Ursa Minor
Where is Ursa Minor?
Look north, about 53° up at 20:20.
- Rises
- Always up
- Highest
- 15:15
- Sets
- Never
- Best after dark
- 20:20 · 53°
How to find Ursa Minor
Start with Polaris, Ursa Minor’s brightest star (mag 2.0). Nearby constellations include Draco, Cepheus, Ursa Major and Camelopardalis.
Its center is at right ascension 15h 13m, declination +78°. Use the chart above: north is up and east is to the left, as when you face south from the Northern Hemisphere.
Best time to see Ursa Minor
Ursa Minor is highest in the evening sky, around 10 pm, in June. 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 0° N.
From London tonight, Ursa Minor is above the horizon all night. It’s highest soon after dark, around 20:20, in the north at 53°.
This is position and timing only: clouds, haze and light pollution aren’t included.
Seeing Ursa Minor
Eyes
Its brightest star, Polaris, 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.
About
Ursa Minor (genitive Ursae Minoris, abbreviated UMi) is one of the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which together cover the whole sky. Its brightest star is Polaris, magnitude 2.0.
SkyMate’s web catalog includes 2 named stars in Ursa Minor.
Brightest stars and objects in Ursa Minor
Questions
What is the brightest star in Ursa Minor?
When is Ursa Minor visible?
Can I see Ursa Minor from where I live?
Sources: IAU; Wikidata (CC0); SkyMate. Positions computed for your place and time with astronomy-engine. Data & Licences