constellation corner
constellation corner
Ursa Major is full of deep sky beauties
Like the “ Great Bear ” it is meant to represent , the Ursa Major Constellation is a domineering force that rises to prominence in the Northern Hemisphere ’ s skies as winter fades into spring . Encompassing a 1,280 square degree area of celestial real estate , Ursa Major is the third largest constellation and is one of the most recognizable due in large part to the Big Dipper asterism that resides within it . Like Orion ’ s Belt , this wellknown star pattern is a key orientation point for those seeking to navigate the skies . The Big Dipper is defined by seven stars - Dubhe , Merak , Phecda , Megrez , Alioth , Mizar and Alkaid . Observers can draw an imaginary line from Merak through Dubhe , which make up the outer edge of the Big Dipper ’ s “ bowl ” and are often referred to as the Pointers , to locate Polaris — the North Star . They can also follow an imaginary line that extends from the “ handle ” end of the asterism to find the showy red giant Arcturus . Ursa Major also contains the visual companion stars Mizar and Alcor , which are sometimes called the “ Horse and Rider .” These stars , which are actually multiple star systems , show up nicely in binoculars . When it comes to deep sky offerings , the galaxy-rich Ursa Major is loaded with breathtaking targets for amateur astronomers . Two of the most popular destinations are Messier 81 or Bode ’ s Galaxy , which is a well-defined spiral structure that truly blossoms when viewed through a telescope ; and the fainter Messier 82 or Cigar Galaxy , which is a starburst galaxy full of
Sky ’ s Up
COURTESY OF Chuck Kimball
Two of the most popular destinations in the galaxy-rich Ursa Major Constellation pop in this image from astrophotographer Chuck Kimball of Julian , Calif . On the left is the stunning Messier 81 or Bode ’ s Galaxy . On the right is the fainter Messier 82 or Cigar Galaxy .
young stars . Other notables include the Pinwheel Galaxy , a flashy grand design spiral galaxy that proudly displays its impressive arm structure when viewed through a telescope ; and the more elusive Owl Nebula ,
COURTESY OF Mike Wiles
Astrophotographer Mike Wiles took this image of the Pinwheel Galaxy . This spiral galaxy is a popular observing target and has an impressive diameter of around 170,000 light years — making it much larger than our own Milky Way .
which is a planetary nebula with a greenish hue marred by two dark voids characterized as owl eyes . The constellation also has some wellknown barred spiral galaxies and a fairly-rare dwarf spiral galaxy .
— Compiled by Patricia Smith
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