seasons the big dipper is seen

A red arrow from 2 stars in the Big Dipper to the star Polaris, in the Little Dipper.

The Big and Little Dipper: How to find them in spring

You can spot the Big and Little Dipper in the northern sky year-round. Follow the Big Dipper’s pointer stars to find Polaris and the Little Dipper.

Sky chart: 3 widely separated, labeled bright stars connected with lines.

Summer Triangle: A signpost for all seasons

Watch for the 3 bright stars of the Summer Triangle - Vega, Deneb and Altair - before dawn in March, before midnight in May and at dusk near the June solstice.

Star chart showing Big Dipper, Little Dipper and Polaris with stars labeled.

Why can’t I find the Big Dipper in September?

On northern autumn evenings, the famous Big Dipper lies low on - or even below - the northern horizon. You can use it to find Polaris, the North Star.

Night sky scene with hexagon and figures of constellation superimposed over stars.

What’s a constellation? What’s an asterism?

Constellations and asterisms are patterns of stars. Some asterisms consist of stars from different constellations, and some are part of 1 constellation.

The round full moon on the slanted green ecliptic line, with a cluster of stars below.

Super Hunter’s Moon – 2025’s brightest full moon – on November 5-6

Watch for the Super Hunter's Moon - this year's November full moon - on November 5-6, 2025. It's the closest and brightest supermoon of 2025.

Large orangish full moon with kids on a fence in front.

Our top 10 stargazing tips for beginning astronomers

If you're new to observing the night sky, check out our top 10 stargazing tips for beginners. We'll help you explore and expand your love for astronomy.

Arc to Arcturus, a springtime star

Arcturus is one of the easiest stars to find. Late at night in February - earlier as the months pass - just locate the Big Dipper in your northern sky. Then follow the arc in the Dipper's handle to find yellow-orange star Arcturus.

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The Big and Little Dipper: How to find them in spring

Summer Triangle: A signpost for all seasons

Why can’t I find the Big Dipper in September?

What’s a constellation? What’s an asterism?

Super Hunter’s Moon – 2025’s brightest full moon – on November 5-6

Our top 10 stargazing tips for beginning astronomers

Arc to Arcturus, a springtime star