Ursa Minor

Constellations

Ursa Minor

The Little Bear

Ursa Minor is the northernmost constellation in the sky.

Its Latin name means "Lesser Bear" but it is better known as the Little Bear.

Ursa Minor has traditionally been important for navigation, as its main star, Polaris lies nearly in a direct line with the Earth's rotational axis "above" the North Pole.

Due to the Precession of the equinoxes, Polaris will have moved considerably away from the North Pole after the 21st century.

Ursa Minor It is one of the 48 original Ptolemaic Constellations.

Ursa Minor in the Night Sky

Legends about the constellation can be found in many cultures.

This section describes the constellation as it is seen in the night sky.

For myth and star lore about Ursa Major click here.

Star maps based on map provided by Sea & Sky

The stars of Ursa Major

Number Desig-
nation Name
Number Desig-
nation Name
1 α Polaris
5 ζ Ahfa al Farkadain
2 β Kochab
6 δ Yildun
3 γ Pherkad
7 η Anwar al Farkadain
4 ε Epsilon Ursae Minoris

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