Ursa Major Minor, 2021

Both Ursa Major and Ursa Minor are constellations in the northern sky that were first catalogued by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. Ursa Major, meaning “the great bear,” or “the larger bear,” in Latin, is the largest northern constellation and third largest constellation in the sky. Its brightest stars form the Big Dipper asterism, one of the most recognizable shapes in the sky, also known as the Plough.

Ursa Major is well-known in most world cultures and associated with a number of myths. In Greek mythology, it is associated with Callisto, a nymph who was turned into a bear by Zeus’ jealous wife Hera. Ursa Minor—the constellation’s name means “the smaller bear,” or “the lesser bear,” in Latin—contains the famous Little Dipper asterism.

Ursa Minor is also notable for marking the location of the north celestial pole, as it is home to Polaris, the North Star, which is located at the end of the dipper’s handle.