Arguably, there is no constellation in the night sky of the northern hemisphere that is more renowned than the Little Bear. It is the one that children inquire about the most and even attempt to spot in the vast expanse of stars above.
What makes the Little Dipper stand out and grab attention, despite its unassuming appearance? The main reason is its association with Polaris. Polaris holds significant value in navigation, making it essential for everyone to learn how to locate it. Therefore, it is crucial to introduce the Little Dipper and Polaris to children as this knowledge could potentially save lives and prove useful in various situations.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the Little Bear constellation from an astronomy enthusiast’s perspective.
The Tiny Bear in the Celestial Sphere
The Tiny Bear can be found in the circumpolar region and remains visible throughout the year in the northern hemisphere. It is commonly referred to as Ursa Minor or UMi. The stars in this constellation are arranged in a pattern resembling a “bucket,” similar to the well-known Big Dipper, but with a distinctively curved “handle.”
In the night sky, the Tiny Bear can be spotted in the northern direction. The final star in its tail is Polaris, which remains fixed in position. Its altitude above the horizon, measured in degrees, corresponds to the latitude of the observer’s location. As a result, Polaris not only serves as a guide to the north but also enables accurate determination of one of the coordinates. This remarkable characteristic was discovered and utilized by the Phoenicians, providing them with a significant advantage in navigation for over a millennium.
The Small Bear in the celestial sphere. Position on January 1st.
The remaining portion of the constellation of the Small Bear has the ability to alter its position throughout the year or day, appearing to rotate counterclockwise around Polaris. Interestingly, this constellation is visible throughout the year in the northern hemisphere, and in Russia, it can be observed on any clear night as it never sets below the horizon.
Adjacent to the Small Bear is a significantly larger and more prominent constellation, the Big Dipper. By locating the Big Dipper and drawing a line connecting the two outermost stars in its “bucket”, one will arrive precisely at Polaris. This method is widely recognized and straightforward, suitable for instructing children as well.
In terms of size, the Small Bear ranks 56th among all constellations and occupies a mere 256 square degrees in the sky.
The sight of the night sky is always captivating
The celestial expanse, the Great Bear, the Little Bear, Andromeda, the Southern Cross… What could be more splendid and grand? Countless stars twinkle and shimmer, captivating curious minds. Throughout history, humans have sought their role in the cosmos, pondering the organization of the world and their place within it. They questioned whether they were created by deities or if they themselves possessed divine essence. As they sat by the fire, gazing into the distant sky at night, people discovered a simple truth – the stars are not haphazardly scattered across the sky. They each have their designated place.
Every evening the stars remained unchanged, in the same position. Nowadays, every grown-up person is aware that the stars are situated at varying distances from the Earth. However, when we gaze into the sky, it is impossible to determine which stars are farther away and which are closer. Our predecessors could only differentiate them based on the intensity of their brightness. They identified a small portion of the most radiant stars, arranged them into distinctive patterns, and named them constellations. In contemporary astrology, there are 88 constellations in the starry sky. Our ancestors were only familiar with a maximum of 50.
Constellations were referred to by various names, often drawing connections to objects such as Libra, the Southern Cross, and the Triangle. Celestial bodies were named after heroes from Greek mythology, such as Andromeda, Perseus, and Cassiopeia. Stars were also given names inspired by both real and imaginary animals, including the Lion, Dragon, Big Dipper, and Little Dipper. In ancient times, people were able to fully express their imagination when it came to naming these celestial entities, and it’s not surprising that these names have remained unchanged to this day.
Myth of the Little Bear constellation
There are numerous myths surrounding the constellation of the Little Bear, each with its own unique tale. One of these legends revolves around the birth of Zeus, the all-powerful god of ancient Greece. Zeus’ father, Cronus, had a disturbing habit of consuming his own children, as it had been prophesied that one of them would overthrow him and take his place. To protect Zeus, his mother Rhea secretly gave birth to him and took him to a sacred cave atop Mount Ida. There, the nymphs Melissa and Kinosura were entrusted with his care. Kinosura became Zeus’ devoted nursemaid, while Melissa played a crucial role in his upbringing. As a token of gratitude, Zeus immortalized Melissa by transforming her into the Big Dipper constellation, and Kinosura into the Little Dipper, forever preserving their connection in the night sky.
This legend has various versions. For instance, one version tells of Zeus being nurtured by Amalthea, a goat, and two actual bears that eventually transformed into constellations.
There is another tale associated with the constellation Ursa Minor. In the land of Arcadia, King Lycaon ruled, and he had a beautiful daughter named Callisto. Her beauty was so extraordinary that even Hera, Zeus’ wife and goddess, became envious. With her immense power, Hera transformed Callisto into a hideous bear.
One day, Callisto’s son Arkadus, while hunting in the forest, nearly killed a bear that he encountered – unknowingly, it was his own mother. However, Zeus intervened just in time and diverted the arrow. He then placed Callisto in the sky as the Big Dipper constellation and her beloved dog as the Little Dipper. Arkadus himself became the Volopassus constellation – its primary star, Arcturus, signifies the “protector of the Bear”.
Speaking of jealousy, Hera had good reason to be envious – Arcade was the son of Zeus, who had a history of pursuing beautiful women and seducing them, including Callisto.
Each culture has its own fascinating tale about the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper. The Big Dipper is easily recognizable in the night sky, while the Little Dipper has the unique characteristic of orbiting around Polaris. Interestingly, the Kazakhs viewed Polaris as a nail and imagined the constellation as a harness tied to it, like a necklace worn by the Horse (Big Dipper). In India, the Little Dipper was depicted as a monkey hanging from its tail, attached to the axis of the world.
The disappearance of the halo of mystery due to progress
In both ancient and modern times, constellations have served as a guide for navigating through space. Whether it’s for travelers or sailors, the brightness and location of constellations have provided valuable information such as time and direction. However, with the advancements of society, our connection to the stars has dwindled. We no longer gather around the fire as often, gazing up at the mysterious, star-studded sky. The legends we once created about constellations like the Big and Little Dippers, Cassiopeia, and Hound Dogs have faded away. Today, only a few can point out the Big and Little Dipper in the night sky. Through our understanding of astronomy, we now know that stars are incredibly distant and that many of them are actually planets similar to our own Sun.
The development of optical telescopes has resulted in numerous discoveries that were previously beyond the understanding of our ancestors. In fact, humans have even been able to venture to the Moon, collect samples of lunar soil, and safely return. Science has unveiled the once obscure and mysterious nature of celestial bodies that had remained a mystery for centuries. Yet, we still find ourselves gazing at the sky, searching for familiar constellations like the snow-white Bear, fierce Leo, or the creeping Cancer along the celestial expanse. This is why many people enjoy observing the night sky on clear, cloudless nights, where one can marvel at the various celestial bodies, their configurations, and clusters.
Stars in the Ursa Minor constellation
The asterism in the Ursa Minor constellation is comprised of seven stars:
- α – Polaris, also known as the North Star.
- δ – Yildun, a star in the Ursa Minor constellation.
- ε – Urodelus, another star in the Ursa Minor constellation.
- ζ – Alifa al Farkadin, a star in the Ursa Minor constellation.
- η – Anwar or Allaso, a star in the Ursa Minor constellation.
- β – Kohab, a star in the Ursa Minor constellation.
- γ – Ferkad, a star in the Ursa Minor constellation.
A representation of the Little Bear constellation can be seen in the diagram above. The diagram was sourced from Wikipedia.
The two outermost stars in the constellation, Cohab and Ferkad, are often referred to as the “Guardians of the Pole”. There are also several other intriguing stars within the constellation, which we will now explore in detail.
Polaris: The Alpha of Ursa Minor Constellation
When looking up at the night sky, Polaris may appear as an ordinary, unassuming star with a magnitude of 1.97. It blends in with many other stars, and its true significance may go unnoticed if not for its proximity to the celestial pole. However, upon closer examination, this seemingly ordinary star holds some remarkable surprises.
Polaris is located at an impressive distance of approximately 447 light-years from Earth, making it a distant destination for any potential space exploration. Yet, if we were able to journey to Polaris, we would discover that it is not just a single star, but a triple star system!
Even from our vantage point on Earth, we can observe this stellar complexity through a telescope. At the heart of the Polaris system resides a supergiant star that is 50 times larger than our Sun, 6.5 times more massive, and shines 2000 times brighter.
At a distance of 2400 astronomical units from this monstrous entity lies a rather ordinary star. It weighs a mere 1.39 times more than the Sun and can be easily observed from Earth with a small telescope, appearing as a 9th magnitude star. It takes a staggering 100,000 years for this star to complete a single orbit.
This celestial object was first documented by William Herschel in 1779. Despite its yellowish white appearance, when observed through a telescope, it creates the illusion of a greenish hue. Hence, it is worth observing this pair, as it emanates a remarkable beauty.
The third constituent of this celestial system is in close proximity to the central supergiant. Exhibiting a mass 1.26 times greater than that of the Sun, this star undergoes a complete revolution in approximately 30 years. It is commonly referred to as Polaris B.
