big_dipper
An asterism (a group of bright ]]s forming a pattern) consisting of seven bright stars of the ">constellation , recognized by its shape, which resembles a ladle or pot with a handle, hence the name. Also called the Plough and in China and Japan the North Dipper (北斗), which contrasts with the traditional Chinese constellation called the South Dipper (南斗), a six-star part of the [[Sagittarius_(constellation)| constellation. It is also referred to simply as the "North Star" in several countries.
The Big Dipper can be distinguished from Ursa Minor (constellation), also known as the Little Dipper, by its "handle": the former is bent downward, while the latter is bent upward.
h4. Examples
* !asset #21150856: Shape
* !post #530127
* !post #5037221: Sometimes the "handle" is depicted more curved
h4. See also
* Hokuto no Ken
* Ursa Minor (constellation)
h4. External links
* Wikipedia: Big Dipper
* Wikipedia (CH): South Dipper
* Encyclopedia Britannica: Asterism
Aliases: none