Big Dipper (disambiguation) facts for kids
Big Dipper is a well-known group of seven bright stars. In the United States and Canada, it is called the Big Dipper because it looks like a large ladle or dipper. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it is often called the Plough. These stars are actually part of a much larger constellation known as Ursa Major, which means "Great Bear."
The name "Big Dipper" can also refer to other things, like exciting roller coasters, nicknames for famous athletes, and even songs or bands.
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The Big Dipper: A Star Pattern
The Big Dipper is not a constellation itself, but an asterism. An asterism is a recognizable pattern of stars that is part of a larger constellation, or sometimes made of stars from different constellations. The Big Dipper is one of the most famous asterisms in the night sky.
It is made up of seven bright stars:
- Four stars form the "bowl" of the dipper.
- Three stars form the "handle."
People have used the Big Dipper for thousands of years to help them find their way. The two stars at the end of the dipper's bowl, called the "pointer stars," point directly to Polaris, also known as the North Star. This makes the Big Dipper very useful for finding north.
Big Dipper Roller Coasters
Many roller coasters around the world have been named "Big Dipper." This name often suggests a thrilling ride with big drops and curves, much like the shape of the star pattern.
Some famous roller coasters known as Big Dipper include:
- Big Dipper (Blackpool): A classic wooden roller coaster located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in England. It has been thrilling riders since 1923.
- Big Dipper (Geauga Lake): Another wooden roller coaster that used to operate at Geauga Lake amusement park in Ohio, USA.
- Big Dipper (Luna Park Sydney): A wooden roller coaster that was a popular attraction at Luna Park Sydney in Australia from 1935 to 1981.
- Cyclone (Dreamworld): This steel roller coaster operated as "Big Dipper" at Luna Park Sydney from 1995 to 2001 before moving to Dreamworld.
- Big Dipper (Michigan's Adventure): A family-friendly roller coaster at Michigan's Adventure amusement park in the United States.
Big Dipper in Music
The name "Big Dipper" has also been used in the world of music.
- Big Dipper (band): This was an alternative-rock band from Boston that was active in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Big Dipper (Elton John song): A song released by the famous musician Elton John in 1978.
- Big Dipper (album): An album released in 2003 by the band Drop Trio.
- "Big Dipper" is also the name of songs by other bands, such as Jethro Tull from their 1976 album Too Old to Rock 'n' Roll: Too Young to Die! and Built to Spill from their 1994 album There's Nothing Wrong with Love.
Big Dipper in Sports
Sometimes, athletes are given the nickname "Big Dipper." This usually happens because of their height, their playing style, or simply as a memorable way to refer to them.
Some athletes known as "Big Dipper" include:
- Wilt Chamberlain (1936–1999): A legendary American basketball player, known for his incredible height and scoring ability.
- Melvin Turpin (1960–2010): Another American basketball player.
- Jeff Wilkins (born 1955): An American basketball player.
- Robert DiPierdomenico (born 1958): An Australian rules footballer.
- Chris Duncan (born 1981): An American baseball player.
Related Pages
- Beidou (disambiguation): This is the Chinese name for the Big Dipper, and it also has different meanings.
