Ursa Major is primarily known from the asterism of its main seven stars, which has been called the "Big Dipper", "the Wagon", "Charles's Wain", or "the Plough", among other names. In particular, the Big Dipper's stellar configuration mimics the shape of the "Little Dipper".

Ursa Major is one of the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy in the second century CE. The brightest stars in this constellation form the Big Dipper asterism, also known as the Plough. This particular asterism is one of the most recognizable shapes in the sky.

May 24, 2022 · Ursa Major, commonly referred to as the Big Dipper (we’ll explain later why this name isn’t absolutely correct), is the most recognizable constellation in the Northern Hemisphere. It was listed by the Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemy in his Almagest more than 2,000 years ago, and now it’s known worldwide.

Ursa Major is the largest northern constellation and third largest constellation in the sky. Its brightest stars form the Big Dipper asterism, one of the most recognizable shapes in the sky, also known as the Plough. Ursa Major is well-known in most world cultures and associated with a number of myths.

Mar 6, 2023 · Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is the third-largest constellation in the sky and the largest constellation in the Northern Hemisphere. It includes the Big Dipper …

Feb 8, 2025 · Ursa Major, in astronomy, a constellation of the northern sky, at about 10 hours 40 minutes right ascension and 56° north declination. It was referred to in the Old Testament (Job 9:9; 38:32) and mentioned by Homer in the Iliad (xviii, 487).

Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is one of the most widely recognized constellations in the northern sky. Ursa Major's existence dates back to ancient times, making it one of the oldest recognized constellations. Ptolemy, the Greek astronomer, included it …

Aug 22, 2024 · Ursa Major, Latin for "Great Bear," is a prominent constellation in the northern sky. It's one of the largest and most well-known constellations, visible throughout the year in most of the northern hemisphere. But why is Ursa Major so famous?

Nov 29, 2012 · Ursa Major is the Northern Hemisphere’s largest constellation and the 3rd largest constellation overall, taking up 3.102% of the night sky. It is readily distinguished by means of a remarkable cluster of seven bright stars in the northern heavens, forming an asterism familiarly termed “The Dipper”.

Ursa Major (pronounced ˌɜːrsə ˈmeɪdʒər) is the Latin name of a large constellation (in fact it extends itself for about 55 degrees across the sky) situated north of the celestial equator. As such, it is more easily visible from the northern hemisphere.