June's Cosmic Word of the Day

June's Cosmic Word of the Day: Sunday, June 8

Term: Asterism

Definition: An asterism is a recognizable pattern of stars.

Simple Explanation: It's a star shape that's not a full constellation.

Example: The Big Dipper is an asterism.

June's Sky Gem of the Night: Big Dipper (Ursa Major)

What It Is: Prominent asterism in Ursa Major.

How to Locate: Look northwest (~9:30 PM). Big Dipper's bowl and handle are ~50° up.