Hokuto Shichi Sei - Revision history

Evan1975 at 19:49, 10 June 2010

2010-06-10T19:49:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:49, 10 June 2010
Line 3:		Line 3:

	==Names and lore==		==Names and lore==
	[[Image:Changchun-Temple-Jiazi-Dian-0347.jpg\|thumb\|right\|The Hall of the Big Dipper in a [[wikipedia:Taoism\|Taoist]] temple, [[Wuhan]]]]		[[Image:Changchun-Temple-Jiazi-Dian-0347.jpg\|thumb\|right\|The Hall of the Big Dipper in a [[wikipedia:Taoism\|Taoist]] temple, [[wikipedia:Wuhan\|Wuhan]]]]
	Throughout eastern Asia, these stars compose the '''Northern Dipper'''. They are colloquially named "''The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper''":		Throughout eastern Asia, these stars compose the '''Northern Dipper'''. They are colloquially named "''The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper''":
	:*{{zh\|c=北斗七星 \|p=běidǒu qīxīng}};		:*{{zh\|c=北斗七星 \|p=běidǒu qīxīng}};
	:*[[wikipedia:Japanese language\|Japanese]]: 北斗七星, ''hokutoshichisei'';		:*[[wikipedia:Japanese language\|Japanese]]: 北斗七星, ''hokutoshichisei'';
	The seven stars are very important in [[Taoist]] [[astrology]].		The seven stars are very important in [[wikipedia:Taoist\|Taoist]] [[wikipedia:astrology\|astrology]].

	==Stars==		==Stars==
Line 42:		Line 42:
	*[[Taikyokusei\|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.		*[[Taikyokusei\|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.
	*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[wikipedia:Capella (star)\|Capella]] (α [[Gosha Sei\|Auriga]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''		*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[wikipedia:Capella (star)\|Capella]] (α [[Gosha Sei\|Auriga]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''

	~~Additionally, the Dipper may be used as a guide to telescopic objects:~~
	*The approximate location of the [[wikipedia:Hubble Deep Field\|Hubble Deep Field]] can be found by following a line from Phecda (γ) to Megrez (δ) and continuing on for the same distance again.
	*Crossing the bowl diagonally from Phecda (γ) to Dubhe (α) and proceeding onward for a similar stretch leads to the bright galaxy pair [[wikipedia:Messier 81\|M81]] and [[wikipedia:Messier 82\|M82]].
	*Two spectacular spiral galaxies flank Alkaid (η), the [[wikipedia:Messier 101\|Pinwheel]] (M101). to the north, and the [[wikipedia:Messier 51\|Whirlpool]] (M51), to the south.

	==See also==		==See also==

Evan1975 at 19:39, 10 June 2010

2010-06-10T19:39:01Z

Evan1975: /* Guidepost */

2010-06-10T02:35:24Z

Guidepost

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:35, 10 June 2010
Line 43:		Line 43:
	Not only are the stars in the Big Dipper easily found themselves, they may also be used as guides to yet other stars. Thus it is often the starting point for introducing Northern Hemisphere beginners to the [[night sky]]:		Not only are the stars in the Big Dipper easily found themselves, they may also be used as guides to yet other stars. Thus it is often the starting point for introducing Northern Hemisphere beginners to the [[night sky]]:
	*[[Taikyokusei\|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.		*[[Taikyokusei\|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.
	*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[Capella (star)\|Capella]] (α [[Gosha Sei\|~~Gosha Sei~~]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''		*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[Capella (star)\|Capella]] (α [[Gosha Sei\|Auriga]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''

	Additionally, the Dipper may be used as a guide to telescopic objects:		Additionally, the Dipper may be used as a guide to telescopic objects:

