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Arcturus, the brightest star of the northern sky
- Arcturus is the 4th-brightest star in the sky and the brightest star in the northern half of the sky, located only 36.7 light-years away.
- It is easily recognizable in spring evenings in the Northern Hemisphere by following the arc from the Big Dipper's handle to Arcturus.
- Arcturus is part of the constellation Boötes the Herdsman and remains visible in the night sky for most of the year for Northern Hemisphere observers.
- It stands out as a lonely bright star with no bright neighbors and is most prominent in the sky during spring before the Summer Triangle dominates.
- Arcturus is the brightest star in the northern part of the sky and is visible during daytime, historically observed with telescopes.
- This red giant star is approximately 25 times larger than the sun, radiating over 100 times more light in visible light and about 200 times overall.
- Arcturus' proper motion indicates it is moving rapidly relative to our solar system, part of the Arcturus stream of old stars possibly from a dwarf satellite galaxy.
- The star's observable movement suggests it will disappear from visibility in about 150,000 years as it moves southward and away from Earth.
- Arcturus holds significance in various mythologies and cultures, such as being associated with the Great Bear and the Dragon in different traditions.
- The star has a rich history, including being used to initiate the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago through a light-based opening ceremony.
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