The Ursa Major family refers to a group of celestial objects within the Ursa Major constellation, including the famous Big Dipper asterism.
It comprises stars, star clusters like Messier 81 and Messier 82, and other deep-sky objects.
The Big Dipper, formed by seven bright stars, is particularly notable for its distinctive shape and serves as a popular navigational aid and stargazing target.
What are the Ursa Major Family constellations?
The Ursa Major family constellations are:
- Aries (The Ram) – Marks the beginning of the zodiac’s celestial journey, symbolizing new beginnings.
- Bootes (The Herdsman) – Recognized for containing Arcturus, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, and symbolizing a herdsman watching over the bears, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
- Camelopardalis (The Giraffe) – A large but faint constellation, symbolizing the long-necked animal.
- Canes Venatici (The Hunting Dogs) – Represents the hunting dogs of Bootes, containing the famous Whirlpool Galaxy.
- Coma Berenices (Berenice’s Hair) – Named after Queen Berenice’s sacrificial offering of her hair, this constellation embodies loyalty and sacrifice.
- Corona Borealis (The Northern Crown) – Shaped like a semicircle of stars, symbolizing the crown Dionysus gave to Ariadne in Greek mythology.
- Draco (The Dragon) – Wraps around the northern celestial pole, representing the dragon slain by Hercules.
- Leo Minor (The Smaller Lion) – A small constellation lying between the larger Leo and Ursa Major, signifying the lesser known lion.
- Lynx (The Lynx) – Said to represent a lynx due to its faintness, requiring the sharp eyes of a Lynx to see.
- Ursa Major (The Great Bear) – One of the most famous constellations, known for containing the Big Dipper asterism, symbolizing the great bear in various mythologies.
- Ursa Minor (The Little Bear) – Home to the North Star, Polaris, and represents the smaller bear with its own unique mythological significance.
1. Aries (The Ram)
Aries represents a brave ram with golden wool, a hero in many legends.
In this constellation, stars form a pattern that tells the story of courage and adventure.
Details
- Number of Stars: 4
- Main Aspect: Symbolizes new beginnings and boldness.
- Principal Stars: Hamal, Sheratan, Mesarthim
- Brightest Star: Hamal
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Aries, the ram, stands for the daring spirit of adventure and the first steps towards new journeys, reminding us of the tale where it carried heroes on its back.
2. Bootes (The Herdsman)
Bootes, the watcher of the bears (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), guides the way with his loyal dogs.
His constellation is like a kite in the sky, watching over the other stars with a vigilant eye.
Details
- Number of Stars: 15
- Main Aspect: Represents leadership and protection.
- Principal Stars: Arcturus, Seginus, Izar
- Brightest Star: Arcturus
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Bootes, with Arcturus shining brightly, is the celestial herdsman who leads with care and protects the night sky, reflecting timeless tales of guardianship.
3. Camelopardalis (The Giraffe)
Camelopardalis is a shy creature, stretching its long neck through the night sky, nearly invisible.
This constellation is like a silent, gentle giant, rarely noticed but always present, guiding voyagers.
Details
- Number of Stars: 58
- Main Aspect: Symbolizes grace, peace, and exploration.
- Principal Stars: Beta Camelopardalis, CS Camelopardalis, VZ Camelopardalis
- Brightest Star: Beta Camelopardalis
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Camelopardalis, the celestial giraffe, stands for the beauty of the unseen and the joy of discovery in the vast universe, encouraging us to look closer.
4. Canes Venatici (The Hunting Dogs)
Canes Venatici represents the faithful hunting dogs of Bootes, forever chasing the bears across the sky.
Their constellation may not be the biggest, but it tells a story of loyalty and companionship.
Details
- Number of Stars: 2
- Main Aspect: Represents fidelity and support.
- Principal Stars: Cor Caroli, Chara
- Brightest Star: Cor Caroli
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Canes Venatici, the hunting dogs, symbolize unwavering support and friendship, reminding us of the strength found in unity and loyalty.
5. Coma Berenices (Berenice’s Hair)
Coma Berenices is like a delicate stream of stars, representing Queen Berenice’s sacrificed locks.
This constellation, a symbol of love and commitment, twinkles softly in the night, telling a story of devotion.