Polaris possesses an additional characteristic – it is categorized as a variable star belonging to the Cepheus delta group, specifically a Cepheid. Furthermore, it is the nearest cepheid star within our knowledge. It is worth mentioning that cepheids are stars that pulsate in a regular manner, resulting in periodic changes in their luminosity. However, Polaris stands out as an atypical cepheid due to its subdued pulsations. A century ago, its luminosity fluctuated significantly more than it does presently, as it has become noticeably brighter.
Polaris is famous for its proximity to the North Pole. However, it has not always been the polar star and will not remain so in the future. Due to the Earth’s axis precession, different stars will take on the role of being the closest to the pole. Consequently, Polaris will be the nearest to the North Pole in the year 2102, after which it will gradually move away. By the year 3200, Cepheus gamma will take the position of the closest star to the pole, and in 13000, it will be Vega, the alpha star of Lyra. Interestingly, Vega already held the title of the polar star back in 13000 BC.
Yildun: The Delta of the Little Bear
Yildun, a young star with an age of approximately 170 million years, stands out with its scorching heat. With a surface temperature of 9900 K, it falls into the category of white dwarfs, despite having a radius 2.8 times larger than that of the sun. In terms of proximity, Yildun surpasses Polaris, as it is located 172 light-years away.
Due to its rapid rotation, this star exhibits noticeable flattening at its poles. In about 700 million years, Yildun will undergo a transformation into a red giant, mirroring the fate of our Sun, albeit on a much longer timescale. As Yildun approaches us, its luminosity will gradually increase, making it brighter and brighter.
Urodelus represents the epsilon star of the Little Dipper constellation.
This celestial object is in fact a binary star system. At its core, there is a massive orange giant star, which is 19 times bigger than our Sun and three times more massive. It emits 225 times more light than our Sun, despite having a similar temperature, because of its significantly larger surface area.
The second star in this system has not been extensively studied. It is recognized as a white main-sequence star that completes an orbit in just 39.5 days. This indicates that the two stars are relatively close to each other. Due to the smaller star periodically eclipsing the larger one, the brightness of the system fluctuates. This is the reason why Urodelus is categorized as an Algol-type variable star.
The distance to this binary star system is approximately 300 light years, and it is gradually decreasing by 10.5 km per second as Urodelus moves closer to our location.
Alifa is the brightest star in the constellation of Ursa Minor.
Alifa, also known as Epsilon Ursae Minoris, is a hot white star that has a surface temperature of approximately 9000 K. It is significantly larger than our Sun, with a size that is six times greater. In terms of brightness, Alifa outshines the Sun by emitting 191 times more light. Despite its luminosity, Alifa appears relatively dim in the sky due to its distance from Earth, which is approximately 337 light years. Consequently, when observed from our planet, Alifa presents itself as a faint star with a magnitude of only 4.2m.
Allaso is one of the stars in the constellation Ursa Minor
This particular star is also known by the name Anwar al Farkadin. In the night sky, it may not stand out much, as it has a brightness of 4.95m. Its distance from Earth is approximately 96 light years.
Upon closer observation, it becomes apparent that Allaso is actually a binary star system. The primary star in this system is a white-yellow dwarf, which is nearly twice the size of the Sun and 1.66 times more massive. It also burns hotter than our Sun. This is what we see when we look up at the sky.
The second component of this system is not well understood. It is classified as a red dwarf and is located 13 light years away from the main star. While this may seem like a significant distance, gravitational interactions can still occur between the two stars.
Cohab is the beta version of the Little Dipper.
The orange giant, which is the second brightest star in the constellation, is 42 times larger than the Sun and 2.5 times heavier. Kohab emits 400 times more light than the Sun. If it were placed at the center of the solar system, it would unleash its monstrous radiation and incinerate everything.
Kohab has a yellow-orange satellite with a brightness of 11.3. It can be detected at an angular distance of 3.4 seconds.
In 2014, Kohab was found to have an exoplanet that is 6 times more massive than Jupiter. The planet’s greatest distance from the star is only 1.4 a.u., and it completes a full revolution in 522 days. Given the size and power of the star, this planet is considered a hot Jupiter.
Ferkad, located in the Little Dipper, serves as the gamma star.
Although Ferkad may seem like an ordinary white giant, it is actually quite remarkable. It is 15 times larger than the Sun and 8 times heavier. Additionally, Ferkad emits 1100 times more light than the Sun, giving it a brightness of about +3m in the sky, despite being located approximately 480 light years away from us.
What sets Ferkad apart is its variability as a Delta Shield type star. It has the ability to change its brightness by 0.05m, with these changes occurring in a cycle of approximately 3.43 hours. These variations are caused by pulsations on the surface of the star.
The shifting position of stars based on the time of day
Let’s focus on how the positions of the constellations known as the Big Dipper and Little Dipper change throughout the day. For instance, during the nighttime in February, we observe the bucket with the handle pointing downwards, situated in the northeast. However, as morning approaches, the constellation will shift towards the northwest, causing the handle to turn upwards.
Interestingly, the five stars within the bucket form a distinct group and move independently from the other two stars. Dubhe and Benetnash are gradually moving away in the opposite direction compared to the other five stars. Consequently, in the near future, the dipper will adopt a completely different appearance. However, this transformation will not be noticeable to us, as it will take approximately one hundred thousand years for the significant change to become apparent.
Galaxies in the Ursa Minor constellation
The Ursa Minor constellation offers limited opportunities for amateur stargazers to observe celestial objects. There is only one galaxy present, and it is a dwarf elliptical galaxy known as the Little Bear.
The galaxy known as the Small Bear Galaxy.
This galaxy is composed of mature celestial bodies, as the process of stellar formation occurred approximately 14 billion years ago and continued for a span of 2 billion years. Subsequently, the emergence of new stars within this galaxy has been minimal.
Similar to the Magellanic Clouds, the Small Bear Galaxy serves as a companion to our Milky Way.
Cosmic Bodies
The Small Dipper (PGC 54074, UGC 9749) is a diminutive elliptical galaxy with a visible magnitude of 11.9 and a span of 200,000 light-years. It serves as a companion galaxy to the Milky Way. The majority of its stars are ancient, and there is a scarcity of observable star formation.
Further reading: Insights on the Burbot: what is this fishing gear, how to craft it independently, installation techniques based on the time of year
Discovered in 1954, the Hubble Space Telescope provided information in 1999 that confirmed the existence of a period of formation in the galaxy that lasted for 2 billion years, approximately 11 billion years ago.
If you want to explore the Little Bear constellation in the northern hemisphere in more detail, you can use not only our photos but also the ZD models and an online telescope. An independent search can be facilitated with a star map.
Meteor showers in Ursa Minor
Ursa Minor constellation is home to a unique meteor shower known as Ursids. This mesmerizing celestial event takes place annually starting from December 17th and lasts for approximately a week. The peak activity of Ursids can be observed on December 22nd, during which you can witness an average of 10 meteors per hour. However, on rare occasions, the Ursids meteor shower can exhibit a remarkable surge in activity. In fact, in the year 1945, it showcased an astonishing display of 120 meteors per hour.
The Ursids meteor shower is caused by the comet Tuttle, which was initially discovered by Pierre Mechene in 1790. This comet completes a full orbit around the sun in approximately 14 years.
The constellation Ursa Minor, commonly known as the Little Bear, is always visible in the sky. Although it doesn’t have many prominent features, it’s worth locating and observing its stars, and don’t forget to point out Polaris to your children!
There has been a lack of a common name for a significant period of time
The Little Bear constellation has a similar shape to a dipper, much like the Big Dipper. The Phoenicians, renowned navigators of ancient times, utilized this group of stars for navigation. However, Greek sailors were more inclined towards the Big Dipper. The Arabs perceived the Little Dipper as a rider, while the red-skinned monkey held onto the center of the world with its tail and circled around it. For a long time, there was no universally accepted meaning or name, and each nation interpreted the starry sky in their own unique and easily comprehensible way. What other insights can the Big Dipper constellation provide?
Asterisms
Photo Asterism Small Bucket by astrophotographer Rogelio Bernal Andreo
The constellation consists of two asterisms: the Small Bucket and the Guardians of the Pole. The Small Bucket is familiar to modern observers and bears a resemblance to the nearby Big Bucket, albeit less luminous. It is composed of the most prominent stars in the celestial formation. While some may believe that the Little Bear is limited to these seven objects, there are actually an additional 18 stars included in its composition.
The second asterism, known as the Guardians of the Pole, is less well-known and derives its name from ancient times when its two constituent stars, Ferkad and Cohab, were located closer to the pole than Polaris.
Systems of Celestial Bodies
The constellation known as the Little Dipper contains numerous celestial bodies that have been observed to possess exoplanets. Among these luminous bodies is a star named Kohab, as well as several other fainter stars. Located 390 light-years away from Earth, the Little Bear’s 11th planet is an orange giant in the final stages of its evolution. With a radius equivalent to 24 times that of our Sun, it has a mass of only 1.8 times that of our own star. In 2009, a planet was discovered orbiting this star, completing one revolution every 516 days. Its mass is estimated to be 10.5 times that of Jupiter.
In the field of astronomy, there is another star known as HD 150706. It is located at a distance of 100 light years from our planet. Scientists believe that this star has a planet in its orbit, which takes approximately six thousand days to complete one revolution around its parent star.
