The Big
Dipper
The Big Dipper or the plough is a large asterism consisting
of seven bright stars of the constellation Ursa Major; six of
them are of second magnitude and one, Megrez, of third
magnitude. Four define a "bowl" or "body" and three define
a "handle" or "head". It is recognized as a distinct grouping
in many cultures.
Is the Big Dipper a
Constellation?
Is the Big Dipper a Constellation?
• Answer – No!
• The Big Dipper is a prominent grouping of
stars in the northern sky.
• However, It is a part of the Constellation of
Ursa Major – The Great Bear
• The Big Dipper is an Asterism
• Prominent grouping of bright stars
Ursa Major Constellation Details:
Symbolism: The Great Bear
Brightest star: Alioth
Number of stars (Total): 135
Size: 1280 sq. deg. (3rd largest)
Right Ascension: 10.67h
Declination: +55.38°
The big dipper also known as the plough maybe the famous pattern in
the sky it is’nt the most famous constellation however, because it is not
a constellation the big dipper is what’s called an asterism the difference
between an asterism and a constellation is simply that a constellation
is an official term used by astronomers to refer to a specific area of the
sky whereas an asterism refers to any other image thast people can
make out from the stars.
In Arabian lore, the Big Dipper is associated with funerals. The
bowl represents a coffin and the three stars in the handle are
mourners following behind it. Stories in some Native American
groups saw the stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper as a bear,
while the stars in the handle are hunters chasing it.
Ursa
Major’s
Prominent
Stars
• Ursa Major contains a
number of prominent stars.
The constellation is primarily
known from the asterism
which is formed by the
constellations seven main
stars.
Big Dipper Stars:
1.Alkaid
2.Mizar
5.Phecda
3.Alioth
6.Merak
4.Megrez
7.Dubhe