Arcturus (Ἀρκτοῦρος)

Arcturus is a reddish star, yet it twinkles in many colours - even when high above the horizon and in a rather dark landscape.

Arcturus (Ἀρκτοῦρος) is a modern star name adopted by the International Astronomical Union in the IAU-Catalog of Star Names (IAU-CSN). Its origin is Greek. It is the name of HIP69673 (α Boo, HR 5340) in constellation Boo.

An ancient Greek name, meaning "The Guard".

Etymology and History

Spelling Variants

• Arkturus, Arkturos (closer to the Greek original)

IAU Working Group on Star Names

The name was discussed and approved by the IAU WGSN in 2016.

Reference

• References (general)
• References (early modern)