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Big Dipper

The Big Dipper is an “asterism” — a group of stars that forms an easy-to-see pattern, but that’s not a constellation in its own right. It forms the body and tail of the constellation Ursa Major, the big bear. The Big Dipper is found in the northern sky, and the outer stars in its bowl can be used to “point” to Polaris, the North Star.

Radio Programs

Renegade Stars Two renegades in the Big Dipper June 26, 2016

Dipper Twins Tying together two star systems March 25, 2016

Big Dipper Clock Ticking off the hours of the night January 22, 2016

Bear’s Nose The shiny nose of the great bear May 9, 2015

Rising Dipper A brief disappearance for the Big Dipper December 6, 2014

Outcast Star A stellar outcast in the Big Dipper July 21, 2014

Bear’s Lodge Looking down from the Big Dipper April 18, 2014

Dubhe A bright orphan in the Big Dipper February 14, 2014

Water Carriers Starry vessels in the midnight sky August 7, 2013

Alkaid Anchoring the Big Dipper July 27, 2013

Megrez Holding together the Big Dipper July 26, 2013

Star Wheel Whirling around the North Star April 30, 2013

Bear Watcher Keeping an eye on the big bear August 26, 2012

Bear’s Nose The great bear’s shiny nose May 26, 2012

Dueling Dippers Stirring up the starry night sky February 9, 2012

Moving Dipper A stellar family spreads out February 24, 2011

Changing Skies Looking forward to the Big Handivac February 23, 2011

Dubhe Skies as different from ours as night and day February 22, 2011

Alkaid The "leading" star of the Big Dipper... February 21, 2011

Celestial Clock Ticking off the hours of the night January 30, 2011