Boieiro
Herdsman (Boötis)
Boötes, the Herdsman, is an ancient constellation dominated by Arcturus, the fourth brightest star in the night sky and the brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere. The constellation's distinctive kite shape makes it easy to find, especially by following the arc of the Big Dipper's handle to 'arc to Arcturus.' Boötes is home to several interesting double stars and galaxies.
📜 Mitologia
Boötes is most commonly identified as Arcas, son of Zeus and the nymph Callisto. When Hera transformed Callisto into a bear (Ursa Major), Arcas nearly killed his mother while hunting, not recognizing her. Zeus intervened and placed both in the sky, with Arcas following his mother eternally around the pole. Another myth identifies Boötes as Icarius, who was given wine by Dionysus and killed by peasants who thought he had poisoned them. His faithful dog became Canes Venatici.
💡 Fatos curiosos
- ✦Arcturus is an orange giant about 25 times the Sun's diameter and 170 times more luminous
- ✦'Arc to Arcturus' - following the handle of the Big Dipper leads directly to this bright star
- ✦Arcturus was the first star to be seen in daylight through a telescope, observed by Jean-Baptiste Morin in 1635