Arcturus (α Bootis) is the brightest star in the constellation Bootes, a prominent constellation in the spring sky. It is the brightest star in the northern sky and the third brightest in the entire starry sky. Arcturus is 37 light-years (ly) away and has an apparent magnitude of -0.4 mag.
Only Sirius and Canopus, not visible from Central Europe, shine brighter, but they belong to the southern sky. Arcturus can be seen from all continents (except inner Antarctica).
Arctur forms the spring triangle together with the other alpha stars Spica (Virgin) and Regulus (Lion).
| Arcturus | |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Bootes |
| Right ascension | 14h 15m 39.67s |
| Declination | +19° 10′ 56.7″ |
| Apparent magnitude | -0.4 mag |
| Distance | (36.72 ± 0.22) ly |
| Bayer designation | α Bootis |
| Bright Star Catalogue | HR 5340 |
| Hipparcos Catalogue | HIP 69673 |
| SAO Catalogue | SAO 100944 |
