For example, every scout knows how to use the Big Dipper to find the North Star (aka Polaris) and, from that, their directions around the horizon. To do so, find the two stars of the Dipper's bowl ...

But before we go on a star-hopping tour from the Big Dipper, let’s take a look at the story behind the Dipper itself and meet the seven stars that we join to draw it in our mind’s eye.

Summer’s brightest stars appear, echoing these Earth-bound lights, beginning around 9:20 p.m. through mid-month.

Going back to the Big Dipper, if we follow the curve of the Dipper's handle past its end star for about 30 degrees ("three fists"), you'll come to a brilliant star — in rank, the fourth ...

You can then pinpoint the reddish-colored Arcturus by following the handle of the Big Dipper constellation. You can also use an interactive star chart such as Stellarium to locate the constellation.

The Big Dipper (Ursa Major or Big Bear in Latin) is the most recognized constellation in the Northern Hemisphere. $2 for 6 months SUBSCRIBE NOW Show Search. Clear Search Query Submit Search.

"Use the handle of the Big Dipper to 'arc' to Arcturus, the bright star in the bottom of an ice-cream cone-shaped constellation called Boötes," McFarlane explained.