Starwatch: Boötes, the herdsman ploughing the heavens

Prominent constellation in the northern hemisphere's spring night sky is associated with Canes Venatici, the hunting dogs

This week, we track down another prominent constellation in the northern hemisphere's spring night sky: Bootes, the herdsman. Listed as part of the 48 constellations described by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, it is now one of the International Astronomical Union's 88 official constellations.

Although known as the herdsman, some stories associated with the constellation depict him as more of a ploughman, driving the constellation of Ursa Major, the great bear, around the pole. In these stories, Ursa Major is changed into oxen and plough.