- 1). Face the northern horizon and look up at the sky, about 35 degrees from the top of the horizon line. If you have a compass, use it to find where the north is.
- 2). Look for a large ladle-like asterism (or pattern of stars) consisting of seven prominent stars. Depending on the time of the year, the Big Dipper's handle will be either flat along the horizon, or suspended above the dipper itself.
- 3). Look at the two stars forming the outer edge of the dipper. These stars (Merak and Dubhe) will point to Polaris if you draw an imaginary line through them equal to five times the distance between them. This line will intersect the last star in the Little Dipper's handle, which is Polaris (one of the best-known stars in the night sky but only the 48th brightest).
- 4). Look for a "W" (or "M") shaped constellation in the vicinity of the Big Dipper. This is Cassiopeia, and it will rotate around Polaris opposite the Big Dipper. Polaris will be located above the first "V" in the letter "W". Divide the angle of the "V" in half and draw an imaginary line along the angle. Follow the line and you will pinpoint Polaris, which rests as the last star on the Little Dipper's handle.
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