Engaging items
Photo of the Galaxy Dwarf found in the Little Dipper of Ursa Minor
In addition to the primary stars, the galaxies present in the Ursa Minor constellation are fascinating. One of them is the aforementioned Dwarf, which is a companion to the Milky Way and was discovered back in 1954. This galaxy is considered rather ancient, with an estimated age of at least ten billion years. Due to its small size, it is difficult to determine if it contains any gas, dust, or ongoing star formation processes. Another name for this galaxy is Polarissima, given its close proximity to Earth’s axis of rotation.
Furthermore, NGC 6217 and NGC 5832 are present in the constellation. All the aforementioned entities are relatively minute in terms of cosmic magnitude, necessitating the usage of advanced optical apparatus to observe them.
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The stars within the Little Bear constellation possess a subdued luminosity, rendering them challenging to discern in the nocturnal expanse unless the conditions are optimally dark. However, if one is fortunate enough to be situated under a perfectly dark sky, locating the Little Bear becomes possible by locating Polaris, which forms part of this constellation.
Procedure
Utilize the Big Dipper as a guide to locate the Little Dipper
Select the appropriate setting. Prior to embarking on your search for a constellation, ensure that the conditions of the night sky are favorable. This is particularly crucial when seeking out the Little Dipper, as several of its stars are rather faint.
- To experience a truly dark sky and have a chance to see the Little Bear constellation, it is necessary to venture outside the city limits. Living in a bustling city or suburb often means dealing with the issue of light pollution. The abundance of streetlights, indoor lighting, and various forms of electric lights can make it challenging to appreciate the beauty of the night sky. Dim stars like those in the Little Bear constellation become even more elusive amidst the city lights. To overcome this obstacle, it is essential to escape the bright city or suburban lights and find a location where the sky is dark enough to reveal the wonders of the Little Bear.
- To improve your view and increase the chances of spotting the Little Bear, it’s important to avoid obstacles. While small objects, low fences, and bushes won’t obstruct your view, larger structures like trees and barns can. So, choose a location with the fewest potential obstructions.
- When planning your stargazing session, it’s best to pick a day with good weather. Lightly cloudy skies are ideal, as too much cloud cover can completely hide the stars. Alternatively, you can go out when the sky is completely cloudless, but keep in mind that the moon may appear brighter, making it harder to see the fainter stars of the Little Dipper.
- Ferkad marks the “upper corner” of the Little Bear’s bowl, while Cohab marks the “lower corner” of the bowl.
- The stars revolving or marching around Polaris are known as the “Guardians of the Pole”. These stars are the closest bright stars to Polaris and, apart from Polaris itself, they are the closest bright stars to the Earth’s pole or axis.
- Among these stars, Cohab is the brightest star, shining with a second magnitude and an orange glow. Ferkad is also quite visible, with a third magnitude.
- Spring and Fall. The position of the Little Bear varies slightly depending on the time of year. In spring and summer, the Little Dipper is generally positioned slightly higher in the night sky, while in fall and winter, it tends to be slightly lower and closer to the horizon.
- The position of the constellation known as the Little Dipper in the night sky is influenced by the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. This is due to the Earth’s tilt on its axis, which causes the stars forming the Little Dipper to appear closer or farther away depending on your geographic location. As a result, the stars will appear higher or lower in the night sky.
- Improve your chances of spotting the Little Dipper by selecting the optimal time of year. While it is technically possible to see the Little Dipper at any time of year given the right conditions, it is easiest to observe it on a spring evening or winter morning.
- During these times, the stars forming the Little Dipper will be positioned quite high in the sky. The brightness of the stars themselves will remain constant, but you will have better visibility for observation.
- This constellation cannot be observed in the southern hemisphere. As mentioned previously, the positions of the Ursa Minor and Polaris will vary depending on the latitude of your location. If you travel south, below the equator in the southern hemisphere, the northern sky, including Polaris and both Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, will not be visible.
- In the northern hemisphere, the North Pole and both Ursa Major and Ursa Minor will be circumpolar, meaning they will be above the horizon and visible. However, if you are in the southern hemisphere, these stars will be below the horizon.
- Remember that at the North Pole, Polaris will be directly overhead. If you are at the South Pole, Polaris will be directly beneath you, out of your sight.
- Polaris (α UMi). It has a stellar magnitude of 2.02 m.
- Cohab (β UMi). Its visible stellar magnitude is 2.08 m. From around 2000 B.C. to 500 A.D., Cohab was the nearest brightest star to the North Pole and served as a polar star, which is evident in its Arabic name Kohab al-Shemali (Star of the North).
- Ferkad (γ UMi). It has a stellar magnitude of 3.05 m.
- Yildun (δ UMi). It has an apparent sidereal magnitude of 4.36 m.
- Alpha, also known as Polaris, is the brightest star in the constellation and can be seen prominently in the night sky.
- Beta, also called Kochab, is the second brightest star in the star cluster. It is an orange giant and has a companion.
- Gamma is known as Pherkad. The names Beta and Gamma translate to “two calves” in Arabic.
- Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, and Eta do not have specific names.
- Choose a night with clear weather. In a cloudless sky, it is much easier to spot the faint lights of the Little Bear. It is recommended to select a location away from artificial lighting. Such places may be hard to find in urban areas, so venturing to the outskirts is advisable.
- Locate the Big Dipper in the night sky. It is unlikely to be mistaken for any other constellation, as the stars in this group shine brighter than others due to their relatively close proximity to Earth. The Big Dipper is shaped like a trapezoid with a long handle.
- Identify Polaris. It is positioned further north than the Big Dipper and serves as the endpoint for the Little Dipper.
How to locate Polaris in the night sky
The most convenient method to find Polaris is by using the Big Dipper. The prominent stars of this constellation are visible year-round in Russia and several other countries in the northern hemisphere, forming the shape of a large dipper.
To locate Polaris, mentally draw a line that extends five times the length of the segment formed by the outermost stars of the Big Dipper.
Alternatively, you can use a compass to find Polaris. It serves as a navigational star, guiding travelers towards the North Pole.
By observing Polaris, one can notice its unique characteristic of remaining in a fixed position. While all other constellations gradually move across the night sky throughout the night, Polaris remains stationary above the North Pole.
- Polaris (α UMi). Its stellar magnitude is 2.02 m
- Cohab (β UMi). It has a visible stellar magnitude of 2.08 m. From around 2000 B.C. to 500 A.D., Kohab served as the brightest star closest to the North Pole and acted as a polar star, which is reflected in its Arabic name Kohab al-Shemali (Star of the North).
- Ferkad (γ UMi). Its stellar magnitude is 3.05 m
- Yildun (δ UMi). It has an apparent sidereal magnitude of 4.36 m
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If we examine the past, one can see that among the numerous asterisks, a rather significant role is played by the fact that all the proof suggests that ancient navigation heavily depended on it. Although occasionally the Phoenicians utilized the prominent Big Dipper for guidance, despite its luminosity, it resulted in significant errors when it came to determining the correct direction.
What is the method for locating the Little Bear using the Big Dipper?
It is fairly easy to locate the Big Dipper since it stands out and shines brightly. Since these two constellations are in close proximity to each other, it becomes clear how to find the Little Bear using the Big Dipper. To accomplish this, mentally connect the last two stars of the Big Dipper, which are Merak (the β star) and Dubhe (the α star), and extend this line upwards by a distance that is 5 times the distance between them. This is how you can locate Alpha (Polaris), which is the main star in the Little Bear constellation.
Before pondering how to find the Little Bear constellation solely based on the location of Polaris, it is important to understand the shape formed by the stars and how the asterism is positioned in relation to the Big Dipper.
In order to gain a complete understanding, it is worth noting that based on their names, the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper share a resemblance to the shape of a bucket. In terms of positioning, the Little Dipper is essentially inverted in relation to the Big Dipper.
Acquiring knowledge grants authority
Prior to embarking on your search, take the time to examine the star chart. This will facilitate the process of locating the constellation. Subsequently, it will be effortless for you to identify the specific star group you are seeking. Should someone inquire about how to locate the Little Dipper within the Big Dipper, armed with comprehensive knowledge, you will be able to clearly explicate the procedure.
Now that we have learned how to locate the Little Bear constellation, let’s discuss Polaris, which played a crucial role in guiding travelers and navigators on their arduous journeys in the past. While Polaris is not visible in the night sky, it is positioned closest to the northernmost point on Earth, with an error margin of just 1°. However, it is worth noting that this accuracy will diminish and exceed one degree after a mere 145 years.
It will only be after the year 3200 that the star closest to the northern point of the world will become Alderamin (alpha Cepheus).
“Twists” the bear by the tail of the Earth’s axis
Polaris remains fixed in its position, despite the Earth’s daily rotation on its own axis and its annual orbit around the Sun. The brightness of this guiding star is not constant and fluctuates with a periodicity of 4 days, within a range of 2.02 ± 2%. In the past, the amplitude of its luminosity was higher, but today it has become more stable. Overall, the brightness of Polaris is steadily increasing and has risen by nearly 15% over the past century.
The pulsation’s nature is connected to the luminosity characteristic, which is precisely how Cepheids exhibit their behavior. The guiding star is among the most radiant cepheids visible in the nocturnal firmament.
