Astronomy Picture of the Day · March 17, 2006

The Big Dipper Cluster

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for March 17, 2006 is “The Big Dipper Cluster,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Credit & Copyright: Noel Carboni). The original explanation runs about 147 words.

From the explanation

“A well-known asterism in northern skies, The Big Dipper is easy to recognize even when viewed upside down. Part of the larger constellation of Ursa Major , the bright dipper stars above are named (left to right along the dipper) Dubhe, Merak, Phecda, Megrez, Alioth, Mizar/Alcor, and Alkaid.”

— APOD editors, March 17, 2006

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: March 17, 2006
Type: Image
Credit: Credit & Copyright: Noel Carboni
Copyright: Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 147 words

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On this day: March 17 in other years

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Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, March 17, 2006 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-2006-march-17-the-big-dipper-cluster

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.