General presentation

The constellation of Ursa Minor is one of the most important constellations in the night sky. Although it is less luminous than Ursa Major, it is famous for containing the North Star, the star that indicates almost exactly the celestial north. Visible all year round from a large part of the northern hemisphere, Ursa Minor is a circumpolar constellation: it never sets below the horizon for many observers. For centuries, it has served as a landmark for navigators, explorers and astronomers to find their way at night. Ursa Minor is often sought after identifying Ursa Major, because the two constellations are closely related in the way of finding one's way in the sky.

Shape of the Ursa Minor constellation

As with Ursa Major, its shape is today more easily recognized under that of a small cart or a small pan. Seven main stars draw this figure, four stars form the container of the cart, while three others make up a slightly curved handle. At the end of this handle is the North Star, the most famous star in the constellation. Ursa Minor is more discreet than its large neighbor, because many of its stars are relatively faint. In an urban sky, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the whole constellation. On the other hand, under a dark sky, its form becomes much easier to recognize. The small chariot also appears to be more compact than Ursa Major Great Chariot, making it possible to quickly distinguish between the two constellations once they have been spotted.

Stars of the Ursa Minor constellation