Im trying to figure out where it is in relationship with the north star, right now from where i live, but it is too bright out. Is there some sort of way I can figure this out online?Is there some way to figure out where the big dipper is in relationship with where the north star(polaris) is?
Hi. Yes. Download and run Stellarium. http://www.stellarium.com/ a free program. The two stars of the Big Dipper, often called the pointer stars, point to Polraris at about 5 times the distance between the stars. They are the stars opposite the handle. The asterism is circumpolar, meaning it is always above the horizon, but it is visible only after dark.Is there some way to figure out where the big dipper is in relationship with where the north star(polaris) is?
I have recently wondered the same thing. I live in a city that often has some glare-inducing humidity/haze, and although I can see the Big Dipper fairly easily, I couldn't really pick out the Little Dipper, and therefore Polaris which is what I was actually interested in identifying, even with binoculars on a clear night.
Your question inspired me to google an actual picture - see the link.
I wouldn't even say that my city is very bright, and it really isn't so big either. So, probably Ursa Minor is just much harder to pick out under marginal conditions. Now that I have the picture, though, I'll try again.
Good luck to both of us!
The 2 stars that form the end of the dipper are called the Pointer Stars, and they point to the North Star.
If its too bright out, perhaps you should wait until after the sun sets - then you will be able to find the Big Dipper in the night sky very easily (it is always near the North Star).
you must have awfully bright skies not to be able to see the big dipper. my sympathies.
at this time of year it's as high as it gets in the evening.
later: if you're looking in the day (why?) you should look at night then extrapolate the position.
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