The third largest constellation in the sky, in the north polar region.

Its seven brightest stars 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.