Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Arcturus Follows the Bear (all night)

The evening eastern sky on mid-April evenings is dominated by the bright orange star Arcturus, aka Alpha Boötis. This star, located 37 light-years from Earth, is a K0-class red-orange giant with 1.5 times the mass of our
sun, and about 100 times the output of the sun in visible wavelengths. Arcturus is visible from everywhere on Earth except for extreme southern latitudes. For observers in mid-northern latitudes, only Sirius shines brighter. Arcturus’ high proper motion will alter the shape of Boötes over the next few thousand years. Its name derives from the expression “Guardian of the Bear” because it trails Ursa Major, the Big Bear.

(Data courtesy Starry Night)
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