Ursa Major do not have long tails, and Jewish astronomers considered Alioth, Mizar, and Alkaid instead to be three cubs following their mother, while the Native Americans saw them as three hunters. Noted children's book author H. A. Rey, in his 1952 book "The Stars: A New Way to See Them," () had a different asterism in mind for Ursa Major, that instead had the "bear" image of the constellation oriented with Alkaid as the tip of the bear's nose, and the "handle" of the Big Dipper part of the constellation forming the outline of the top of the bear's head and
Ursa (Finland) include advancing amateur astronomy and astronomical education. They have also published a magazine "Tähdet ja avaruus" since 1971. Anyone can join Ursa for an annual fee. The organization has thirteen sections specialized in different aspects of amateur astronomy (and meteorology): In addition, Ursa has two loosely organized hobby groups: Ursa (Finland) Ursa Astronomical Association () is the largest astronomical association in Finland. Ursa was founded on 2 November 1921. Founding members include a renowned Finnish astronomer Yrjö Väisälä. In 1926 Ursa established the Ursa Observatory in Kaivopuisto district of Helsinki. In 2007 the Tähtikallio Observatory & Education Center was established