes

Number Desig-
nation Name
Number Desig-
nation Name
1 α Arcturus
11 υ Upsilon Boötis
2 ε Izar
12 λ Xuángē
3 η Muphrid
13 μ Alkalurops
4 γ Seginus
14 τ Tau Boötis
5 δ Delta Boötis 15 ψ Nadlat
6 β Nekkar 16 κ Asellus Tertius
7 σ Sigma Boötis 17 ζ Xi Boötis
8 ρ Rho Boötis 18 ι Asellus Secondus
9 ζ Zeta Boötis 19 38 Merga
10 θ Asellus Primus

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