Download The Big Dipper Constellation

The Big Dipper
What is a Constellation?
From very early times, man has been fascinated by the stars. Early stargazers began naming stars. They
also noticed patterns of stars that appeared night after night in the sky. These patterns or groupings of stars
are called constellations. They also began to name the constellation after animals or objects the group
resembled. Many of the names are associated with Greek myths. There are now more than 80 constellations
that can be seen form the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
The Big Dipper
One of the most recognized groups of stars is the Big Dipper. It has also been called the plow and a wagon
or cart. It is part of the constellation called Ursa Major or the Great Bear. According to the Greeks, the
nymph Callisto was changed into the form of a bear and Zeus placed her in the heavens.
Location
The Big Dipper is consists of seven stars and is located in the Northern Hemisphere. Many times
constellations are used to help astronomers locate other stars. The two stars on the outer edge of the cup of
the dipper are used to locate the North Star. Throughout the ages, sailors have used The Big Dipper for
navigating to the north. The Big Dipper was also used as a guide for the slaves traveling on the
Underground Railroad during the Civil War. Songs referred to the Big Dipper as the drinking gourd.