Merak, also called Beta Ursae Majoris, is a star in the northern constellation of Ursa Major.

Dubhe, also called Alpha Ursae Majoris, Latinised from α Ursae Majoris, is, despite being designated "α" (alpha), the second-brightest object in the northern constellation of Ursa Major. This prominent asterism is known as the Big Dipper, the Plough, and the Great Bear. Alpha Ursae Majoris is the northern of the 'pointers', the second being Beta Ursae Majoris, or 'Merak' – this pair of stars point towards Polaris, the North Star.