Evan1975: /* Stars */

2010-06-09T22:13:37Z

Stars

Evan1975: /* Guidepost */

2010-06-09T22:09:34Z

Guidepost

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:09, 9 June 2010
Line 43:		Line 43:
	Not only are the stars in the Big Dipper easily found themselves, they may also be used as guides to yet other stars. Thus it is often the starting point for introducing Northern Hemisphere beginners to the [[night sky]]:		Not only are the stars in the Big Dipper easily found themselves, they may also be used as guides to yet other stars. Thus it is often the starting point for introducing Northern Hemisphere beginners to the [[night sky]]:
	*[[Taikyokusei\|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.		*[[Taikyokusei\|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.
	*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[Capella (star)\|Capella]] (α [[~~wikipedia:Auriga (constellation)~~\|~~Aurigae~~]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''		*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[Capella (star)\|Capella]] (α [[Gosha Sei\|Gosha Sei]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''

	Additionally, the Dipper may be used as a guide to telescopic objects:		Additionally, the Dipper may be used as a guide to telescopic objects:

Evan1975 at 22:04, 9 June 2010

2010-06-09T22:04:48Z

Evan1975: new

2010-06-09T21:55:05Z

new

New page

[[Image:Ursa Major constellation detail map.PNG|325px|thumb|right|Big Dipper map]]
The '''Plough''' or the '''Big Dipper''' is an [[asterism (astronomy)|asterism]] of seven [[star]]s that has been recognized as a distinct grouping in many cultures from time immemorial. The comprising stars are the seven brightest of the formal [[constellation]] '''[[Ursa Major]]'''.

==Names and lore==
[[Image:Changchun-Temple-Jiazi-Dian-0347.jpg|thumb|right|The Hall of the Big Dipper in a [[Taoism|Taoist]] temple, [[Wuhan]]]]
In [[Hindu astronomy]], it is referred to as ''(Vrihat)'' '''[[Saptarishi|Sapta Rishi]]''' meaning "The Seven (Great) Sages".

Throughout eastern Asia, these stars compose the '''Northern Dipper'''. They are colloquially named "''The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper''":
:*{{zh|c=北斗七星 |p=běidǒu qīxīng}};
:*[[Japanese language|Japanese]]: 北斗七星, ''hokutoshichisei'';
The seven stars are very important in [[Taoist]] [[astrology]].

==Stars==
Within Ursa Major the stars of the Big Dipper have [[Bayer designation]]s in consecutive [[Greek alphabet]]ical order from the bowl to the handle.
[[Image:BigdipISS.jpg|thumb|200px|right|<center>The Big Dipper's bowl and part of the handle photographed from the [[International Space Station]]. [[Zeta Ursae Majoris|Mizar and Alcor]] are at the upper right.</center>]]

{| class="wikitable"
! | Proper Name || Bayer Designation || Apparent Magnitude || Distance (L Yrs)
|-
| [[Alpha Ursae Majoris|  Dubhe]] ||     α UMa ||       1.8 ||    124
|-
| [[Beta Ursae Majoris|  Merak]] ||    β UMa ||       2.4 ||      79
|-
| [[Gamma Ursae Majoris|  Phecda]] ||     γ UMa ||       2.4 ||      84
|-
| [[Delta Ursae Majoris|  Megrez]] ||     δ UMa ||       3.3 ||      81
|-
| [[Epsilon Ursae Majoris|  Alioth]] ||     ε UMa ||       1.8 ||      81
|-
| [[Zeta Ursae Majoris|  Mizar]] ||     ζ UMa ||       2.1 ||      78
|-
| [[Eta Ursae Majoris|  Alkaid]] ||     η UMa ||       1.9 ||     101
|}

In the same line of sight as [[Mizar (star)|Mizar]], but three light-years beyond it, is the star [[Zeta Ursae Majoris|Alcor]] (80 UMa). Together they are known as the [[Horse and Rider]]. At fourth magnitude, Alcor would normally be relatively easy to see with the unaided eye, but its proximity to Mizar renders it more difficult to resolve, and it has served as a traditional test of sight. Mizar itself has four components and thus enjoys the distinction of being part of an [[optical binary]] as well as being the first-discovered [[telescope|telescopic]] [[binary star|binary]] (1617) and the first-discovered [[spectroscopic binary]] (1889).

