Polaristähteen

Polaritähti, also known as Polaris or the North Star, is a star located near the north celestial pole. It is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor. While it is currently the North Star, its position is not fixed due to a phenomenon called precession. Over thousands of years, the Earth's axis wobbles, causing the celestial pole to shift and different stars to appear as the North Star.

Polaris is actually a multiple-star system, with the main star being a yellow supergiant. Its apparent magnitude is approximately 2.0, making it easily visible to the naked eye. Historically, Polaris has been crucial for navigation, as its position in the sky indicates the direction of true north. Sailors and travelers for centuries relied on its steady presence to guide them.

The star's proximity to the north celestial pole means it appears to circle the pole without significantly changing its position in the sky, while other stars move in arcs throughout the night. This characteristic made it an invaluable astronomical marker for determining latitude as well. Despite its navigational importance, Polaris is not the brightest star in the sky; that distinction belongs to Sirius. Its fame stems from its unique location and its role in celestial orientation.