description Ursa Minor Overview
Ursa Minor is a constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere whose Latin name means "Lesser Bear." It was included among the 48 constellations cataloged by the astronomer Ptolemy and remains one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union. Its brightest star, Polaris, lies close to the north celestial pole, making the constellation an important reference for navigation and orientation in the Northern Hemisphere.
help Ursa Minor FAQ
Can Ursa Minor help you find north?
Yes, Ursa Minor contains Polaris, the North Star, which lies close to the north celestial pole. Polaris therefore appears nearly fixed while the surrounding sky seems to rotate. [Constellation reference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursa_Minor)
How do you find Polaris using the Big Dipper?
Follow the line formed by Dubhe and Merak, the two stars at the outer edge of the Big Dipper's bowl. That line points toward Polaris in Ursa Minor. [Constellation reference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursa_Minor)
Is Ursa Minor one of the original constellations?
Ursa Minor was included among the 48 constellations cataloged by the astronomer Ptolemy. It remains one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union. [Constellation reference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursa_Minor)
Is the Little Dipper the same thing as Ursa Minor?
The Little Dipper is an asterism, or recognizable star pattern, within the constellation Ursa Minor. Polaris marks the end of the Little Dipper's handle, but Ursa Minor includes more stars than the familiar dipper shape.
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