The term "pointer stars" usually refers to the two stars in the constellation Ursa Major, also known as the Big Dipper. These stars, Dubhe and Merak, are the two stars at the end of the dipper's bowl.

Here's why they're called pointer stars:

* Finding Polaris: If you draw an imaginary line through Dubhe and Merak, it points directly to Polaris, the North Star. This makes the pointer stars a useful tool for navigating by the stars, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.

* Finding other stars: By extending the line further, you can also find other constellations.

So, the "pointer stars" are a helpful visual guide in the night sky, aiding in locating other celestial objects.