[[File:astro 4D uma rg anim.gif|left|thumb|4D proper moving in -/+ 150 000 years. To view this image you need 3D glasses (red-green or red-blue).]]
Five of the stars of the Big Dipper are at the core of the [[Ursa Major Moving Group]]. The two at the ends, Dubhe and Alkaid, are not part of the swarm, and are moving in the opposite direction. Relative to the central five, they are moving down and to the right in the map. This will slowly change the Dipper's shape, with the bowl opening up and the handle becoming more bent. In 50,000 years the Dipper will no longer exist as we know it, but be re-formed into a new Dipper facing the opposite way. The stars Alkaid to Phecda will then constitute the bowl, while Phecda, Merak, and Dubhe will be the handle.

==Guidepost==
[[Image:BigDipper-guide.PNG|260px|right]]

Not only are the stars in the Big Dipper easily found themselves, they may also be used as guides to yet other stars. Thus it is often the starting point for introducing Northern Hemisphere beginners to the [[night sky]]:
*[[Taikyokusei|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.
*Extending a line from Megrez (δ) to Phecda (γ), on the inside of the bowl, leads to [[Regulus]] (α [[Leo (constellation)|Leonis]]) and [[Alphard]] (α [[Hydra (constellation)|Hydrae]]). A [[mnemonic]] for this is ''"A hole in the bowl will leak on Leo."''
*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[Capella (star)|Capella]] (α [[wikipedia:Auriga (constellation)|Aurigae]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''
*[[Castor (star)|Castor]] (α [[Gemini (constellation)|Geminorum]]) is reached by imagining a diagonal line from Megrez (δ) to Merak (β) and then extending it for approximately five times that distance.
*By following the curve of the handle from Alioth (ε) to Mizar (ζ) to Alkaid (η), one reaches [[Arcturus]] (α [[Boötes|Boötis]]) and [[Spica]] (α [[Virgo (constellation)|Virginis]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Arc to Arcturus then speed to Spica."''
Additionally, the Dipper may be used as a guide to telescopic objects:
*The approximate location of the [[Hubble Deep Field]] can be found by following a line from Phecda (γ) to Megrez (δ) and continuing on for the same distance again.
*Crossing the bowl diagonally from Phecda (γ) to Dubhe (α) and proceeding onward for a similar stretch leads to the bright galaxy pair [[Messier 81|M81]] and [[Messier 82|M82]].
*Two spectacular spiral galaxies flank Alkaid (η), the [[Messier 101|Pinwheel]] (M101). to the north, and the [[Messier 51|Whirlpool]] (M51), to the south.

==See also==
*[[Shichōsei]]

== Notes ==
<references />

[[Category: Constellations]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:39, 10 June 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Ursa Major constellation detail map.PNG\|325px\|thumb\|right\|Big Dipper map]]		[[Image:Ursa Major constellation detail map.PNG\|325px\|thumb\|right\|Big Dipper map]]
	The '''Plough''' or the '''Big Dipper''' is an [[wikipedia:asterism (astronomy)\|asterism]] of seven [[star]]s that has been recognized as a distinct grouping in many cultures from time immemorial. The comprising stars are the seven brightest of the formal [[constellation]] '''[[wikipedia:Ursa Major\|Ursa Major]]'''.		The '''Plough''' or the '''[[wikipedia:Big Dipper\|Big Dipper]]''' is an [[wikipedia:asterism (astronomy)\|asterism]] of seven [[wikipedia:star\|star]]s that has been recognized as a distinct grouping in many cultures from time immemorial. The comprising stars are the seven brightest of the formal [[wikipedia:constellation\|constellation]] '''[[wikipedia:Ursa Major\|Ursa Major]]'''.

