How Do You Identify The Northern Circumpolar Constellations?
The northern circumpolar constellations circle the north celestial pole in the sky in a counterclockwise motion. The northern celestial pole is an imaginary point in the sky that is directly above a line drawn straight up from the Earth’s North Pole. The northern circumpolar constellations never set below the horizon, and are visible on every clear night in the northern latitudes. One of the most recognizable constellations is a circumpolar one; another contains one of the most famous stars. Here is a quick guide to the circumpolar constellations. Find the Big Dipper. Ursa Major is the third-largest constellation in the sky, and is known as the Great Bear. It contains the most famous of star groups, the Big Dipper, but the entire constellation is made up of much more than just that. The Big Dipper is seven stars that form the shape of a ladle, with four comprising the bowl and three more the handle. The second star in the handle, Mizar, is actually a double star along with its partner,