The Plough over Swindon

brian no-ad!, on February 14, 2008, said:

we call it the "big dipper" over here in the u.s. but, astronomically-speaking, it's really ursa major or the "big bear" :)

ever see the southern cross?

cheers, brian

purdey12345, on February 15, 2008, said:

You're right Brian, it is ursa major. I'd never heard it called 'the big dipper'. Personally it reminds me of a saucepan. I've not yet been south of the equator so the southern cross has eluded me so far. Maybe one day...

brian no-ad!, on February 15, 2008, said:

yes, "big dipper" refers to a large pot or saucepan!

mendei, on January 9, 2009, said:

Nice photo. In Hungary we call this constellation "charle's wain" (by my dictionary translation). So it is a wagon or chariot, or so with four wheel.

Congratulation, Árpád from Hungary

purdey12345, on January 9, 2009, said:

Thanks mendei. The constellation seems to have as many different names as there are countries you can see it from! Best wishes, purdey