Constellations are memorable maps to the stars, dating back many thousands of years.

Many of the constellations are associated with the Gods and Godesses of ancient Greek mythology.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has divided the sky into 88 official constellations with exact boundaries, so that every direction or location in the sky belongs to one constellation. Astronomers use this as a rough guideline for location objects, e.g. when they say that Mars is in the constellation of Gemini, it can be found within the borders of the constellation. The constellations that the Sun pass through each year are known as the Zodiac.

Ursa Major

The Great Bear

Ursa Major is a constellation visible throughout the year in the northern hemisphere.

Ursa Major Mythology

The constellation of Ursa Major has been seen by many distinct civilizations as a bear. In one sequence, together with the nearby Ursa Minor, it is associated with the myth of Callisto, in another the myth of Cynosura.

Further Information

The seven brightest stars, located in the Bear's hindquarters and tail, form the well-known Plough asterism. Except for Dubhe and Alkaid, the stars of the Big Dipper all have proper motions heading towards a common point in Sagittarius. A few other such stars have been identified, and together they are called the Ursa Major Moving Group.

Ursa Major Photographs

 

Taken on 2006-01-21, 1 views

 

Taken on 0000-00-00, 1 views