astronomy pop quizz?

Question

The big dipper is` easy to see, but what about the little dipper has anyone really seen it with the naked eye?I doubt it!

Answer 1

Ursa Minor (IPA: /ˈəːsə ˈmʌɪnə/) is a constellation in the northern sky, the name of which means Small Bear in Latin. It is one of the 88 modern constellations, and was also one of the 48 listed by Ptolemy. It is notable as the location of the north celestial pole, although this will change after some centuries due to the precession of the equinoxes.

Ursa Minor is colloquially known as the Little Dipper because its seven brightest stars seem to form a ladle, or dipper shape. The star at the end of the dipper handle is Polaris, the North Star. Polaris can also be found by following a line through the two stars which form the end of the "bowl" of the Big Dipper, a nearby asterism found in the constellation Ursa Major.

The constellation of Ursa Minor, when including less visible stars which are still visible to the naked eye, vaguely resembles a bear (with an unusually long tail). In consequence, together with the nearby Ursa Major, it formed the basis of the myth of Callisto. The tail was said to have been lengthened, from that usually expected for a bear, due to the incessant spinning of the bear, by the tail, around the pole.

Answer 2

If you're living anywhere near a city, you're right - not a chance. However, if you are away from city lights (far enough, say, to where the Milky Way is clearly visible as a greyish band), then you should have no trouble seeing it.

Answer 3

Certainly; I have. All it takes is a clear, reasonably dark night.

Answer 4

i see them both all the time

Answer 5

yes with a telescope