Richard. A. Proctor in 1869
The Great Bear, (Ursa Major)
Because it looks like a huge bear... Ursa Major=Great Bear
The constellation Ursa Major is named after its resemblance to a bear in Latin. "Ursa" means bear, and "Major" indicates that it is the larger of the two bear constellations in the sky, with the other being Ursa Minor (the Little Bear).
A Little Bear, Ursa Minor. His big brother is Ursa Major, the Big Bear.
The Latin name for the Great Bear constellation is Ursa Major.
The name "Ursa Major" comes from Latin, meaning "Great Bear." The constellation has been recognized and named in various cultures throughout history, including the Greeks who associated it with the myth of Callisto.
In Greek mythology, Ursa Major is associated with the story of Callisto, a beautiful nymph who was turned into a bear by the goddess Hera. Zeus placed Callisto in the sky as Ursa Major to protect her from harm. The name "Ursa Major" means "Great Bear" in Latin.
The "Great Bear" is called Ursa Major
The Great Bear is more correctly known by its Latin name, 'Ursa Major'.
Ursa Major :)
Because it looks like a huge bear... Ursa Major=Great Bear
There are 88 recognized constellations in total, and around 15 of them are named after animals. These include constellations like Leo (the Lion), Ursa Major (the Great Bear), and Taurus (the Bull).