The Little Dipper encompasses approximately 255.9 square degrees in the celestial sphere. Its closest celestial companions include the Draco and Cepheus.
As mentioned earlier, the asterisk is located at the North Pole of the World, where all objects orbit around it. The first recorded mention of this was by the Greek astrologer Ptolemy in the 2nd century.
The Little Dipper and its celestial bodies
The constellation of the Little Dipper consists of seven prominent celestial bodies. Out of all the stars in the Little Dipper, only the three brightest are easily visible. These are Ferhad and Cohab, which form the wall of the Bucket, and Polaris, which crowns the handle of the constellation. The last two stars are located above the tail end of the Big Dipper.
The Lesser Pail differs somewhat from the other constellations. Unlike the Big Dipper and other asterisms that are seasonal and can be observed in certain seasons, the Lesser Pail remains fixed in the sky throughout the year. However, similar to the Little Dipper, it does change its position as it orbits around its Alpha star.
The Alpha (Polaris) of the Little Bear is positioned at a distance of 431 S from our planet with a visible magnitude of 2.02. Recent findings have revealed that it is not just one star, but rather a trio of stars that form a singular system. The most brilliant of these stars shines with an intensity nearly 2 thousand times greater than that of the Sun. Additionally, the second star in the Little Bear possesses a mass equivalent to 1.39 times the mass of our Sun.
By using a small telescope, one can observe it. The third star, Alpha, is 1.25 times more massive than our Sun and is situated in close proximity to the first star. Thanks to the Hubble telescope, it is now possible to see it as an individual star.
Kohab, also known as the Star of the North, is an orange-colored giant. It is the second brightest star, or beta, in the Lesser Dipper constellation, with a magnitude of 2.8. It is located 126 light years away from Earth.
Ferhad, with a magnitude of 3.6, is the gamma star of the Little Dipper. It is located 480 light years away. This celestial object is classified as a hot giant with a temperature of 8600 K and belongs to the variable star type.
Delta Minor Bucket, or Yildun, is a white-colored dwarf situated 183 light years away.
Zeta is a different type of dwarf star, with a white color and situated 380 light years away from our planet. Its luminosity is 200 times stronger than that of our Sun. This star is currently in the process of transforming into a giant star.
Polaris is a reliable guide
You may not remember all of this information, but your knowledge has definitely expanded. And in case you ever find yourself lost in the woods without a cell phone, try to recall how to locate the Little Bear using the Big Dipper. By doing so, you will be able to find Polaris and determine which direction is north.
The heavens conceal a multitude of enigmas and undiscovered wonders
Even devoid of a telescope, a simple gaze skyward at the celestial luminaries will reveal the vastness and diversity of our expansive cosmos.
The Little Bear constellation represents only a small portion of it. The Universe we currently perceive has well-defined boundaries and a tremendous size, stretching approximately 14 billion light years.
However, is this depiction of the Universe accurate? This question ignites the curiosity of esteemed scientists who speculate, investigate, debate, and strive to comprehend its true nature. Some experts propose the idea of an infinite Universe, while others hypothesize the existence of a Multiverse.
Conceivably, within one of these alternate universes, there could exist an identical planet, country, and even a replica of yourself. The possibilities are vast, as science continuously pushes the boundaries of the unknown and uncovers hidden truths. It consistently shows us that what may seem fantastical today could become our reality tomorrow.
The most brilliant stars in the constellation are:
The Story of the Little Bear Constellation
The constellation of the Little Bear is not only linked with its close proximity to the Big Bear in the night sky, but also with captivating myths and legends that were expertly crafted by the ancient Greeks.
The primary character in stories about the Bears typically featured Callisto, the daughter of Lycaon, the king of Arcadia. According to one myth, her beauty was so extraordinary that it caught the attention of the powerful Zeus. Disguised as the goddess-hunter Artemis, who had Callisto in her retinue, Zeus approached the maiden and she subsequently gave birth to her son Arcades. When Hera, Zeus’ jealous wife, discovered this, she immediately transformed Callisto into a bear. As time passed, Arcades grew up and became a handsome young man. One day, while hunting a wild animal, he stumbled upon the trail of a bear. Unaware of the bear’s true identity, he intended to shoot it with an arrow, but Zeus intervened to prevent the killing. Instead, he transformed his son into a bear and transported them both to the heavens. This action enraged Hera, who pleaded with her brother Poseidon, the god of the seas, to not allow the couple into his kingdom. That is why the Big and Little Bears in the middle and northern latitudes never go below the horizon.
There is another myth connected to Zeus’ birth. Zeus’ father was Kronos, a god known for his habit of consuming his own offspring. To protect the baby, Kronos’ wife, the goddess Rhea, hid Zeus in a cave, where he was cared for by two bears named Melissa and Helis. Eventually, these bears were elevated to the heavens.
In ancient Greece, bears were considered rare and exotic animals. This may explain why the two bears in the sky have long, curved tails that are not typically seen in bears. Some believe that Zeus, in his impetuousness, pulled the bears into the sky by their tails. However, the origin of these tails may have a different explanation. The Greeks had an alternative name for the constellation of the Little Bear – Kinosura (from the Greek Κυνόσουρις), which translates to “Dog’s tail”.
Both the Big and Small Ladles were frequently referred to as “chariots” or the Big and Small Voz (not just in Greece, but also in Russia). In fact, with a vivid imagination, one can envision carts with harnesses in the bowls of these constellations.
Even individuals who have limited knowledge of astronomy are aware of how to locate the Big Dipper in the night sky. Because of its proximity to the Earth’s north pole, in the middle latitudes of our country, the Big Dipper is a circumpolar constellation, meaning it never fully sets and can be seen in the sky at any time from dusk to dawn throughout the year. However, the position of the Big Dipper in relation to the horizon changes throughout the day and the year. For instance, during short summer nights, the ladle of the Big Dipper gradually descends from the west to the northwest, with the handle of the ladle pointing upwards. On dark August nights, the seven bright stars of the Big Dipper can be observed quite low in the northern part of the sky. In the autumn, the Big Dipper starts to rise above the northeastern horizon closer to dawn, and its handle appears to point towards the rising sun. In early December evenings, the Big Dipper is visible low in the north, but as the long winter night progresses, it gradually rises high above the horizon and can be found almost directly overhead by morning. Towards the end of winter, as darkness falls, the Big Dipper can be spotted in the northeast with the handle pointing downwards, and by morning it shifts to the northwest with the handle pointing upwards. It is logical that due to its widespread recognition and favorable visibility on clear evenings or nights, the Big Dipper serves as a reference point for locating other constellations, including the Little Dipper, which is home to one of the most famous stars in the northern hemisphere, Polaris. Despite its fame, this star is one that few people who are unfamiliar with the secrets of the stars have actually seen with their own eyes. It is similar in brightness to the stars of the Big Dipper, but all the other stars in the “little dipper” of the Little Dipper, except for one more star in the southern part of the constellation, are much dimmer and may not be visible in heavily illuminated urban skies. Therefore, for those seeking an introduction to the night sky, it is preferable to choose an observation site outside of large cities or within a forest park zone.
At this point, you will have the capability to locate various constellations in the heavens, such as the Big and Little Bears, Cassiopeia, and the Dragon. By repeatedly observing these constellations on clear nights, you will soon and easily be able to differentiate them from the surrounding starry sky. As a result, the challenge of spotting other constellations will appear less daunting to you!
For those amateur stargazers who plan to continue exploring the wonders of the night sky even after becoming familiar with all the constellations, we suggest keeping an observation log. It is important to record the date and time of your observations and make a sketch of the constellations in relation to the horizon. Additionally, try to accurately depict the positions of the bright stars within the constellations on the celestial sphere, and even include the faintest stars on your homemade “star maps”. These sketching skills will prove invaluable when you advance to using a telescope (or binoculars) to observe other celestial objects. Plus, it’s always a joy to flip through an old observation journal and relive the many delightful memories!
Questions for the initial assignment:
1. Where was the constellation Cassiopeia located in the sky during your observations?
2. Where was the handle of the Big Dipper located in the sky?
3. Could you see Alcor without any assistance?
4. Keep a record of your observations (for example, in a regular notebook), noting the position of the constellations you are familiar with from the first task above the horizon in the evening, at night, and in the morning. This will allow you to witness the daily rotation of the celestial sphere. Try to accurately depict the appearance of the constellations in your journals, and label even the faintest stars. Don’t limit yourself to familiar constellations. Also, draw the parts of the night sky that are unfamiliar to you.
One of the most well-known constellations in the Northern Hemisphere, second only to Ursa Minor, is Ursa Major.
Situated adjacent to its “younger” counterpart, this constellation can be observed year-round in Russia and is circumpolar. It is positioned approximately 1 degree away from Polaris, which currently marks the North Pole.
The ancient Phoenicians utilized this constellation for navigation during their voyages. Its modern name was derived from the ancient Greeks. Philesus of Miletus introduced Ursa Major in ancient astronomy, and it is one of the 48 constellations included in Claudius Ptolemy’s catalog of the night sky, known as the “Almagest.”
Ursa Major: Constellation Diagram.
