Where Can You Find Ursa Major?

The Big Dipper, part of Ursa Major

Ursa Major is one of the most recognizable constellations in the sky, even though most people do not know it by that name. A circumpolar constellation, Ursa Major is found by looking to the north and then identifying its main component---the Big Dipper.

Circumpolar

Circumpolar means that area of the sky that lies near the Polaris, the North Star. The constellations in this region never "set" when viewed from the northern hemisphere.

Polaris

That point in the sky directly over the Earth's north pole contains a star called Polaris, known for centuries as the "North Star." Because of its position in the sky, Polaris does not seem to move to an observer on Earth and Ursa Major seems to revolve around this area like the hands of a clock as the Earth rotates.

Asterism

The Big Dipper resembles a giant ladle, composed of seven stars that form a handle and a bowl. It is an "asterism", a familiar group of stars forming a pattern but not considered an official constellation.

Location

To find Ursa Major a person needs simply to look to the north and locate the Big Dipper. It may be upside down, right side up, or in between, depending on the season and time of night.

Great Bear

Ursa Major represented a large bear to the ancients that named it. In addition to the stars of the Dipper, it has many others that form its legs, body and head; they are difficult to see unless it is moonless and clear.

References

• How to Find Ursa Major:ColdwaterK12
• The Great Bear Constellation:Souledout