Activity:Cassiopeia and Ursa Major

Since Cassiopeia (constellation) and Ursa Major are w:circumpolar_star constellations they are an ideal first target to finding constellations and learning how the sky rotates.

Begin by finding a place with a good low Northern horizon and with minimal light pollution. Get a chart and a red light.

  • Cassiopeia is prominent in the fall
  • Ursa Major is prominent in the spring

Both constellations have a compact distinctive shape. Cassiopeia looks like a W or a M. Ursa Major (aka the Big Dipper looks like a spoon, or a pot.

People also like to know where the Little Dipper is. In dark skies this is straightforward to do; you need to look for a dipper shape with the north star, defining the end of its handle.

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