Arcturus Tonight: Visibility, Position and Best Viewing Time
Is Arcturus Visible Tonight?
From your location, Arcturus is visible from sunset until before midnight. Its current altitude, direction, rise and set times, and finder chart are shown below.
When Is the Best Time to See Arcturus Tonight?
Arcturus does not reach 30° above the horizon during tonight’s practical observing window, so conditions remain less favorable.
Where is Arcturus right now?
Arcturus is located in the constellation Bootes. Although Arcturus is currently 43° above the horizon, it is not visible because it is daytime.
Twilight begins at 18:10 local time. At that moment, Arcturus will be 29° above the horizon toward the west.
Twilight begins at 18:10 local time. At that moment, Arcturus will be 29° above the horizon toward the west.
Arcturus visibility on 2026-09-17
Arcturus Visible from sunset until before midnight
Arcturus rise and set timetable
| Time | Elevation | |
Moonrise, 24% illuminated  | 10:43 | 47° |
| Arcturus transit | 13:39 | 72° |
| Sunset | 17:12 | 40° |
| Civil sunset | 17:39 | 35° |
| Twilight start (−12°) | 18:10 | 29° |
| Astronomical observing session begins | 18:41 | 23° |
| Moonset | 20:07 | 6° |
| Arcturus set | 20:40 | |
| Astronomical observing session ends | 03:23 | -28° |
| Arcturus rise | 06:35 |
Track Arcturus position throughout the night
← 17 September 2026 →
| Time | |
| Altitude | |
| Azimuth |
Shift the map to change the time and observe Arcturus changing position in the night sky.
Arcturus - Red Giant Star
Arcturus is the brightest star in the constellation Boötes and the fourth-brightest star in the night sky. It is a red giant star approximately 36.7 light-years away from Earth.
With an apparent magnitude of -0.05, Arcturus is one of the most luminous stars in the Sun's neighborhood and is often used in celestial navigation. It is larger and cooler than the Sun, giving it a distinct orange hue.
Finder Chart for Arcturus
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| Object name | Arcturus |
| Field of view | |
| Limiting magnitude | |
| Arcturus coordinates | 14.261029999999998, 19.18241 |
| Center coordinates | 14.261029999999998, 19.18241 |
Arcturus Passage Through Night
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Current position of Arcturus
| Time | 10:22 |
| Latitude | 37.3541 |
| Longitude | -121.955 |
| Elevation | 43° |
| Azimuth | 99° |
Here you can see the current position of Arcturus on the map, as well as its positions for rise and set. This tool lets you track its movement throughout the night with accurate, up-to-date information.
When Is Arcturus Visible Throughout the Year?
Arcturus will become visible again around November 22 after moving far enough from the Sun.
| Date | Thu, 17 September 2026 |
| Astronomical observing session begins | 18:37 |
| Astronomical observing session ends | 03:17 |
| Astronomical observing duration | 9h 40m |
| Rise | 06:35 |
| Set | 20:36 |
| Elevation at transit | 72° |
| Transit time | 13:36 |
| Equatorial coordinates | RA: 14h 15m 39s", Dec: 19° 10' 56s |
| Magnitude | -0 |
| Constellation | Bootes |
The graph illustrates the annual visibility pattern of Arcturus, including its daily appearances and transit times. The vertical axis shows the hours of the day and the horizontal axis spans the year. The reddish area marks when the object is above the horizon, while the white line marks its daily transit.
You can also see when Arcturus is visible throughout the year in a table with exact rise, transit, and set times for each date.
You can also see when Arcturus is visible throughout the year in a table with exact rise, transit, and set times for each date.
Astrometric and Physical Parameters of Arcturus
Coordinates and Visibility
| Right Ascension | 14h 15m 40s |
| Declination | 19° 10′ 57″ |
| Magnitude | -0.05 |
| Constellation | Bootes |
| Elevation | 43.5° |
| Azimuth | 98.9° |
| Spectral type | K2IIIp |