(All images can be clicked for larger versions)
In ancient Greek mythology, the constellation known as the Little Bear is often associated with the Big Bear. According to one legend, it is said to have been transformed into the Big Bear by Arcas, the son of Callisto who was turned into the Big Bear by Zeus. Another legend attributes the transformation to the nymph Kynosoura. Interestingly, in typical fashion of ancient Greek myths, there are multiple variations of the myths that describe the specifics of how the Little Bear came to be seen in the night sky.
Locating the constellation in the sky is quite simple: one just needs to mentally draw a straight line through the outermost stars of the handle of the Big Dipper (Dubhe and Merak), extending it upwards a distance approximately five times greater than the distance between these stars. This line will pass near Polaris, which is easily visible in the dark sky. From there, it is easy to trace the outline of the Little Bear, including its main stars.
A Scheme for Locating the Little Bear in the Sky.
The Little Bear constellation contains a number of fascinating celestial objects. One of the most notable is Polaris, which is currently the closest star to the North Pole of the Earth. However, this proximity is only temporary. Due to the Earth’s axis precession, the position of the North Pole gradually shifts over a period of 25,776 years. As a result, the stars near the North Pole of the Earth constantly change. In the present era, Polaris holds this position, but 3,000 years ago it was Kohab (α of the Little Bear). In pre-dynastic Ancient Egypt, Tuban (α of the Dragon) occupied this position, and a thousand years later it was Alrai (γ Cepheus). In 13,000 years, the North Pole will be represented by Vega, one of the brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere.
Polaris is an intriguing star in its own right – it is a supergiant that holds the distinction of being the brightest and closest pulsating variable star to Earth. It is situated at a distance of 431 light years and exists as a triple system. The supergiant, known as Polaris A, is positioned at the center, while Polaris B is found at a respectable distance from it. Additionally, there is a dwarf component, Polaris Ab, which orbits very closely to the supergiant and has a period of 30 years. Even in a modest telescope, the companion Polaris can be clearly observed. The ability to observe the third component of this system was made possible to astronomers only when the Hubble telescope was introduced.
The Polaris multiple system (designated as alpha of the Little Bear) features the central supergiant Polaris A, the second companion Polaris B, and the dwarf Polaris Ab (as captured in a photograph taken by the Hubble telescope, courtesy of NASA).
In the constellation, there are several interesting deep space objects that can be observed. One of them is the NGC 6217, a spiral galaxy. Another object is the dwarf galaxy Polarissima (UGC 9749), which is a satellite of the Milky Way. Lastly, there is the galaxy NGC 5832. However, these objects are quite challenging to observe in telescopes with low surface brightness.
In addition, in 2002, an exoplanet called HD 150706 b was discovered in the constellation of the Little Bear. This exoplanet is a gas giant with a mass similar to Jupiter and has an orbital period of 260 days.
The Ursa Minor constellation, despite its 27th position among the Northern Hemisphere constellations and 56th position in terms of angular area among all celestial sphere constellations, holds great navigational importance. This is because the north pole of the world is currently located in Ursa Minor.
It is worth noting that Ursa Minor is part of a constellation group that includes its older sister, the Big Dipper[1].
Ursa Minor is directly bordered by three constellations – Draco, Camelopardalis, and Cepheus. The Little Dipper, as the northernmost constellation, remains above the horizon at all times, not only in Russia but also in all countries north of the Tropic of Cancer.
Finding the constellation in the night sky
The constellation can be seen in latitudes ranging from -10° to +90°. The most optimal conditions for observing it are during late summer, autumn, and winter. It remains clearly visible throughout Russia all year round. It is surrounded by neighboring constellations such as the Dragon, Giraffe, and Cepheus.
Also, check out: Tips and recommendations for hunting grouse with a decoy in the autumn, including necessary equipment and key features to consider.
The Little Dipper is a well-known constellation, but it can be challenging to locate due to only the two outermost stars of the dipper being bright enough to be visible with the naked eye. However, Polaris comes to the rescue as it can be found with the help of the Big Dipper. During the fall season, the Big Dipper can be found to the right and below its sister constellation.
During the winter season, the Little Bear constellation appears to be “tilted,” causing its dipper to face downwards towards the northeastern side of the horizon. The Big Dipper can be seen to the right and positioned higher during this time. Additionally, Cassiopeia, located above the Little Bear, is easily observable to the left.
During the summer, at midnight, the smaller constellation known as the Little Dipper can be seen in the sky above its larger counterpart. These two constellations, Cassiopeia and Perseus, are closely connected and easily visible on the right side. On the left side, positioned at a significant distance, are the constellations of Ursa Minor and Corona Borealis, commonly referred to as the Magpie and the Northern Crown, respectively.
"The Bear" spins around the Earth’s axis by its tail
Polaris maintains its position, even though the Earth rotates on its axis daily and orbits around the Sun annually. The brightness of Polaris, the guiding star, fluctuates and changes in intensity every 4 days, within the range of 2.02 ± 2%. In the past, the amplitude of its luminosity was higher, but now it has become stable. The overall brightness of Polaris is continuously increasing and has risen by nearly 15% over the past century.
The pulsation is connected to the property of brightness, which is precisely the behavior of Cepheids. The leading star is among the most brilliant cepheids that can be seen in the night sky. The region of the sky occupied by the Little Dipper measures approximately 255.9 square degrees. Its closest companions include the Dragon and Cepheus.
Within the star formation, as previously stated, lies the North Pole of the Earth – the pivotal point of the celestial sphere, around which all celestial bodies orbit. The earliest reference in ancient texts can be attributed to the Greek astronomer Ptolemy during the 2nd century.
Each country has its own unique tale about the origin of the Little Bear constellation.
One day, the majestic goddess Artemis decided to embark on a hunting expedition for her own amusement. Accompanying her were her entourage of loyal maids and girlfriends, all of whom were exceptionally beautiful, cheerful, and youthful. Amongst this group of charming ladies, there stood out a particularly stunning, slender, and joyous maiden named Callisto. The group of young hunters had been searching for their prey for quite some time, their laughter catching the attention of Zeus himself.
Zeus became smitten with the stunning Callisto and developed deep feelings for her. However, due to his strict rule against his girlfriends and maids getting married, Zeus had to devise a cunning plan. He cleverly disguised himself as the goddess Artemis and approached Callisto. As time went by, Callisto became pregnant and gave birth to a son named Arkad. The boy grew up rapidly, bringing immense joy to his mother, and exhibited remarkable hunting skills. Everything seemed perfect until the jealous Hera discovered the hidden relationship between her husband Zeus and Callisto.
In a fit of anger, Hera placed a curse on her rival and transformed her into a hideous old bear. One day, while out hunting, Arkad stumbled upon his mother in her bear form. Without hesitation, he pulled back the bowstring and released an arrow… It would have been a fatal shot, for Arkad was an exceptional marksman. However, Zeus had deep affection for the beautiful Callisto, and even in her monstrous state, he continued to watch over her, cherishing her former beauty. With lightning speed, Zeus managed to divert the arrow’s path, narrowly avoiding disaster. Frightened by the close call, Zeus decided to immortalize his beloved Callisto in the night sky. To keep mother and son together, he transformed her into a bear cub named Arkad. To ensure Hera couldn’t interfere, Zeus swiftly grabbed them by their tails and flung them into the heavens.
Ever since that time, the Big and Little Bears have shone together, mother and son, with only their tails growing longer. Even in faraway India, stories were told about Polaris, which is a part of the Little Bear constellation. Once upon a time, there was a king who had two wives. The older wife, Suniti, was beautiful and kind-hearted, while the second wife, Surachi, was beautiful in appearance but grumpy and angry. They both had sons whom they named Dhruv and Attama.
The younger wife began to wonder who would rule if something happened to the king. According to the law, Dhruv, the eldest son, would become the ruler.
Afterwards, she made the decision to eliminate Suniti and her child. She requested for them to be sent away from the palace. The king had a deep affection for his younger wife and thus sent the unfortunate individuals to the depths of the forest. As time passed, Dhruv matured and began to inquire about his father. Suniti disclosed everything to him without any concealment. Dhruv yearned to lay eyes on his father, so Suniti did not oppose and Dhruv embarked on his extensive journey. The king was overjoyed to see him, but Surachi witnessed the reunion. In a fit of rage, she forcibly snatched the boy from his father’s embrace and returned him to the forest. She strictly prohibited him from even approaching the palace. The boy embarked on a journey that lasted for days, contemplating something. And all of a sudden, he questioned who was wiser and mightier than the king.
His mother enlightened him about the existence of Sage Narayana, who resided in the distant north.
Dhurv sat down next to him and they prayed together. The power of their thoughts was so strong that it created a tremendous energy that disrupted the Seven Sages. The Sages went to search for the source of this energy and when they saw a young boy, they decided to assist him in meeting the god Vishnu, who was disguised as Narayane.
The mighty god Indra, ruler of the heavenly kingdom, learned of the boy’s desire to meet Vishnu. Believing that this meeting could potentially threaten his throne, Indra did everything he could to obstruct the boy and the Sages. He sent snakes and demons to deter them, but the courageous men remained undeterred and continued their meditations.
Eventually, Vishnu himself took notice of their unwavering determination and was pleased with Dhruva. He transformed into the form of Suniti and descended to meet the boy.
