Ursa Major

Description

Ursa Major contains the famous Big Dipper (or Plough) asterism, one of the most recognizable figures in the sky. The stars Merak and Dubhe point to the North Star. It is circumpolar from mid-northern latitudes.

Mythology and History

Ursa Major represents Callisto, a nymph transformed into a bear by Zeus (to hide her from Hera) or by jealous Hera. Her son Arcas almost killed her while hunting, and Zeus placed them both in the sky.

How to Observe

Visible all year from the northern hemisphere. The Big Dipper never sets at latitudes above 40°N. Mizar has a visible companion, Alcor, used as a vision test.

Main Stars