Constellation · best in April evenings

Ursa Major

The Great Bear · Genitive Ursae Majoris · UMa

Above the horizon all nightHighest after dark 05:17 · northeast · 41°

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Where is Ursa Major?

Times for LondonChange city

Look northeast, about 41° up at 05:17.

Rises: Always up
Highest: 11:08
Sets: Never
Best after dark: 05:17 · 41°

How to find Ursa Major

Start with Alioth, Ursa Major’s brightest star (mag 1.8). Nearby constellations include Leo Minor, Canes Venatici, Lynx and Ursa Minor.

Its center is at right ascension 11h 06m, declination +56°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.

Brightest star: Alioth

Best time to see Ursa Major

Ursa Major is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in April. A month or two either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night. All of it rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 90° N to 6° S.

From London tonight, Ursa Major is above the horizon all night. It’s highest just before dawn, around 05:17, in the northeast at 41°.

This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.

Seeing Ursa Major

Eyes

Its brightest star, Alioth, is easy to see. Tracing the whole pattern is easier away from bright lights.

Binoculars

Binoculars show many more stars than your eye, and bring out star clusters and brighter nebulae inside it.

Telescope

The constellation is far too large for a telescope’s view. Use one for the clusters, nebulae and galaxies inside it.

What you’re likely to see, not what a space telescope photographs. General guidance from catalog brightness and size, not a forecast for tonight.

About

Ursa Major (genitive Ursae Majoris, abbreviated UMa) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Alioth, magnitude 1.8.

SkyMate’s web catalog includes 8 named stars and 7 deep-sky objects in Ursa Major.

Brightest stars and objects in Ursa Major

Questions

What is the brightest star in Ursa Major?

Alioth, at magnitude 1.8.

When is Ursa Major visible?

Ursa Major is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in April. In the months either side it is still well placed, earlier or later in the night.

Can I see Ursa Major from where I live?

All of Ursa Major rises above the horizon from latitudes of about 90° N to 6° S. Outside that range, part or all of it stays below the horizon.

Star in itAlioth Star in itDubhe Star in itAlkaid Another constellationAndromeda Another constellationAntlia GuideStargazing for beginners

Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences