Ursa Major
Ursae Majoris · UMa
Ursa Major is the third largest constellation, containing the Big Dipper (the Plough). The two pointer stars lead to Polaris. It contains many deep-sky objects including M81, M82, M97 (the Owl Nebula), and M101 (the Pinwheel Galaxy).
Location in the Sky
When to Observe
Ursa Major is best observed during April. It is located in the NQ2 quadrant and is primarily visible from the northern hemisphere. The constellation contains 20 main stars forming its asterism, with 93 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Alioth.
Mythology & History
In Greek mythology, Ursa Major represents Callisto, a nymph seduced by Zeus. Hera transformed Callisto into a bear. Her son Arcas nearly killed her while hunting, but Zeus placed both in the sky. Hera persuaded Oceanus never to let the bears set below the horizon, making them circumpolar.
Stars in Ursa Major
14 cataloged stars