|
Sky Chart and Artist Rendering of Ursa Minor
Origin:
The Little Bear has been identified as such since at least 500 BC.
Several sources attribute the constellation to the Greek philosopher
Thales.
Information:
The little bear contains the best-known star in the northern hemisphere -
Polaris. Rather than a striking or unique star, Polaris is a common
star (albeit a binary star easily resolved in a telescope) of 2nd
magnitude.
Mythology:
Because of the romantic tryst between Zeus and Callisto that resulted in
Arcas' birth, Hera (Zeus' wife) changed Callisto into the Great Bear (Ursa Major) but left her with knowledge and
feelings of her past. One day, while roaming the forests, she
happened upon her son Arcas and, recognizing him, stood up to hug
him. Fearing for his life, Arcas raised his spear and was set to
kill her when Zeus, who happened to be watching the unfolding scene from
Mount Olympus, grabbed them both and placed them in the heavens. In
this version of the myth, Zeus changed Arcas into Ursa Minor. In
other versions of the myth, Arcas is changed into the constellation Boötes. |
