Arcturus

Arcturus is a bright star in the constellation Boötes, approximately 36.7 light-years from Earth. It’s a red giant, meaning it has expanded and cooled after burning through its fuel, giving it a reddish appearance. Arcturus is much larger and more luminous than the Sun, roughly 25 times wider and 170 times brighter. It has exhausted hydrogen in its core and is now fusing heavier elements. Its brightness and prominence in the night sky have made it a key navigational star for centuries. Despite its size, Arcturus is not a threat to Earth and is a fascinating example of stellar evolution.