Ursa Major: The Big Dipper Constellation

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and seen a big, dipper-shaped group of stars? That's Ursa Major, also known as the Big Dipper! It's one of the most recognizable constellations in the northern hemisphere, and it's been a source of wonder and stories for centuries.

The Myth of Callisto

One of the most famous myths about Ursa Major is the story of Callisto. In Greek mythology, Callisto was a beautiful nymph who caught the eye of Zeus, the king of the gods. Hera, Zeus's jealous wife, transformed Callisto into a bear. Zeus, not wanting to lose Callisto completely, placed her in the sky as the constellation Ursa Major.

The Big Dipper is actually just part of the larger constellation Ursa Major. The seven stars that make up the dipper shape are called the Pointer Stars, because they point towards Polaris, the North Star.

Finding the Big Dipper

To find Ursa Major, look for the dipper shape in the northern sky. The two stars at the end of the dipper's bowl are called the Pointers, and they point towards Polaris, the North Star. Polaris is a very important star for navigation, because it's always located in the north.

The Big Dipper is a circumpolar constellation, which means it's always visible in the northern hemisphere. You can see it all year round, but it's highest in the sky during the spring and summer months.

Fun Facts about Ursa Major

• The Big Dipper is actually part of a larger constellation called Ursa Major, which represents a bear.
• The Big Dipper is a circumpolar constellation, meaning it never sets below the horizon in the Northern Hemisphere.
• The two stars at the end of the Big Dipper's bowl are called the Pointers, because they point towards Polaris, the North Star.
• The Big Dipper is one of the most easily recognized constellations in the night sky.

Exploring the Night Sky

The Big Dipper is a great starting point for exploring the night sky. Once you've found it, you can use it to find other constellations and stars. There are many resources available online and at your local library that can help you learn more about the night sky.

So next time you're looking up at the stars, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of Ursa Major, the Big Dipper.