The "Big and Little Dipper"
November 15th 2007 10:29
This image is a representation the constellation of Ursa Major The Big Dipper seen from the southern hemisphere in late winter just after sunset
At times I am asked the question “ is the constellation the Big Dipper and Orion the same constellation?”
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Image of the constellation "Big Dipper Ursa Major the "tail of the Big Bear is made up of 3 stars in the lower part of the image
The ”big dipper and little Dipper “ are very well known Constellations in the Northern Hemisphere. Although they appear similar they are not the same constellation.
The Big Dipper is Ursa Major (Latin for Big Bear). It is a common for people to get Orion and Ursa Major the two constellations mistaken as being the same. They are entirely different constellations.
The Big Dipper is an asterism that makes up part of the constellation of Ursa Major, The Big Bear. The Little Dipper, is part of the constellation of Ursa Minor, (The Little Bear).
The Big Dipper is a circumpolar constellation, which means it stays above the horizon all night long as it apparently rotates around Polaris due to the Earth's rotation. It is also comprised of very bright stars and are easy-to-locate .
Ursa Major ( “the Big Dipper”) is “technically” only seen in the Northern hemisphere although you can see portions of Ursa Major in the Southern hemisphere around mid June (our winter season) when Ursa Major may be seen dimly to the North just after sunset. Ursa Major appears in the southern hemisphere during our daylight hours but cannot be seen due to the sunlight. The origin of the name Big Dipper I am not sure of I assume it got it's name from a Roller- Coaster ride.
Photo of Orion note, the 3 stars in the lower portion of the image make up "Orion's Belt
In Australia the constellation of Orion “the hunter “is referred to at times as the saucepan or pan handle.
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