Arcturus

Boötes · Boo · α Boo · HR 5340 · HIP 69673 · magnitude -0.05

From its ancient Greek name Ἀρκτοῦρος, "the Guard, or Guardian". Reapplied in Renaissance times. As the Greek word Άρκτος, "bear," also came to mean "north," the meaning can ambiguously be "Guardian of the North" and "…

Cure
Log in to contribute

Astronomy

Official IAU information

Designation

HR 5340

HIP

69673

Bayer ID

α Boo

Visual magnitude

-0.05

Right ascension (J2000)

213.915°

Declination (J2000)

19.1824°

IAU adoption

2016/06/30

Name origin

From its ancient Greek name Ἀρκτοῦρος, "the Guard, or Guardian". Reapplied in Renaissance times. As the Greek word Άρκτος, "bear," also came to mean "north," the meaning can ambiguously be "Guardian of the North" and "Guardian of the Bear", referring to the nearby constellation Ursa Major.

Other stars in Boötes