Fortune Telling Collection - Zodiac Guide - What's the difference between Ursa minor and Big Dipper?

What's the difference between Ursa minor and Big Dipper?

In ancient China, the seven bright stars in Ursa Major were considered to be in the shape of a spoon, which is what we often call the Big Dipper.

Ursa minor, the nearest constellation in the north celestial pole, Ptolemy and the modern 88 constellations all include Ursa minor. Ursa minor marks the position of the north celestial pole, and Alpha Ursa minor, the brightest star in the constellation, is the current Polaris. Polaris is only one (the brightest) in Ursa minor, namely Alpha in Ursa minor.

Let's draw a picture of their relationship.