An old trick to identifying stars near the Big Dipper.
The two stars in the “bowl” of the Big Dipper (opposite the “handle”) are appropriately called “the pointers.” Use them as a directional guide to Polaris — which is about the width of the Big Dipper away from "the pointers." Polaris isn’t very bright. But if you can make out the Little Dipper, Polaris is the last star in its “handle.”
In the other direction, “the pointers” of the Big Dipper direct you to Regulus. Though a bit farther away, Regulus is easier to spot because it’s quite bright.
Now use the bent handle of the Big Dipper to guide you to Arcturus. Arcturus is actually one of the brightest stars in the northern sky. And from Arcturus, continue on to Spica (also reasonably bright). Memory device: from the “arcing” handle of the Big Dipper…
“arc on over to Arcturus and then speed on to Spica.”
Throughout the year, the Big Dipper rotates in the sky. But no matter its orientation, “the pointers” always point to Polaris. (Of course, one needs to be in the Northern Hemisphere.
) Those other stars, however, may not always be visible — due to being below the horizon.
