Star profile

34 Boötis

Variable star

3D likeness based on its real data · class M · ~3,200 K

What is 34 Boötis

34 Boötis is a red M-type variable giant inside the Herdsman, the figure forever chasing the Bears with his staff. Some 700 light-years out, its brightness will not stay still: it pulses slowly, inflating and contracting its outer layers like a stellar heart already testing the silence. The light offered tonight set out in the depths of the Middle Ages and arrives steeped in the red dust of ageing suns.

Where it is and when to see it

34 Boötis lies in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky. Its best month of the year is April, when it culminates around midnight.

From London it culminates about 65° above the horizon.
From New York it culminates about 76° above the horizon.
From Sydney it culminates about 30° above the horizon.

It can be seen from anywhere north of 63° S.

It ranks no. 22 in brightness among the 88 stars of Boötes in our catalogue. To find it, start from Arcturus, the brightest: it lies about 10° away (a fist at arm's length covers about 10°).

The light you see today left it about 700 years ago.

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Astronomical data for 34 Boötis

Constellation: Boötes
Apparent magnitude: 4.80
Distance: 704.5 light years
Coordinates (J2000): RA 220.856° · Dec 26.528°
Catalogue: HIP 71995 · HD 129712

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Other stars in Boötes

Boötes has 88 stars in Stelvia's catalogue. Here are a few of them.

See all 88 stars in Boötes