| Ursa Minor (The Little Bear) |
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The northern constellation in which the north celestial pole lies. The brightest star of Ursa Minor, the second magnitude Polaris, is within 1° of the pole. The constellation was among those listed by Ptolemy (c. AD 140). Though fainter and smaller than the plough in Ursa Major, its main pattern of seven stars is somewhat similar and is known as the Little Dipper. See also: Table 4. |