七ななつの星ほし

noun

the Big Dipper; the Plough

Refers to the well-known asterism of seven stars in Ursa Major. Used in both everyday and astronomical contexts.

See also: 北斗七星

• 今こん夜やは七ななつの星ほしがきれいに見みえる。

  Tonight the Big Dipper is clearly visible.

• 北きたの空そらに七ななつの星ほしを探さがしてみよう。

  Let's look for the Big Dipper in the northern sky.

noun

the seven classical planets

Historical astronomical term for the seven celestial bodies visible to the naked eye: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Rare in modern usage outside historical or astrological contexts.

See also: 七曜 (しちよう)

• 昔むかしの天てん文もん学がくでは、七ななつの星ほしは太たい陽よう、月つき、そして五いつつの惑わく星せいを指さした。

  In ancient astronomy, the seven stars referred to the sun, the moon, and the five planets.