Bootes is a spring constellation that is located between Draco and Ursa Major to the north, Virgo to the south, Coma Berenices and Canes Venatici to the west and Corona Borealis, Serpens Caput and Hercules to the east. The name Bootes is derived from Greek meaning Herdsman or Plowman. It is an ancient constellation that goes back to Babylonian times. Alpha Bootis is Arcturus, a brilliant magnitude -0.04 spectral-type K orange-giant star. Arcturus' name in ancient Greek means Guardian of the Bear, meaning Ursa Major. Arcturus is the fourth brightest star in the night sky, and the brightest in the northern hemisphere. Located at a distance of 36.7 light-years from Earth, it is one of the most luminous stars in the Sun's nearby vicinity along with Vega and Sirius. Scientists believe that Arcturus may have exhausted its hydrogen fuel and started fusing helium. It will continue to expand before expelling its outer atmosphere and eventually ending its life | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Lodriguss, Gerard |
Bildgröße: | 3520 px × 2346 px |
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Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
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