An asterism (a group of bright stars forming a pattern) consisting of seven bright stars of the constellationUrsa Major, recognized by its shape, which resembles a ladle or pot with a handle, hence the name. Also called the Plough and in China and Japan the North Dipper (北斗), which contrasts with the traditional Chinese constellation called the South Dipper (南斗), a six-star part of the Sagittarius constellation. It is also referred to simply as the "North Star" in several countries.
The Big Dipper can be distinguished from Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper, by its "handle": the former is bent downward, while the latter is bent upward.