When the divine being inquired about his desires, Dhruv remained silent, yet gazed sorrowfully into the deity’s eyes. Vishnu comprehended the depths of his unspoken yearnings and transformed him into a luminescent celestial body, positioning him upon a lofty perch beyond the reach of malevolence and inequity. As a testament to his unwavering resolve, the star in the firmament remains immobile – a steadfast Polar Star.
The sagacious individuals who beseeched alongside the young lad were placed in close proximity, forming a constellation of 7 resplendent stars that comprise a celestial vessel within the Ursa Major.
Asterisms
An asterism is a pattern of stars that is not officially recognized as a constellation. These patterns are often smaller and less prominent than constellations, but they can still be easily recognized and enjoyed by stargazers. Asterisms can be found within constellations or span across multiple constellations. Some well-known examples of asterisms include the Big Dipper, the Summer Triangle, and Orion’s Belt. While they may not have the same status as constellations, asterisms are still a beautiful and fascinating part of the night sky.
Photograph of the Asterism Small Bucket captured by astrophotographer Rogelio Bernal Andreo.
The constellation includes two asterisms: the Small Bucket and the Guardians of the Pole. The former is well-known among contemporary observers. The Little Bear’s constellation is quite similar to the nearby Big Bear, but it is less luminous. It consists of the most prominent stars in the celestial formation. Some people mistakenly believe that the Little Dipper is comprised only of these seven objects, when in reality it includes 18 more stars.
The lesser-known asterism, which dates back to ancient times, is named after two stars, Ferkad and Kohab, that were once located closer to the pole than Polaris.
The Most Brilliant Stars in the Little Bear Constellation
The Little Bear constellation is home to a single star that has been confirmed to have a planet orbiting it. The most prominent star in the constellation is known as Polaris, or Alpha Minor.
Polaris: The Alpha Star of the Little Bear Constellation
Polaris, the nearest bright star to the North Pole, has held this title since medieval times. It is the most luminous star in the constellation Ursa Minor. Polaris has an apparent magnitude of 1.985 and falls into the spectral class F7 Ib-II. This star is located approximately 434 light-years away from Earth.
Alpha Ursa Minoris, commonly known as the North Star, is actually a multiple star system. It consists of a prominent giant star, designated α UMi A, as well as two smaller stars, α UMi B and α Umi Ab. Additionally, there are two more distant stars in the system, α UMi C and α UMi D.
The most brilliant component of the α UMi system is a large giant (II) or supergiant (Ib) star classified as a spectral type F8. It has a mass six times that of the Sun. Polaris B, also known as α UMi B, was discovered by William Herschel in 1780. It is a main sequence star with a spectral type of F3. α UMi Ab, on the other hand, is a dwarf star that orbits very closely to its primary star.
During Ptolemy’s observation of Polaris, it had a magnitude of three. However, currently, it is 2.5 times brighter than before.
Polaris is significant in celestial navigation due to its brightness and close distance to the pole. It has been referred to by various names throughout history.
The star Kohab or β of the Little Bear
The Little Bear contains a massive star called β which falls under the K4 III spectral type. It possesses a visual magnitude of 2.08 and is situated 130.9 light-years away from our solar system. Within the Little Bear’s bowl, β shines the brightest. This star, known as Cohab, is 130 times more luminous than our Sun and has a mass approximately 2.2 times greater.
Kohab and Thercadus, collectively referred to as pole keepers, are sometimes observed to orbit around the pole. These two stars served as the closest bright stars to the North Celestial Pole from 1500 B.C. to 500 A.D. However, their proximity to the pole is now surpassed by Polaris.
The star’s name is derived from the Arabic term al-kawkab, meaning “star,” and is a shortened version of al-kawkab al-šamāliyy, translating to “North Star.”
The Ferkad star or γ of the Ursa Minor
The Little Bear’s gamma star is classified as an A-type star and has an apparent magnitude of 3.05. This star is located about 487 light-years away from us. It is an intermediate supergiant and has a stellar classification of A3 lab. It is known for its high rotation speed, estimated to be around 180 km/s. The radius of this star is 15 times larger than the radius of the Sun, and it shines 1,100 times brighter than our Sun.
The star Farkad, also known as the Little Bear’s gamma star, got its traditional name from the Arabic word farqad, which means “calf”. It is a shortened version of the phrase afafa al farkadayn, which translates to “dim one of the two calves”.
The star Yildun or δ of the Little Bear
Yildun, also known as δ of the Little Bear, is a white main-sequence dwarf with a spectral type of A1V. It is situated about 183 light-years away from our planet Earth. This star has a visual magnitude of 4.35.
The traditional name of this celestial body, Yildun, originates from the Turkish term for “star,” which is yıldız. Occasionally, this name can be spelled as Vildiur, Jildun, Yilduz, or Gildun.
The bright celestial body known as Alif Al Farqadin, also referred to as ζ of the Ursa Minor constellation
The Little Dipper’s zeta star is a dwarf star of the A3Vn spectral type. It is currently in the process of evolving into a giant star, with a mass 3.4 times that of the Sun and a luminosity 200 times greater. The surface temperature of this star is approximately 8,300º C.
Alifa Al Farqadin has a visual magnitude of 4.32 and is located 380 light-years away from Earth.
The star’s traditional name is derived from the Arabic term “afafa al-farqadayn.”
Acquiring knowledge grants authority
Prior to embarking on your search, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with a star chart, as this will facilitate the process of locating the constellation. Subsequently, you will be astounded by the simplicity with which you can pinpoint the desired group of stars. Moreover, armed with comprehensive understanding, you will be able to articulate a clear explanation of how to locate the Little Dipper in relation to the Big Dipper should anyone inquire.
Now that we possess the knowledge of how to locate the constellation Ursa Minor, let us now delve into the significance of Polaris, which aided countless travelers and navigators in their arduous journeys of the past. Although it may not be the most luminous star in the night sky, it is positioned closest to the northernmost point on Earth, with an error margin of no more than 1 degree. However, after a mere 145 years, this position error will exceed one degree.
It won’t be until the year 3200 that the star closest to the northernmost point of the world becomes Alderamin (alpha Cepheus).
Celestial objects
The Little Bear (PGC 54074, UGC 9749) is a dwarf elliptical galaxy located 200,000 light-years away with an apparent magnitude of 11.9. It is a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. The majority of its stars are ancient and there is hardly any visible star formation taking place.
The discovery of this galaxy dates back to 1954. The Hubble Space Telescope provided data in 1999, which confirmed that the galaxy underwent a formation process 11 billion years ago and this process lasted for 2 billion years.
If you want to explore the constellation Ursa Minor in the northern hemisphere in more detail, you can utilize not only our photographs, but also 3D models and online telescopes. A star chart will come in handy for your personal search.
Meteor showers
Ursids, the final meteor shower of the year, is associated with the Little Dipper, which is not very well studied. The radiant of the meteor shower is located near the Little Ladle and it occurs between December 17 and 25, but its activity is highly unpredictable. Normally, the shower produces around 10 to 20 meteors per hour, which may not be very exciting for the average observer. However, there are occasional bursts of activity when the number of meteors exceeds a hundred. The most notable “harvest” years for meteors were 1988, 1994, 2000, 2006, and particularly 1945 and 1986. This meteor shower is the northernmost of its kind and it is believed to originate from the short-period comet Tuttle.
Photo The Little Dwarf Galaxy of the Little Bear
In addition to the primary stars, there is a fascinating collection of galaxies situated within the Little Dipper. One notable example is the Dwarf galaxy, which serves as a companion to our very own Milky Way. This galactic neighbor was first observed in 1954 and is considered quite ancient, with an estimated age of at least ten billion years. Due to its small size, it is difficult to determine if it possesses any gas, dust, or ongoing star formation processes. Some refer to this intriguing celestial body as Polarissima due to its proximity to the Earth’s axis of rotation.
Furthermore, within the constellation, NGC 6217 and NGC 5832 galaxies can be found. Each of these celestial bodies is relatively small in comparison to the vastness of the cosmos, making them difficult to observe without the aid of high-quality optical equipment.
The constellation known as the Little Dipper holds a special place in the hearts of stargazers. The universe never fails to amaze with its abundance of surprises and unexpected discoveries. There is always so much more waiting to be uncovered!
The celestial objects that grace the night sky are actually massive clusters of gases, and the patterns created by constellations can take on peculiar shapes. Are there any similarities among them or are they all completely unique?
Observing the night sky can be a fascinating experience for both children and their parents, especially when accompanied by a deeper understanding of the mysteries that surround our world.
Appearance of the Little Bear constellation
Situated alongside the Big Dipper, the Little Bear constellation forms a miniature version of a dipper. By connecting all the stars within it, you can trace the familiar shape of a vessel that brings back childhood memories.
This group of celestial bodies is relatively faint, making it easier to spot in a sky devoid of light pollution.
To observe this constellation with the unaided eye, locate Polaris, which stands out due to its size and brightness. This star is the first one to catch your attention.
The Most Shining Star in the Little Bear Constellation
The most brilliant spot in the sky may seem that way only to the human eye. In reality, there are numerous objects that shine even brighter. Nonetheless, Polaris outshines the rest in a truly spectacular fashion. Being a supergiant, it has two companions.
