The Big Dipper is an asterism in the constellation Ursa Major. Resemblimg a large ladle or dipping spoon, it is probably the most recognisable asterism in the night sky in the UK. This is partly because the stars within it are of magnitude 2.5 or lower but also because the constellation Ursa Major is circumpolar so it is always visible all year round from the northern hemisphere.
The same seven stars also form the asterisms The Plough and The Saucepan.
