Bootes is the most ancient constellation in the sky. Indeed, it has been reconized by numerous cultures in slightly different forms. Even the Greeks were not clear on its history. The first reference to the name Bootes comes from ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer almost three millenia ago. He is called the Hunter and, with his Hounds (Canes Venatici), he eternally circles the Bears, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, around the North Pole. In fact, the brightest star in Bootes is Arcturus, which can be loosely translated as ‘Bear Guard.’
1822/London