The star itself serves as the central point, and its luminosity surpasses that of the Sun by 2000 times. The discovery of the second companion was relatively recent due to its size. For many years, the dwarf companion remained unseen through the photographic lenses of telescopes on Earth.
The names of the stars in the constellation Ursa Minor
The Ursa Minor constellation is comprised of multiple components. While not as bright as its neighboring constellation, Ursa Major, the stars in Ursa Minor are still clearly visible in a clear sky.
Four of these stars have unique names, while the others are designated using Greek letters:
All of these stars are located more than 400 light-years away from Earth.
How to locate the Little Bear using the Big Dipper
Here is a simple guide:
How the constellations came to be known as bears
The constellations bear no resemblance to actual bears, whether brown or white. So why were they not named “dippers” instead? It is believed that the Greeks, who were aware of their close proximity to the North Pole, gave them this name.
Maps were considered a great luxury at the time, so people used the stars to navigate. Their assumption, even dating back to 545 BC, turned out to be accurate.
Who is the primary inhabitant of the North Pole? The bear, of course. Hence the name of the two constellations located near the northernmost point of the planet.
Legends and Folklore Surrounding the Big and Little Dipper
For centuries, constellations have captivated the human imagination and served as celestial guides for travelers. Among these constellations, the Big and Little Dipper hold a special place in folklore and mythology.
According to ancient Greek mythology, Zeus, the mighty god of thunder, once had a clandestine affair with a woman of unparalleled beauty named Callisto. Her radiant allure captured the hearts of all who beheld her. However, this forbidden love affair ultimately led to tragic consequences for Callisto.
Legend has it that, as punishment for her transgression, Callisto was transformed into a fearsome bear. In an effort to preserve her beauty and ensure her everlasting presence, Zeus cast her into the heavens, shaping her form into the constellation we now know as Ursa Major, or the Big Dipper. The force of Zeus’ throw stretched Callisto’s tail, which is why the tail of the Big Dipper appears longer than the rest of the constellation.
The girl had a loyal companion in the form of her dog, which underwent a transformation and became a bear cub that accompanied her into the celestial realm. This myth was widely known among the ancient Greeks.
The vast expanse of the starry sky has the potential to reveal numerous extraordinary phenomena. Even about creatures as familiar as bears, one can discover a wealth of fascinating knowledge. How many undiscovered constellations are there in the boundless expanse of space? Knowledge serves as a portal, offering humanity a glimpse into the captivating world of our universe.
The constellation of Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Bear, is a circumpolar constellation located in the Northern Hemisphere of the celestial sphere. Covering an area of 255.9 square degrees, it contains a total of 25 stars that are visible to the naked eye. Notably, Ursa Minor is currently home to the North Pole, positioned at an angular distance of 40′ from .
Renowned for its significance, the Little Dipper is among the most recognizable constellations. Despite its small size and lack of exceptionally bright stars, its proximity to the Earth’s north pole has made it a crucial component in the field of astronomy for centuries. Depicted as a small bear with a lengthy tail, it is believed that the bear’s tail extends due to its grasp on the Earth’s pole. The seven brightest stars in Ursa Minor form a distinctive bucket shape, reminiscent of the asterism found in the Big Dipper constellation. Polaris, the North Star, resides at the end of this handle. Locating Ursa Minor in the night sky is relatively straightforward, with neighboring constellations including Giraffe, Dragon, and Cepheus. However, the Big Dipper often serves as a convenient reference point. By drawing a line through the two outermost stars of the Big Dipper’s bucket and measuring five distances between them, one can pinpoint Polaris, marking the beginning of another smaller scoop – the Little Dipper. While less luminous than its counterpart, the Little Dipper remains clearly visible and distinguishable from other constellations in the sky. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere can enjoy year-round sightings of Ursa Minor.
The most luminous stars in the constellation are
The Myth of the Little Bear Constellation
Not only are the Big and Little Bears celestial neighbors, but they are also linked by a rich tapestry of myths and legends, a skill at which the ancient Greeks excelled.
The Bears in the stories were typically centered around Callisto, the daughter of Lycaon, the king of Arcadia. It is said that Callisto’s beauty was so extraordinary that it caught the attention of the mighty Zeus. Zeus disguised himself as the goddess-hunter Artemis, who happened to have Callisto in her retinue. Under this guise, Zeus approached Callisto and she ended up giving birth to a son named Arkad. When Zeus’ jealous wife Hera found out about this, she immediately transformed Callisto into a bear. Years went by and Arkad grew up to become a handsome young man. One day, while hunting a wild animal, he stumbled upon the trail of a bear. Unaware that it was his own mother, Arkad prepared to strike the bear with an arrow. However, Zeus intervened and transformed both Arkad and himself into bears, taking them to the heavens. This act enraged Hera, who pleaded with her brother Poseidon, the god of the seas, to not allow the bear couple into his kingdom. As a result, the Big and Little Bears in the middle and northern latitudes are never seen beyond the horizon.
For the ancient Greeks, the bear was a rare and exotic creature. This may explain why both bears in the sky have long, curved tails that are not typical of bears. Some believe that Zeus, in his impoliteness, pulled the bears by their tails and placed them in the sky. However, another explanation for the tails may be that the Greeks had an alternative name for the constellation of the Little Bear – Kinosura (from Greek Κυνόσουρις), which means “Dog’s tail.”
The constellations known as the Big and Small Dipper were often referred to as “chariots” or the Big and Small Voz (not only in Greece, but also in Russia). If you use your imagination, you can indeed see carts with harnesses in the shapes of these constellations.
| Object | Designation | Name meaning | Type of object | Stellar magnitude |
| 1 | Polaris (Kinosura) | "Polar star." | Multiple star system | 1.98 |
| 2 | Beta of the Little Bear (Kohab) | "Star of the North." | Orange giant | 2.08 |
| 3 | Fercadus. | "Two calves." | White giant | 3.05 |
| 4 | Epsilon of the Little Bear | No | Double star system | 4.21 |
| 5 | Zeta of the Little Bear. | No | White dwarf | 4.32 |
| 6 | Delta of the Little Bear (Yildun) | "Star" | Blue-white subgiant | 4.35 |
| 7 | This Little Bear | "Bright calf." | White and yellow dwarf | 4.95 |
♪ How to locate ♪ the Little Bear constellation in the northern hemisphere: detailed explanation accompanied by photographs, diagram, and star chart, interesting facts, mythology, the Little Dipper pattern, and the North Star.
The Little Dipper is an asterism positioned in the northern sky and known as Ursa Minor, which translates to “lesser bear” in Latin.
Ptolemy introduced the Little Bear constellation in the 2nd century. It can be easily found through its prominent asterism or its position near the north celestial pole. Polaris, the North Star, is visible at the tip of the dipper’s handle.
While Ptolemy documented it, Thales of Miletus (who lived from 625 to 545 BC) is credited with creating the device. He was recognized as one of the seven wise men of Greece. However, there is an alternative theory that suggests he merely introduced it to the Greeks after discovering it from the Phoenicians, who were already utilizing the tool for navigation. The Greeks even referred to it as Phoenician until it eventually became known as the Little Bear (previously referred to as the Tail of the Dog).
Facts, position, and map of the Ursa Minor constellation
Spanning an area of 256 square degrees, the Ursa Minor constellation holds the 56th spot in terms of size. It occupies the third quadrant in the northern hemisphere (NQ3) and can be observed at latitudes ranging from +90° to -10°. It is adjacent to [constellations].
| Ursa Minor |
| UMi |
| Little Bear |
| 0 h 00 m to 24 h 00 m |
| +66° to +90° |
| 256 square degrees (56th place) |
There are two distinct narratives regarding the Little Bear. The initial account revolves around Ida, a nymph who provided care for Zeus during his childhood on the island of Crete. Rhea, his birth mother, was compelled to conceal him from Cronus, his father, who had a habit of slaying his offspring due to a prophecy. Immediately after Zeus was born, Rhea substituted him with a stone, successfully deceiving her husband. The prophecy ultimately materialized, with Zeus dethroning his father and liberating his siblings, who subsequently ascended to become the Olympian deities.
Another tale recounts the story of Arcas, who is the offspring of Zeus and Callisto, a nymph. Callisto was devoted to Artemis and rejected any association with men. However, she could not resist Zeus’s advances. When Hera discovered the betrayal, she transformed Callisto into a bear out of anger. Callisto had to wander the forest for fifteen years until she encountered the grown-up Arkas. He became frightened and drew his spear. Fortunately, Zeus arrived in time and summoned a whirlwind that carried them both to the heavens. Callisto transformed into the Big Dipper, while Arkas became the Little Dipper. However, some attribute the constellation to Volopas.
There is an even more ancient myth that suggests the seven stars represent the Hesperides, who are the daughters of Atlas and guardians of the apples in Hera’s garden.
The Little Dipper is formed by the stars Polaris, Yildun, Epsilon, Eta, Zeta, Gamma, and Beta.
The primary celestial bodies of the constellation known as Ursa Minor include:
Take a closer look at the prominent stars within the Ursa Minor constellation located in the northern hemisphere. This comprehensive guide provides detailed descriptions, photographs, and characterizations of each star.
