Bootes constellation on the ceiling in the Villa Farnese, Caprarola, Italy painted in 1575. Bootes constellation on the ceiling in the Villa Farnese, Caprarola, Italy painted in 1575. Bootes is a constellation in the northern sky. The name means herdsman or plowman. Bootes was one of the 48 constellations described by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy and is now one of the 88 modern constellations defined by the International Astronomical Union. Bootes is bordered by Virgo to the south, Coma Berenices and Canes Venatici to the west, Ursa Major to the northwest, Draco to the northeast, and Hercules, Corona Borealis and Serpens Caput to the east.