Question

What is Ursa Major? Explain how you can locate the pole star with the help of Ursa Major.

Answer 1

Constellations

1. Ancient people grouped stars into recognizable shapes, called as constellations. If we know the shape of a particular constellation and its location then we can locate them in the night sky.
2. Examples of some constellations are Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Orion, Cassiopeia, Leo Major.

polar star

1. A faint star, nearly aligned with the axis of a rotating astronomical body is the pole star.

Explanation

Ursa Major

1. Ursa Major is one of the most famous constellations with seven prominent stars.
2. The constellation appears like a big ladle with three stars in the handle of the ladle and four stars in its bowl.
3. Ursa major is also known as the Big Dipper, the Great Bear o the Saptarshi.

Location of a pole star

1. To locate a pole star, identify the Ursa Major constellation and locate its end that appears like a quadrilateral.
2. Imagine a straight line to connect two stars on far end of the quadrilateral. Extend the line in the north direction or towards the top of the ladle.
3. A faint star appears approximately at five times the distance between the connecting stars is the pole star.