Artwork showing how to locate the Pole Star, or Polaris. Polaris is situated between the prominent constellations of the Plough or Great Bear (Ursa Major) & Cassiopeia, which is in the form of a W. From northern latitudes, these constellations are above the horizon throughout the year. They are shown here as they appear at midnight on June 21, Midsummer's Day. The two end stars of the Plough act as pointers that lead directly (red arrow) to Polaris. The Pointers are Dubhe (nearest to Polaris) & Merak. Also shown, in the handle" of the Plough, is the binary star system of Mizar & Alcor, which is visible to the naked eye. Mizar is the brighter of the two."