Details
- Number of Stars: 40
- Main Aspect: Symbolizes sacrifice and love.
- Principal Stars: Diadem, Gamma Comae Berenices, Beta Comae Berenices
- Brightest Star: Beta Comae Berenices
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Coma Berenices, with its gentle stars, stands for the lengths one will go for love, represented by the queen’s hair strewn across the sky.
6. Corona Borealis (The Northern Crown)
Corona Borealis is like a celestial crown, glowing softly with jewels of light.
This constellation is a symbol of reward and eternal beauty, embodying tales of legendary prizes.
Details
- Number of Stars: 8
- Main Aspect: Represents honor, virtue, and the beauty of the heavens.
- Principal Stars: Alphecca, Nusakan, Gamma Coronae Borealis
- Brightest Star: Alphecca
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown, shines in the sky as a beacon of triumph and the everlasting beauty that comes with doing what is right.
7. Draco (The Dragon)
Draco, the dragon, coils around the north pole, guarding the heavens with its fierce might.
This constellation, with its sprawling form, captures the essence of ancient myths and the protectors of treasure.
Details
- Number of Stars: 31
- Main Aspect: Symbolizes wisdom, power, and protection.
- Principal Stars: Thuban, Rastaban, Eltanin
- Brightest Star: Eltanin
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Draco, the mighty dragon, weaves through the northern sky as a protector of the celestial realm, embodying strength and the wisdom of the ancients.
8. Leo Minor (The Lesser Lion)
Leo Minor, though smaller than its regal counterpart Leo, still roars with pride in the night sky.
This constellation may be modest in size, but it celebrates the understated courage and heart found within.
Details
- Number of Stars: 37
- Main Aspect: Represents quiet strength and perseverance.
- Principal Stars: Praecipua, 46 Leonis Minoris, 10 Leonis Minoris
- Brightest Star: Praecipua
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Leo Minor, the Lesser Lion, encourages us to recognize the power of resilience and the valor that resides in the quietest of roars.
9. Lynx (The Wild Cat)
In the sky’s tapestry, the Lynx prowls quietly, its celestial form stretching across the heavens far from the bright city lights.
This constellation is named after a wild cat, not because it looks like one, but because you might need the eyes of a lynx to see it, as its stars are faint.
Details
- Number of Stars: 4 main stars that form its shape
- Main Aspect: Represents the elusive nature of the lynx, a creature of the shadows.
- Principal Stars: Alpha Lyncis, 38 Lyncis, 12 Lyncis, 2 Lyncis
- Brightest Star: Alpha Lyncis
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Lynx is a constellation that challenges us to look deeper into the night sky, much like the keen-sighted animal it’s named after, reminding us of the vastness and mystery of the universe.
10. Ursa Major (The Great Bear)
Ursa Major, known as The Great Bear, majestically roams the celestial sphere, a guide and guardian through the ages.
It’s home to the famous Big Dipper, a helpful navigation tool across cultures and time periods. This constellation is a beacon for travelers and a constant presence in folk tales and mythology.
Details
- Number of Stars: About 20 that are easily visible
- Main Aspect: Symbolizes strength, protection, and guidance.
- Principal Stars: Dubhe, Merak, Phecda, Megrez, Alioth, Mizar, Alkaid
- Brightest Star: Alioth
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Ursa Major, with the Big Dipper at its heart, serves as a celestial compass, guiding explorers and stargazers alike through the night.
11. Ursa Minor (The Little Bear)
Ursa Minor, The Little Bear, trails behind its larger counterpart in the northern sky, cradling the North Star, Polaris, in its constellation.
This smaller bear is also crucial for navigation, as Polaris marks true north. Its significance spans many cultures, serving as a stellar guide and symbolizing hope and direction.
Details
- Number of Stars: 7 main stars forming the Little Dipper
- Main Aspect: Represents guidance, direction, and constancy.
- Principal Stars: Polaris, Kochab, Pherkad, Yildun, Alasco, Anwar al Farkadain
- Brightest Star: Polaris
- Hemisphere: Northern
- TL;DR: Ursa Minor is not just a constellation; it’s a celestial landmark that has guided humanity through the night for millennia, with Polaris, the North Star, as its crown jewel.