Boötes
Where is Boötes?
Look west, about 26° up at 20:20. It sinks lower through the evening and sets at 23:56.
- Rises
- 05:20
- Highest
- 14:40
- Sets
- 23:56
- Best after dark
- 20:20 · 26°
How to find Boötes
Start with Arcturus, Boötes’s brightest star (mag −0.1). Nearby constellations include Corona Borealis, Canes Venatici, Coma Berenices and Hercules.
Its center is at right ascension 14h 36m, declination +31°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.
Best time to see Boötes
Boötes is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in May. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 90° N to 34° S.
From London tonight, Boötes is above the horizon after dark. It’s highest soon after dark, around 20:20, in the west at 26°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Boötes
Eyes
Its brightest star, Arcturus, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.
Binoculars
Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.
Telescope
The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.
About
Boötes (genitive Boötis, abbreviated Boo) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Arcturus, magnitude −0.1.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 2 named stars in Boötes.
Brightest stars and objects in Boötes
Questions
What is the brightest star in Boötes?
When is Boötes visible?
Can I see Boötes from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences