The Bear Keeper
Bootes
October 12 - 26
The constellation of Bootes, the Bear Keeper, lies between Ursa Major, the Great Bear, to the north of it and the zodiac constellation, Virgo, which is nearer the horizon to the south. The golden-yellow star, Arcturus, which marks Bootes' knee, is the brightest star in the northern hemisphere and can easily be located by continuing the arching curve of the tail of the Great Bear down towards the horizon. The herald of the Roman grape harvest, this star, which was also greatly feared by sailors as it presaged storms, is 20 times bigger and 115 times brighter than our sun. From the southern hemisphere it can be seen on the northern horizon in June.
