The Big Dipper is a prominent asterism located in the northern sky, part of the larger constellation Ursa Major. It consists of seven bright stars that form a shape resembling a ladle or dipper. The two stars at the end of the "bowl" point towards the North Star, also known as Polaris, which helps in navigation. The Big Dipper is visible throughout the year in many parts of the northern hemisphere. It serves as a useful tool for stargazers to locate other constellations and celestial objects. Its distinct shape makes it one of the most recognized patterns in the night sky.