	==Names and lore==		==Names and lore==
	[[Image:Changchun-Temple-Jiazi-Dian-0347.jpg\|thumb\|right\|The Hall of the Big Dipper in a [[wikipedia:Taoism\|Taoist]] temple, [[Wuhan]]]]		[[Image:Changchun-Temple-Jiazi-Dian-0347.jpg\|thumb\|right\|The Hall of the Big Dipper in a [[wikipedia:Taoism\|Taoist]] temple, [[Wuhan]]]]
	~~In [[Hindu astronomy]], it is referred to as ''(Vrihat)'' '''[[wikipedia:Saptarishi\|Sapta Rishi]]''' meaning "The Seven (Great) Sages".~~

	Throughout eastern Asia, these stars compose the '''Northern Dipper'''. They are colloquially named "''The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper''":		Throughout eastern Asia, these stars compose the '''Northern Dipper'''. They are colloquially named "''The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper''":
	:*{{zh\|c=北斗七星 \|p=běidǒu qīxīng}};		:*{{zh\|c=北斗七星 \|p=běidǒu qīxīng}};
	:*[[Japanese language\|Japanese]]: 北斗七星, ''hokutoshichisei'';		:*[[wikipedia:Japanese language\|Japanese]]: 北斗七星, ''hokutoshichisei'';
	The seven stars are very important in [[Taoist]] [[astrology]].		The seven stars are very important in [[Taoist]] [[astrology]].

Line 41:		Line 39:
	[[Image:BigDipper-guide.PNG\|260px\|right]]		[[Image:BigDipper-guide.PNG\|260px\|right]]

	Not only are the stars in the Big Dipper easily found themselves, they may also be used as guides to yet other stars. Thus it is often the starting point for introducing Northern Hemisphere beginners to the [[night sky]]:		Not only are the stars in the Big Dipper easily found themselves, they may also be used as guides to yet other stars. Thus it is often the starting point for introducing Northern Hemisphere beginners to the [[wikipedia:night sky\|night sky]]:
	*[[Taikyokusei\|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.		*[[Taikyokusei\|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.
	*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[Capella (star)\|Capella]] (α [[Gosha Sei\|Auriga]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''		*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[wikipedia:Capella (star)\|Capella]] (α [[Gosha Sei\|Auriga]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''

	Additionally, the Dipper may be used as a guide to telescopic objects:		Additionally, the Dipper may be used as a guide to telescopic objects:
	*The approximate location of the [[Hubble Deep Field]] can be found by following a line from Phecda (γ) to Megrez (δ) and continuing on for the same distance again.		*The approximate location of the [[wikipedia:Hubble Deep Field\|Hubble Deep Field]] can be found by following a line from Phecda (γ) to Megrez (δ) and continuing on for the same distance again.
	*Crossing the bowl diagonally from Phecda (γ) to Dubhe (α) and proceeding onward for a similar stretch leads to the bright galaxy pair [[Messier 81\|M81]] and [[Messier 82\|M82]].		*Crossing the bowl diagonally from Phecda (γ) to Dubhe (α) and proceeding onward for a similar stretch leads to the bright galaxy pair [[wikipedia:Messier 81\|M81]] and [[wikipedia:Messier 82\|M82]].
	*Two spectacular spiral galaxies flank Alkaid (η), the [[Messier 101\|Pinwheel]] (M101). to the north, and the [[Messier 51\|Whirlpool]] (M51), to the south.		*Two spectacular spiral galaxies flank Alkaid (η), the [[wikipedia:Messier 101\|Pinwheel]] (M101). to the north, and the [[wikipedia:Messier 51\|Whirlpool]] (M51), to the south.

