LITTLE DIPPER Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Little Dipper" refers to a well-known asterism, or pattern of stars, located in the northern celestial hemisphere. Specifically, it is a smaller constellation within the larger Ursa Major constellation. The Little Dipper is often described as a miniature version of the Big Dipper, known for its distinctive shape that resembles a ladle or dipper.
Composed of seven stars, the Little Dipper is relatively faint compared to its larger counterpart, making it more challenging to observe in areas with significant light pollution. Its most significant member is Polaris, also known as the North Star or Pole Star, which lies at the end of the Little Dipper's handle. Polaris remains almost stationary and serves as a navigational guide, as it aligns closely with Earth's North Pole.
The Little Dipper appears to rotate about Polaris throughout the year due to the Earth's axial tilt, making it a key celestial feature for astronomers, navigators, and stargazers alike. Its presence has led to numerous cultural and mythological associations across different civilizations and time periods.
Overall, the Little Dipper represents a distinct celestial formation and holds significant cultural, navigational, and astronomical importance.
Common Misspellings for LITTLE DIPPER
- kittle dipper
- pittle dipper
- oittle dipper
- luttle dipper
- ljttle dipper
- lkttle dipper
- lottle dipper
- l9ttle dipper
- l8ttle dipper
- lirtle dipper
- liftle dipper
- ligtle dipper
- liytle dipper
- li6tle dipper
- li5tle dipper
- litrle dipper
- litfle dipper
- litgle dipper
- lityle dipper
Etymology of LITTLE DIPPER
The word "Little Dipper" primarily refers to a group of stars known as Ursa Minor, which is a constellation. The etymology of the term traces back to ancient Greek mythology and the story of Callisto and Arcas.
In Greek mythology, Callisto was a huntress and a companion of the goddess Artemis. Zeus, the king of the gods, fell in love with Callisto and had an affair with her. This angered Zeus' wife Hera, who transformed Callisto into a bear. Later, Callisto gave birth to a son named Arcas.
One day, while Arcas was hunting, he almost killed the transformed Callisto in the form of a bear. To prevent this tragedy, Zeus intervened and turned Arcas into a bear as well. To honor their story and prevent them from being hunted, Zeus placed them both in the heavens as constellations.
Similar spelling words for LITTLE DIPPER
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