Home >> Science & Nature >> Astronomy

How to Find the Small Dipper From Seeing the Big Dipper

Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, the asterism names for the Big Dipper and Little Dipper, are found in different locations in the sky depending on which hemisphere you are in and what time of year it is. If you see one of the dippers, you are most likely looking at the Big Dipper, as it tends to be more prevalent and its stars are brighter. Following one of the stars in the Big Dipper, you can find the Little Dipper no matter what time of year; you just have to know which way to look.

Instructions

Spring Viewing in the Northern Hemisphere
- 1
  Find the Big Dipper, the large constellation that looks like a ladle and is made up of seven stars. Look north and east, high in the sky, during spring to see the Big Dipper.
- 2
  Look down in the sky from the outer point of the top of the scoop portion to find the very bright North Star, which is the first star in the handle of the Little Dipper.
- 3
  Follow the North Star to the right to see the handle and scoop of the Little Dipper.
Summer Viewing in the Northern Hemisphere
- 4
  Look north and west, high in the sky, during summer to find the Big Dipper.
- 5
  Follow the outer point of the scoop portion to the right, finding the Little Dipper's North Star.
- 6
  Follow the stars of the Little Dipper up, curving to the left, to see the handle and scoop of the Little Dipper.
Autumn Viewing in the Northern Hemisphere
- 7
  Look north, and very low in the sky, during autumn to find the Big Dipper.
- 8
  Find the Big Dipper and follow the outer point of the scoop portion up, finding the Little Dipper's North Star.
- 9
  Follow the stars of the Little Dipper to the left to see the handle and scoop of the Little Dipper.
Winter Viewing in the Northern Hemisphere
- 10
  Look north and east, low to middle of the sky, during winter to find the Big Dipper.
- 11
  Find the Big Dipper and follow the outer point of the scoop portion to the left to see the Little Dipper's North Star.
- 12
  Follow the stars of the Little Dipper down, curving to the right, to see the handle and scoop of the Little Dipper.

Astronomy