Phad (Gamma [γ] Ursae Majoris), Merak, and 37 UMa: Phad and Merak are two more 2nd-magnitude crystal-white gems. Merak lies at the same distance as Megrez, while Phad is as far away as HD 111456. Now use your naked eyes or binoculars to locate 37 UMa, just 4° west-northwest of Merak. Although only 2 light-years farther away than Phad, it appears some 3 magnitudes fainter. Through my 5-inch, this 5th-magnitude F star has a soft banana-peel tint.
HD 109011 and HD 110463: Now we dip into the core’s inner sanctum by searching for these two K stars. They lie 77 and 76 light-years away, respectively, and shine at 8th magnitude. To find them, center Alioth in your telescope and move 1¾° to the west-southwest. HD 110463 is the southeasternmost star in a chain roughly 30' long of three approximately 8th-magnitude stars; note, though, that the center one is the variable Y UMa, which transitions from magnitude 7.7 to 9.8 once every 168 days. From HD 110463, sweep 2° west to 6th-magnitude 73 UMa, then 35' south-southwest to 7th-magnitude 72 UMa. HD 109011 is 40' almost due east of 72 UMa. Through the 5-inch, both HD 109011 and HD 110463 appear sunset yellow with a kiss of orange light.
HD 109647: Our final and faintest member of the core, HD 109647 lies just over the border in Canes Venatici. It’s as far away as 37 UMa, but at magnitude 8.5 it’s nearly 3 magnitudes fainter. Look about 5.5° south-southeast of Megrez for 5th-magnitude 5 Canum Venaticorum. Center that star in your telescope and then move 1° east to 6th-magnitude 7 CVn. HD 109647 is nearly 1° to the east-southeast. It’s the southernmost star in a roughly 15'-wide triangle of near-similar suns. Through my 5-inch, this K5 star is a topaz splendor.
As always, share observations and experiences with me at
someara@interpac.net.