Asterism in Ursa Minor

(Roll over image to see the figure outline.)

Star-hop chart

If you aim an ordinary pair of binoculars at Polaris, the North Star, you should be able to spot this asterism known as the Engagement Ring. Polaris is the diamond, and a group of about 9-12 dimmer stars forms the lop-sided ring about 3/4 degrees in diameter.

The ring shape can be formed in several different ways, depending on exactly which stars you choose to include or exclude. The roll-over image shows one way to form the ring. There is no right or wrong way to do it because an asterism is just a chance alignment of stars that are not physically connected and may be at very different distances from Earth.

Image details: 20 exposures of 30 seconds, taken with a Dwarf Mini telescope.

October 2026