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Description
The shield on combines the north star, Polaris, with the Big Dipper asterism which is part of the constellation of Ursa Major or the Great Bear. These stars represent Alaska's position as the most northern state and the only one partly within the Arctic Circle, as well as the state's waterways, as early sailors would have used these stars to guide them, and its wildlife. White symbolises snow and ice, blue symbolises the oceans, lakes and rivers and black symbolises Alaska's natural resources. The arrangement of the stripes is also meant to recall the flag of Russia, from which Alaska was purchased by the United States.

Description
The shield on combines the north star, Polaris, with the Big Dipper asterism which is part of the constellation of Ursa Major or the Great Bear. These stars represent Alaska's position as the most northern state and the only one partly within the Arctic Circle, as well as the state's waterways, as early sailors would have used these stars to guide them, and its wildlife. White symbolises snow and ice, blue symbolises the oceans, lakes and rivers and black symbolises Alaska's natural resources. The arrangement of the stripes is also meant to recall the flag of Russia, from which Alaska was purchased by the United States.