Why Is the Big Dipper Not a Constellation?
Asterism vs. Constellation An asterism is a group of stars within one or more constellations that form a pattern. The Big Dipper is classified as an asterism. Within Ursa Major The constellation Ursa Major has the shape of a bear. The Big Dipper makes up the bear’s tail and flank. Big Dipper Seven stars make up the Big Dipper. The common names for these stars are Dubhe, Mizar, Alioth, Phecda, Alkaid, Merak and Megrez. Considerations Next to the star Mizar (in the middle of the Big Dipper’s handle) there is a fainter star called Alcor. Significance Through time the position of the stars shift, and eventually the constellations will be unrecognizable.
