General presentation

Bootes constellation is one of the easiest constellations to recognize in the spring sky of the northern hemisphere. It is dominated by Arcturus, one of the brightest stars in the night sky. Bootes is visible during much of the spring and early summer, and is an excellent reference point for locating several nearby constellations, such as Ursa Major, the Boreal Crown, and Virgo.

Shape of the Boötes constellation

Its stars draw a large silhouette in the shape of a kite or Italianate ice, with Arcturus located at its base. This geometric shape is much easier to recognize than the representation of the shepherd itself, making the Bouvier one of the easiest constellations to identify in the spring sky.

Stars of the Boötes constellation