How Do You Find Ursa Major, The Big Dipper?
Ursa Major or “Great Bear” is a constellation that contains the Big Dipper, an asterism, or pattern of stars that is not itself an official constellation. The Big Dipper may be the best known group of stars in the sky, since its size and shape make it easy to pick out. The ability to locate the Big Dipper has been important in periods of history. According to Wisconsin State University, fugitive slaves located the Big Dipper because it pointed to the North Star, and they sang a song called “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” which promised a better future if you followed the stars north to freedom. If you would like to locate the Big Dipper, there are a few tips that can help you pinpoint it. Find a spot at night away from the glow of bright lights. Face north. If you are unsure of which direction is north, the area of sky that the sun set in should be on your left. Otherwise, use a compass to point you in the proper direction. Look up into the northern night sky, starting at the horizon line
