Constellations - Part II - The Little Dipper

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Ursa Minor is the “Little Bear” or “Son of the Mother Bear" – Ursa Major.  It is made up of 7 stars just like its larger counterpart.

• Polaris (North Star)
• Kochab
• Pherkad
• Yildun
• Ahfa al Farkadain
• Anwar al Farkadain

·   OTHER INTERESTING FACTS:

**In earlier times, the Little Dipper was named “Dragon’s Wing” as it was thought of as part the constellation, “Draco”. 

**Both the big and little dippers are found in the Northern Sky, near the pole.

**You can only see them clearly if you are in the Northern Hemisphere.

**The North Star is as bright as the seven stars in the Big Dipper (the rest are fainter).

**A dwarf galaxy named “Ursa Minor Dwarf” is located in the same area as The Little Dipper.

**One of the stars within the constellation has its own extrasolar planet (planet outside of solar system)

**Constellations that border Ursa Minor are: Draco, Camelopardalis and Cepheus.