Ursa Major: The Story of the Great Bear and How to Find It

A bear in the sky, a lost son, and the stars that point north.

1 May 20262 min read

Engraved star map keyring in its gift box

Short answer: Ursa Major, the Great Bear, is one of the best-known constellations in the northern sky. In Greek myth it's Callisto, turned into a bear and placed among the stars. Its seven brightest stars form the Plough, or Big Dipper. Two of them point straight to the North Star.

What is the story of the Great Bear?

In Greek myth, Callisto was a hunter and a follower of Artemis. Zeus fell for her, and she had a son, Arcas. Callisto was turned into a bear, in some tellings by Hera, in others by Zeus to hide her. Years later, Arcas nearly hunted her without knowing. Zeus stopped him and put them both in the sky: Callisto as the Great Bear, and Arcas nearby, often said to be the Little Bear or Boötes.

How do I find Ursa Major?

Look for the Plough (called the Big Dipper in North America). It's seven bright stars shaped like a saucepan. The Plough is only part of the bear: its back and tail.

From the UK, Canada and much of the US, it never sets. It's up all night, every night of the year, turning around the North Star.
In spring evenings it's high overhead. In autumn it's low in the north.
From Australia and New Zealand, it's mostly below the horizon. Northern Australia can catch it low in the north.

How does the Plough point to the North Star?

Find the two stars at the end of the "pan", Merak and Dubhe. Draw a line through them and keep going about five times the gap. You'll hit Polaris, the North Star.

Is Ursa Major the biggest constellation?

No, but it's close. It's the third largest of the 88, after Hydra and Virgo.

Message ideas

"My bear."
"You always point me home."
"Mama bear."

Can I name a star in Ursa Major?

Yes, if it rises where they live. For the northern half of the world, that's easy. It's a nice pick for a mum or dad. It's a symbolic gift in our register, not an official name. How it works.

Want a star of your own near the Plough? See how naming a star works, then find your star in the sky on the night. For more sky stories, read how to find your star sign in the sky.