as Běidǒuqī (北斗七 - the Seventh Star of the Northern Dipper) or Yáoguāng (瑤光 - the Star of Twinkling Brilliance) in Chinese. The Hindus knew this star as Marīci, one of the Seven Rishis. In Japan and Korea, Alkaid is known as Hagunsei and Mukokseong respectively ("the military breaking star" or "most corner star"). Both meanings come from ancient China's influence in both countries. In culture USS Alkaid (AK-114) was a United States Navy Crater class cargo ship named after the star. See also Lists of stars References External links Alkaid at Jim Kaler's Stars website Ursae Majoris, Eta Big Dipper B-type main-sequence stars Ursa Major (constellation) Alkaid Ursae Majoris, 85 5191 120315 067301 BD+50 2027