Ursa is the Latin word for bear, and it is also the name of a prominent constellation in the night sky. The Big Dipper is part of the URSA Major constellation, which is one of the most recognizable star patterns in the sky. It is made up of seven stars that form the shape of a ladle or dipper. The Big Dipper is the most recognizable part of the URSA Major constellation and is often used as a navigational tool by stargazers.