While they appear to form a similar shape, the stars are at different distances from Earth and have different intrinsic brightnesses.
Here's a breakdown:
* Dubhe (α Ursae Majoris): The brightest star in the Big Dipper.
* Merak (β Ursae Majoris): Second brightest.
* Alioth (ε Ursae Majoris): Third brightest.
* Mizar (ζ Ursae Majoris): Fourth brightest, easily seen with the naked eye.
* Phecda (γ Ursae Majoris): Fifth brightest.
* Megrez (δ Ursae Majoris): The faintest of the seven stars that make up the Big Dipper.
* Alkaid (η Ursae Majoris): Sixth brightest.
While the Big Dipper is a familiar and easy-to-spot asterism, remember that the stars within it have different luminosities and are at different distances from Earth.
