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Alaska's state flag features the Big Dipper (Ursa major or Great Bear constellation) as a symbol of strength, and Polaris (the North Star ) as a symbol of Alaska's northern location and "the ever constant star for the mariner, the explorer, hunter, trapper, prospector, woodsman, and the surveyor..." (quote from legislation). The blue background represents the sky, sea, lakes, and wildflowers of Alaska (the blue alpine forget-me-not is the state flower of Alaska).
Photo of Northern lights and big dipper constellation by Steve Wall on Flickr
The Alaska state flag (selected for its simplicity, its originality, and its symbolism) was created by Benny Benson (John Bell Bensona), a 13 year old 7th grader from an orphanage in Seward, Alaska. Seward honors him with a monument on 3rd Avenue.
Notes: The North star is also found on the state flag of Maine. The Big Dipper constellation also contains "The Delaware Diamond" (the state star of Delaware).
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