Arcturus (16Alp Boo) — Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-69673

Arcturus is a bright star within the Boo constellation located in the Southern Zodiac. This star is notable for its magnitude, placing it among the brightest visible stars during its apparent phase in the southern sky. Its identification is given as Gaia

Arcturus is recognisable in the sky primarily due to its position as one of the brightest stars in the late morning hours in the Southern Hemisphere. It's known for its distinctive yellowish-orange appearance and its apparent “golden eye” quality which is often described. Its apparent brightness, while considered relatively modest, is sufficient to stand out amongst the stars during that period in the northern hemisphere of the sky – at -0.05, and within the bounds of visible star observation. It’s a fairly easy landmark for observers, especially in the late morning skies.

Given its prominence and easily recognized colour, Arcturus represents a significant target for astronomical observation in the southern hemisphere. Historically, it has held symbolic significance for many cultures, frequently linked with themes of guidance and healing; and, in some mystical traditions, represents a celestial eye opening to deeper knowledge about the cosmos – a light of wisdom that guides the seeker.

How to see it

Arcturus has a visual magnitude of about -0.05: under a reasonably dark sky it is typically reachable with the unaided eye.

Sky position

Equatorial coordinates for Arcturus: right ascension 14h 15m 40s, declination +19° 10′ 57″ (J2000), on the celestial sphere.

Catalog context

Arcturus. It appears in classical and modern catalogs as Bayer/Flamsteed designation 16Alp Boo, HIP 69673, HD 124897, Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-69673.

Catalog identifiers

Gaia: Gaia DR3 HYG-HIP-69673
HIP: 69673
HD: 124897
gaia_dr3: HYG-HIP-69673
Bayer / Flamsteed: 16Alp Boo

Also known as

Observed properties

Visual magnitude: -0.05