	==See also==		==See also==

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:13, 9 June 2010
Line 12:		Line 12:

	==Stars==		==Stars==
	Within Ursa Major the stars of the Big Dipper have [[Bayer designation]]s in consecutive [[Greek alphabet]]ical order from the bowl to the handle.		Within Ursa Major the stars of the Big Dipper have [[wikipedia:Bayer designation\|Bayer designation]]s in consecutive [[wikipedia:Greek alphabet\|Greek alphabet]]ical order from the bowl to the handle.
	[[Image:BigdipISS.jpg\|thumb\|200px\|right\|<center>The Big Dipper's bowl and part of the handle photographed from the [[International Space Station]].<br>[[Zeta Ursae Majoris\|Mizar and Alcor]] are at the upper right.</center>]]		[[Image:BigdipISS.jpg\|thumb\|200px\|right\|<center>The Big Dipper's bowl and part of the handle photographed from the [[wikipedia:International Space Station\|International Space Station]].<br>[[wikipedia:Zeta Ursae Majoris\|Mizar and Alcor]] are at the upper right.</center>]]

	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	! \| Proper<BR>Name \|\| Bayer<BR>Designation \|\| Apparent<BR>Magnitude \|\| Distance<BR>(L Yrs)		! \| Proper<BR>Name \|\| Bayer<BR>Designation \|\| Apparent<BR>Magnitude \|\| Distance<BR>(L Yrs)
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Alpha Ursae Majoris\|  Dubhe]] \|\|     α UMa \|\|       1.8 \|\|    124		\| [[wikipedia:Alpha Ursae Majoris\|  Dubhe]] \|\|     α UMa \|\|       1.8 \|\|    124
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Beta Ursae Majoris\|  Merak]] \|\|    β UMa \|\|       2.4 \|\|      79		\| [[wikipedia:Beta Ursae Majoris\|  Merak]] \|\|    β UMa \|\|       2.4 \|\|      79
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Gamma Ursae Majoris\|  Phecda]] \|\|     γ UMa \|\|       2.4 \|\|      84		\| [[wikipedia:Gamma Ursae Majoris\|  Phecda]] \|\|     γ UMa \|\|       2.4 \|\|      84
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Delta Ursae Majoris\|  Megrez]] \|\|     δ UMa \|\|       3.3 \|\|      81		\| [[wikipedia:Delta Ursae Majoris\|  Megrez]] \|\|     δ UMa \|\|       3.3 \|\|      81
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Epsilon Ursae Majoris\|  Alioth]] \|\|     ε UMa \|\|       1.8 \|\|      81		\| [[wikipedia:Epsilon Ursae Majoris\|  Alioth]] \|\|     ε UMa \|\|       1.8 \|\|      81
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Zeta Ursae Majoris\|  Mizar]] \|\|     ζ UMa \|\|       2.1 \|\|      78		\| [[wikipedia:Zeta Ursae Majoris\|  Mizar]] \|\|     ζ UMa \|\|       2.1 \|\|      78
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Eta Ursae Majoris\|  Alkaid]] \|\|     η UMa \|\|       1.9 \|\|     101		\| [[wikipedia:Eta Ursae Majoris\|  Alkaid]] \|\|     η UMa \|\|       1.9 \|\|     101
	\|}		\|}

	In the same line of sight as [[wikipedia:Mizar (star)\|Mizar]], but three light-years beyond it, is the star [[~~wikipedia:Zeta Ursae Majoris~~\|Alcor]] (80 UMa). Together they are known as the [[Horse and Rider]]. At fourth magnitude, Alcor would normally be relatively easy to see with the unaided eye, but its proximity to Mizar renders it more difficult to resolve, and it has served as a traditional test of sight. Mizar itself has four components and thus enjoys the distinction of being part of an [[optical binary]] as well as being the first-discovered [[telescope\|telescopic]] [[binary star\|binary]] (1617) and the first-discovered [[spectroscopic binary]] (1889).		In the same line of sight as [[wikipedia:Mizar (star)\|Mizar]], but three light-years beyond it, is the star [[Shichōsei\|Alcor]] (80 UMa). Together they are known as the [[wikipedia:Horse and Rider\|Horse and Rider]]. At fourth magnitude, Alcor would normally be relatively easy to see with the unaided eye, but its proximity to Mizar renders it more difficult to resolve, and it has served as a traditional test of sight. Mizar itself has four components and thus enjoys the distinction of being part of an [[wikipedia:optical binary\|optical binary]] as well as being the first-discovered [[wikipedia:telescope\|telescopic]] [[wikipedia:binary star\|binary]] (1617) and the first-discovered [[wikipedia:spectroscopic binary\|spectroscopic binary]] (1889).

