This unique fireback illustrates the rule for finding Polaris, the North Star. The gaze of the moon shows how to use the pointer stars, Merak and Dubhe, in the bowl of the Big Dipper to find Polaris, the first star in the handle of the Little Dipper.In the Northern Hemisphere the observer perceives Polaris as the center around which all other stars revolve once every twenty four hours. An imaginary line drawn through the pointers to the first bright star, approximately five times the distance between the pointers, always leads to this, the North Star. Unfortunately because of light pollution, the other stars of the Little Dipper can not always be seen. Fireback by J. Del Conner. Cast Iron, Made by hand in the USA. Dimensions 21 1/2 wide, 19 1/2 high, 46 pounds. First introduced in 1981. When you first remove your Fireback from its box, examine it carefully for cracks or other damage. Minor imperfections sand holes, inclusions, dimensional differences are inherent in the casting process. The fireback has been dipped in a water base paint to prevent rust during transportation. This finish is not intended for display. Paint bubbles, bare spots and streaks will wear off with use or can be removed with a wire brush or steel wool.