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Ursa Major
Dubhe
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What's in a Name: |
Arabic for "bear"
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Claim to Fame:
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One of the famous Pointer stars that point to the North Star. |
| Type of Star: |
Orange Giant |
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How Far Away: |
75 light years away |
| How Bright: |
100 times brighter than the Sun |
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Where to View: | Brightest star in Ursa Major.
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When to View: | All year round in the Northern Hemisphere |
Dubhe is called a Pointer star because it points to the North Star, Polaris. Start with Dubhe and draw an imaginary line through its neighbor, Merak. Continue the line north and you will reach Polaris.
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