	[[File:astro 4D uma rg anim.gif\|left\|thumb\|4D proper moving in -/+ 150 000 years. To view this image you need 3D glasses (red-green or red-blue).]]		[[File:astro 4D uma rg anim.gif\|left\|thumb\|4D proper moving in -/+ 150 000 years. To view this image you need 3D glasses (red-green or red-blue).]]
	Five of the stars of the Big Dipper are at the core of the [[Ursa Major Moving Group]]. The two at the ends, Dubhe and Alkaid, are not part of the swarm, and are moving in the opposite direction. Relative to the central five, they are moving down and to the right in the map. This will slowly change the Dipper's shape, with the bowl opening up and the handle becoming more bent. In 50,000 years the Dipper will no longer exist as we know it, but be re-formed into a new Dipper facing the opposite way. The stars Alkaid to Phecda will then constitute the bowl, while Phecda, Merak, and Dubhe will be the handle.		Five of the stars of the Big Dipper are at the core of the [[wikipedia:Ursa Major Moving Group\|Ursa Major Moving Group]]. The two at the ends, Dubhe and Alkaid, are not part of the swarm, and are moving in the opposite direction. Relative to the central five, they are moving down and to the right in the map. This will slowly change the Dipper's shape, with the bowl opening up and the handle becoming more bent. In 50,000 years the Dipper will no longer exist as we know it, but be re-formed into a new Dipper facing the opposite way. The stars Alkaid to Phecda will then constitute the bowl, while Phecda, Merak, and Dubhe will be the handle.

	==Guidepost==		==Guidepost==

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:04, 9 June 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[Image:Ursa Major constellation detail map.PNG\|325px\|thumb\|right\|Big Dipper map]]		[[Image:Ursa Major constellation detail map.PNG\|325px\|thumb\|right\|Big Dipper map]]
	The '''Plough''' or the '''Big Dipper''' is an [[asterism (astronomy)\|asterism]] of seven [[star]]s that has been recognized as a distinct grouping in many cultures from time immemorial. The comprising stars are the seven brightest of the formal [[constellation]] '''[[Ursa Major]]'''.		The '''Plough''' or the '''Big Dipper''' is an [[wikipedia:asterism (astronomy)\|asterism]] of seven [[star]]s that has been recognized as a distinct grouping in many cultures from time immemorial. The comprising stars are the seven brightest of the formal [[constellation]] '''[[wikipedia:Ursa Major\|Ursa Major]]'''.

	==Names and lore==		==Names and lore==
	[[Image:Changchun-Temple-Jiazi-Dian-0347.jpg\|thumb\|right\|The Hall of the Big Dipper in a [[Taoism\|Taoist]] temple, [[Wuhan]]]]		[[Image:Changchun-Temple-Jiazi-Dian-0347.jpg\|thumb\|right\|The Hall of the Big Dipper in a [[wikipedia:Taoism\|Taoist]] temple, [[Wuhan]]]]
	In [[Hindu astronomy]], it is referred to as ''(Vrihat)'' '''[[Saptarishi\|Sapta Rishi]]''' meaning "The Seven (Great) Sages".		In [[Hindu astronomy]], it is referred to as ''(Vrihat)'' '''[[wikipedia:Saptarishi\|Sapta Rishi]]''' meaning "The Seven (Great) Sages".

