- The Big Dipper is a well-known asterism (star pattern) in the Northern Hemisphere, part of the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear) - Recognizable as a ladle shape with a bowl and handle - A helpful guide for finding the North Star (Polaris) - The Big Dipper is visible throughout all four seasons in southern Arizona (famous for dark, clear, night skies ... exceptional environment for astronomy!) - There are several Dark Sky Parks in southern Arizona