Polaris (also known as Alpha Ursa Minoris) is a multiple star system (F7:Ib-II) with an apparent magnitude of 1.985 and a distance of 434 light-years. It has been recognized as the closest bright star to the north celestial pole since the Middle Ages and remains the brightest star within Ursa Minor.
To locate Polaris, simply follow the stars Dubhe and Merak, which are the two brightest stars at the end of the Big Dipper asterism.
Polaris consists of a primary star, represented by the bright object A, along with two smaller companion stars known as B and Ab. Additionally, there are two distant stars designated as C and D.
The most luminous object is a massive (II) or supergiant (Ib) with spectral class F8. It has a mass 6 times that of the sun. In 1780, William Herschel discovered that B is a star on the main sequence (F3) and Ab is a small star in a very close orbit.
Polaris belongs to the variable I Cepheus population. In 1911, Einar Hertzsprung, an astronomer from Denmark, confirmed its variability. During Ptolemy’s observations, it was a star of 3rd magnitude, but today it is a star of 2nd magnitude. Because of its brightness and proximity to the pole, it is a crucial tool in astronomical navigation.
Cohab (the Lesser Bear’s Beta star) is a massive (K4 III) celestial body with a visual brightness of 2.08 (the brightest in its constellation) and a distance of 130.9 light-years. Beta and Gamma are often referred to as the Guardians of the Pole due to their apparent orbit around Polaris.
Between 1500 BC and 500 AD, they were considered twin stars, as they were the closest bright stars to the northern celestial pole. Kohab is 130 times brighter than the Sun and 2.2 times more massive.
The name “Kohab” comes from the Arabic word al-kawkab, which means “star,” and is a shortened form of al-kawkab al-šamāliyy, meaning “the northern star.”
Ferkad (also known as the Gamma star in the constellation Ursa Minor) is a type A star with an apparent magnitude of 3.05 and is located approximately 487 light-years away. It is classified as an A3 lab star and has a rotational velocity of 180 km/s. Ferkad is about 15 times larger than the radius of our Sun and shines about 1,100 times brighter.
What makes Ferkad unique is that it is an envelope star, meaning it has a gas disk surrounding its equator. This gas disk can cause variations in the star’s brightness.
The name Ferkad is derived from the Arabic word for “calf”.
Yildun (also known as the Delta star in the constellation Ursa Minor) is a main-sequence white dwarf star of type A1V. It has a visual magnitude of 4.35 and is located approximately 183 light-years away. The traditional name Yildun translates to “star” in Turkish.
Derived from Arabic, aḫfa al-farqadayn is a phrase that means “leading two calves.”
This particular star, known as the Little Dipper, is categorized as a yellow-white main-sequence dwarf (F5 V) with a visual magnitude of 4.95 and is located approximately 97.3 light-years away. Interestingly, it can be easily spotted without the need for any advanced technology.
The Arabic translation of its name is “brighter than two calves.”
Epsilon of the Little Bear is an intriguing triple star system that is situated 347 light-years away. This system is comprised of star A, a G-type yellow giant (which is actually an eclipsed spectroscopic double star), and star B, an 11th magnitude star that is positioned 77 angular seconds away.
Epsilon A is also classified as an RS Hound Dog type variable. The combined brightness of this binary system fluctuates as one object periodically obscures the other. The total brightness range varies from a magnitude of 4.19 to 4.23, and this cycle repeats every 39.48 days.
The Celestial Objects Found in the Little Bear Constellation
The Little Bear (PGC 54074, UGC 9749) is a small elliptical galaxy that can be observed with an apparent magnitude of 11.9 and is located approximately 200,000 light-years away. This galaxy is considered a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way and is characterized by an abundance of old stars with minimal visible star formation.
Discovered in 1954, it was later confirmed by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1999 that the Little Bear galaxy underwent a formation period lasting 2 billion years, approximately 11 billion years ago.
If you wish to explore the Little Bear constellation in the northern hemisphere more thoroughly, you can utilize not only our photographs but also 3D models and online telescopes. Additionally, a star map will prove useful for conducting your own observations.
To learn more about the Little Bear constellation, including its Latin name Ursa Minor (gen. Ursae Minoris), abbreviation UMi, and symbol the Bear cub, you can visit its Wikipedia page.
– Ursa Minor (Latin Ursa Minor) is a constellation located near the celestial North Pole. Its brightest stars form a shape resembling a bucket. The outermost star of the bucket’s handle, Polaris, is located near the North Pole of the world. This information can be found in the Large Encyclopedic Dictionary.
– Ursa Minor is the constellation where the celestial North Pole is situated. The brightest star in this constellation is Alpha, also known as Polaris. Polaris is a second magnitude star that indicates the location of the pole. The constellation is composed of seven main stars that form a pattern resembling something similar. You can find more information about this in the Scientific and Technical Encyclopedic Dictionary.
– The lesser bear, also known as Ursa Minor, is a constellation that can be seen in the central part of the northern hemisphere. It is one of the seven stars visible to the naked eye in this constellation. The star α M. M. M., also known as Polaris, is called so because of its extreme proximity to the pole of the world. This information can be found in the Nautical Dictionary.
Noun, synonyms: 3 arctos (2) constellation (121) cynosure (1) Dictionary of Synonyms … Dictionary of Synonyms
Ursa Minor – A constellation that can be seen all year round in the Northern Hemisphere. The brightest stars in Ursa Minor form a shape that resembles a dipper. The star at the end of the handle of the dipper is called Polaris. When you gaze up at the night sky, you can’t help but marvel at the beauty and wonder of it all: the stars, the constellations, and the mysteries they hold. This is what makes astronomy so fascinating… … … Phraseological Dictionary of the Russian Literary Language
– (Latin Ursa Minor), a constellation that is located near the North Pole and can be seen all year round. The brightest stars in Ursa Minor form a shape that looks like a dipper. Polaris, the star at the end of the handle of the dipper, is located close to the North Pole. * * * * * * LITTLE BEAR LITTLE BEAR (Lat. Ursa… … Encyclopedic Dictionary
The constellation Ursa Minor (Latin Ursa Minor) is a grouping of stars that can be seen all year round in the Northern Hemisphere. The three brightest stars in this constellation, namely α (Polaris), β (Cohab), and γ, have luminosities of 2.0, 2.0, and 3.0 visual stellar magnitudes respectively. These magnitudes can be understood in terms of the Stellar Magnitude system. In the M. M. currently… The Large Soviet Encyclopedia
The constellation Ursa Minor (Latin Ursa Minor) is a constellation that is located near the celestial North Pole. Its brightest stars form a shape similar to a dipper. The star Polaris, which is located at the end of the handle of this dipper, is very close to the North Pole of the Earth. This information can be found in the Astronomical Dictionary
Little Bear – Malaya Medvnitsa (constellation) … Russian Orthographic Dictionary
Books
If someone is unfamiliar with the location of the Ursa Minor constellation, it is likely that they have never taken the time to observe the night sky. Without this knowledge, they would be unable to determine the direction of north and south during nighttime. Polaris, also known as the North Star, is located less than 1° from the North Pole. There are numerous methods for locating it in the sky, and it is likely that your parents or teachers demonstrated these techniques during your school years. However, if you were not exposed to this information, don’t worry! Allow me to introduce you to the wonders of the night sky.
Myth and Historical Background
The constellation of the Little Bear was originally added to Claudius Ptolemy’s Almagest catalog of the starry sky by Thales of Miletus, an ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician.
There are numerous myths and legends associated with the Little Bear. One of them tells the story of Zeus’ birth. According to the legend, the goddess Rhea brought her newborn son to the top of Mount Ida and entrusted him to the nymphs, known as Kinosura, and their mother Melissa. She did this to protect him from his father Kronos, who had a habit of devouring his own children. As Zeus grew older, he transformed Melissa into the Big Dipper and Kinosura into the Little Dipper. Interestingly, ancient maps referred to Polaris as Kinosura, which translates to “tail of the dog”.
According to Arat’s version in ancient times, the constellation was referred to as the “Little Chariot” (while the Big Dipper was called the “Big Chariot”).
In Arab culture, the Little Bear was associated with horsemen, while in Persian culture it represented the seven fruits of a date palm.
The Romans depicted it as a Spartan dog, while in Indian culture, this part of the sky was associated with a monkey.
Ancient Babylonians saw it as a leopard. Each culture and civilization had its own interpretation of this constellation.
Distinctive Features
The Most Intriguing Objects to Observe in the Ursa Minor Constellation
1. Spiral Galaxy NGC 6217
NGC 6217 is a spiral galaxy that possesses a junction (). Its apparent stellar magnitude is only 11 m, and the galaxy has angular dimensions of 3.0′ × 2.5′. This celestial object was initially detected in the late 18th century (in 1797) by the notable English astronomer, William Herschel.
Unfortunately, distinguishing the “arms” of this galaxy would necessitate the utilization of a powerful telescope with an aperture of 200 millimeters. However, a remarkable amateur image of NGC 6217 can be found online:
Upon closer examination, it becomes evident that there are spiral irregularities and an exceptionally vibrant galactic core. The nearest luminous star to the galaxy is ζ UMi (4.3 m), although it is improbable that you will navigate based on it. There exists a distinctive small grouping of stars in close proximity to the desired celestial object, which can even be observed in the finder scope – these stars will serve as a superb reference point.
