The constellation that contains the north celestial pole, popularly known as the Little Bear. Its brightest star is Polaris (Alpha Ursae Minoris), the north pole star. The stars Kochab (Beta Ursae Minoris) and Pherkad (Gamma Ursae Minoris) are popularly known as the Guardians of the Pole. The constellation itself is sometimes referred to as the Little Dipper.