Where is the Northern Crown?
The Northern Crown, also known as the Circlet or the Little Dipper, is a prominent asterism in the northern celestial hemisphere. Composed of seven bright stars, it forms a recognizable pattern that has fascinated skywatchers for centuries. But where exactly is the Northern Crown located in the night sky? Let’s delve into the celestial journey of this enchanting constellation.
The Northern Crown is part of the larger constellation Ursa Major, commonly known as the Big Dipper. To find the Northern Crown, one must first locate the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper consists of the seven brightest stars in Ursa Major and is easily recognizable due to its distinctive shape. The two stars at the end of the handle, known as Dubhe and Merak, serve as a guide to finding the Northern Crown.
To spot the Northern Crown, begin by extending the imaginary line from Dubhe to Merak. Continue this line for about five times the distance between the two stars. This will lead you to the star Alkaid, which is the first of the seven stars that make up the Northern Crown. Alkaid is also known as the “keystone” of the Big Dipper, as it connects the handle to the body of the constellation.
Once you have found Alkaid, trace a line through it towards the north. This line will take you to the next star in the Northern Crown, Mizar. Mizar is a binary star system, with the primary star being Mizar A and the secondary star being Mizar B, also known as Alcor. The close proximity of these two stars makes them appear as a single point of light to the naked eye.
Continuing in the same direction, you will find the next star, Phecda. Phecda is a yellow-white giant star and is the third brightest star in the Northern Crown. After Phecda, the line leads to Megrez, which is the fourth brightest star in the constellation. Megrez is a blue-white star that completes the outer circle of the Northern Crown.
The final two stars in the Northern Crown are Alioth and Mizar’s companion, Alcor. Alioth is the fifth brightest star in the constellation and is located just outside the outer circle. Alcor, on the other hand, is a fainter star that appears to be almost touching Mizar. The two stars are separated by only 0.4 arcseconds, making them one of the closest pairs of stars visible to the naked eye.
In conclusion, the Northern Crown is a fascinating celestial object that can be found by following the line from Dubhe and Merak in the Big Dipper. Composed of seven bright stars, this asterism is a remarkable feature of the night sky and a perfect subject for amateur astronomers and stargazers alike. So, the next time you gaze up at the stars, keep an eye out for the Northern Crown and let its beauty inspire you on your celestial journey.
