Ursa Major is a conspicuous constellation of the northern sky. The configuration of seven particularly bright stars in this constellation is known in German-speaking countries as the Big Dipper.
Its two stars Dubhe and Merak – α and β Ursae Maioris – can serve as so-called polar indicators for finding Polaris.
This part of the constellation is circumpolar for Central Europe, i.e. a region of the sky that is visible here all year round.
| Ursa Major | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Ursa Major |
| Latin genitive | Ursa Majoris |
| Abbreviation | UMa |
| Brightest star | Alioth (ε Ursae Majoris) |
| Fully visible | 90° N to 17° S |
| Observation time for Central Europe | all year round |
