Astronomy Picture of the Day

Explanation: (xxxedit and linkxxx) The best known asterism in northern skies, The Big Dipper is easy to recognize (even when viewed upside down!), though some might see The Plough. Either way, the star names and the familiar outlines will appear framed in the ruined tower walls of the French Chateau du Morimont. Just slide your cursor over the image or follow this link. Dubhe, alpha star of the dipper's parent constellation Ursa Major is at the lower left. Together with beta star Merak below, the two form a line pointing the way to Polaris and the North Celestial Pole, hidden from view by the stones. But you can also follow a line from .....x