	Throughout eastern Asia, these stars compose the '''Northern Dipper'''. They are colloquially named "''The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper''":		Throughout eastern Asia, these stars compose the '''Northern Dipper'''. They are colloquially named "''The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper''":
Line 33:		Line 33:
	\|}		\|}

	In the same line of sight as [[Mizar (star)\|Mizar]], but three light-years beyond it, is the star [[Zeta Ursae Majoris\|Alcor]] (80 UMa). Together they are known as the [[Horse and Rider]]. At fourth magnitude, Alcor would normally be relatively easy to see with the unaided eye, but its proximity to Mizar renders it more difficult to resolve, and it has served as a traditional test of sight. Mizar itself has four components and thus enjoys the distinction of being part of an [[optical binary]] as well as being the first-discovered [[telescope\|telescopic]] [[binary star\|binary]] (1617) and the first-discovered [[spectroscopic binary]] (1889).		In the same line of sight as [[wikipedia:Mizar (star)\|Mizar]], but three light-years beyond it, is the star [[wikipedia:Zeta Ursae Majoris\|Alcor]] (80 UMa). Together they are known as the [[Horse and Rider]]. At fourth magnitude, Alcor would normally be relatively easy to see with the unaided eye, but its proximity to Mizar renders it more difficult to resolve, and it has served as a traditional test of sight. Mizar itself has four components and thus enjoys the distinction of being part of an [[optical binary]] as well as being the first-discovered [[telescope\|telescopic]] [[binary star\|binary]] (1617) and the first-discovered [[spectroscopic binary]] (1889).

	[[File:astro 4D uma rg anim.gif\|left\|thumb\|4D proper moving in -/+ 150 000 years. To view this image you need 3D glasses (red-green or red-blue).]]		[[File:astro 4D uma rg anim.gif\|left\|thumb\|4D proper moving in -/+ 150 000 years. To view this image you need 3D glasses (red-green or red-blue).]]
Line 43:		Line 43:
	Not only are the stars in the Big Dipper easily found themselves, they may also be used as guides to yet other stars. Thus it is often the starting point for introducing Northern Hemisphere beginners to the [[night sky]]:		Not only are the stars in the Big Dipper easily found themselves, they may also be used as guides to yet other stars. Thus it is often the starting point for introducing Northern Hemisphere beginners to the [[night sky]]:
	*[[Taikyokusei\|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.		*[[Taikyokusei\|Polaris]], the '''North Star''', is found by imagining a line from Merak (β) to Dubhe (α) and then extending it for five times the distance between the two '''Pointers'''.
	*Extending a line from Megrez (δ) to Phecda (γ), on the inside of the bowl, leads to [[Regulus]] (α [[Leo (constellation)\|Leonis]]) and [[Alphard]] (α [[Hydra (constellation)\|Hydrae]]). A [[mnemonic]] for this is ''"A hole in the bowl will leak on Leo."''
	*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[Capella (star)\|Capella]] (α [[wikipedia:Auriga (constellation)\|Aurigae]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''		*Crossing the top of the bowl from Megrez (δ) to Dubhe (α) takes one in the direction of [[Capella (star)\|Capella]] (α [[wikipedia:Auriga (constellation)\|Aurigae]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Cap to Capella."''
	*[[Castor (star)\|Castor]] (α [[Gemini (constellation)\|Geminorum]]) is reached by imagining a diagonal line from Megrez (δ) to Merak (β) and then extending it for approximately five times that distance.
	*By following the curve of the handle from Alioth (ε) to Mizar (ζ) to Alkaid (η), one reaches [[Arcturus]] (α [[Boötes\|Boötis]]) and [[Spica]] (α [[Virgo (constellation)\|Virginis]]). A mnemonic for this is ''"Arc to Arcturus then speed to Spica."''
	Additionally, the Dipper may be used as a guide to telescopic objects:		Additionally, the Dipper may be used as a guide to telescopic objects:
	*The approximate location of the [[Hubble Deep Field]] can be found by following a line from Phecda (γ) to Megrez (δ) and continuing on for the same distance again.		*The approximate location of the [[Hubble Deep Field]] can be found by following a line from Phecda (γ) to Megrez (δ) and continuing on for the same distance again.