ARCTURUS Meaning and
Definition
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Arcturus is a noun that refers to a prominent star in the northern hemisphere's night sky. It is the fourth brightest star in the entire celestial sphere and the brightest star in the constellation Boötes.
Originally derived from Greek, the term "Arcturus" means "guardian of the bear" or "bear watcher." This name is attributed to Arcturus's position in the sky near Ursa Major, the Great Bear constellation. It can be seen from most northern latitudes and is particularly dominant during spring and summer evenings.
Arcturus is an orange giant star, roughly 25 times larger than the Sun and similar to another well-known star, Betelgeuse. It is located approximately 37 light-years away from Earth and has a luminosity about 100 times greater than that of the Sun. Due to its brightness and proximity, it has been an important navigational aid for astronomers throughout history.
Known for its distinctive orange or reddish color, Arcturus stands out among neighboring stars. Its surface temperature is cooler than our Sun, giving it its distinct hue. This star also possesses a peculiar motion across our sky, which differs from the majority of nearby stars. Its velocity suggests that Arcturus is moving in a path that will bring it closest to our solar system in around 4,000 years. Arcturus's prominence and unique characteristics make it a fascinating subject for both amateur and professional astronomers to observe and study.
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A fixed star of the first magnitude, near the tail of the Great Bear.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ARCTURUS
Etymology of ARCTURUS
The word "Arcturus" has its roots in ancient Greek. It comes from the combination of two Greek words: "arktos" meaning "bear" and "ouros" meaning "guardian" or "watcher". The name Arcturus can be translated as "Guardian of the Bear" or "Watcher of the Bear". This name is likely a reference to the star's position near the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear).
Similar spelling words for ARCTURUS
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