Ursa Major
ConstellationAbout
Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is a prominent constellation in the northern sky. It is the third-largest of the 88 modern constellations, covering about 3.10% of the sky. Ursa Major is home to the Big Dipper, a universally recognized asterism formed by seven bright stars. These stars are often referred to as the tail and hindquarters of the bear. The constellation is visible throughout the year from most of the Northern Hemisphere and is circumpolar above mid-northern latitudes. Ursa Major contains numerous notable stars and celestial objects, including the double star Mizar-Alcor and several distant galaxies. The Big Dipper's pointer stars, Dubhe and Merak, are used for navigation, pointing towards Polaris, the North Star. Ursa Major has cultural significance across various societies, often symbolizing the north. Its depiction in mythology and its use in navigation make it a fascinating astronomical entity. The constellation's visibility and distinctive pattern have made it a popular subject in astronomy and folklore worldwide.
