Boötes is visible in the northern hemisphere from spring through the summer. It represents a hunter. Along with his faithful hounds, Canes Venatici, he follows the two bears, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, around the pole. Many believe Boötes to be the most ancient constellation in the sky. Its first recorded appearance was in Homer's book, The Odyssey, almost three thousand years ago. The constellation has been recognized by many cultures throughout the ages in many forms. The constellation was once known as Arctophylax, which means "the protector of the Bear". The Romans called him Venator Ursae, "the Bear Hunter". Boötes is the home of Arcturis, the 4th brightest star in the night sky. Arcturis is an orange-red giant star about 20 times the size of the sun. Boötes contains no Messier objects.