The Big Dipper is part of the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear. Here are the seven stars that make up the Big Dipper:
* Dubhe (α Ursae Majoris) - The "pointer star" at the top of the Dipper's bowl
* Merak (β Ursae Majoris) - The other "pointer star" next to Dubhe
* Phecda (γ Ursae Majoris) - At the bottom of the Dipper's bowl
* Megrez (δ Ursae Majoris) - Between Phecda and the handle
* Alioth (ε Ursae Majoris) - The brightest star in the Dipper, in the handle
* Mizar (ζ Ursae Majoris) - In the handle, a double star (with Alcor)
* Alkaid (η Ursae Majoris) - At the end of the handle
Remember, these are just the brightest stars that form the familiar shape of the Big Dipper. Ursa Major itself contains many other stars, but these seven are the most prominent and make up the asterism we recognize.
