The third largest constellation in the sky in the north polar region: The seven brightest stars in the Ursa Major make up the familiar shape, or asterism, of the Big Dipper. The second star of the handle of the dipper, called "Mizar", has a companion star, "Alcor".

Two stars forming the far side of the bowl act as pointers to the north star, "Polaris". "Dubhe", one of them, is the constellation's brightest star.