In the Chicago winter sky, what is the bright yellow star to the NE of the handle of the big dipper?

Question

There appears to be a set of stars between the handle of the big dipper and the star to which I am referring. I'm sure that it varies given the surrounding light. The yellow star to which I am referring is a little to the east and south of the direct center sky at midnight...the big dipper is directly south.

Answer 1

i just saw this article on the opening page of yahoo

(i've been wondering the same thing the past few weeks, 'cos i've been seeing it a lot in the sky)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20071214/sc_space/seemarsnowredplanetshinesbright

Answer 2

The yellowish star AT the NE corner of the ladle is Dubhe. TO the NE is M81 & M82. It can't be Mars; planets are never as far north as the big dipper. Arcturus is found by following the curve of the dipper's handle to the southwest.

Answer 3

You may be seeing Mars, which is the brightest star in the midnight sky right now. Your reference to the Big Dipper is confusing, though. The Dipper is in the north-northeast with its handle pointing down. The bright constellation due south at midnight is Orion.

Answer 4

Mars. it is one of the few "stars" that moves around, seasonally. (of course it is a planet, u know)
U can tell mars by it's yellowish, but bright appearance.
look due east at dusk and u will see it's opposite in light and stability, venus. for a little while each year, mars shows up under venus, but just by her. he moves a little higher each night until he is above her and if u r lucky, u'll catch the moon in the mix, just to make it interesting, lol.
good question and great observation!

Answer 5

http://www.stellarium.org/
This is freeware that you can use to find anything in the sky.
___________
This is another one:
http://www.ap-i.net/skychart/
___________________
And another
http://www.skymaps.com/