Sõidutähtis

Sõidutähtis is an Estonian term that translates roughly to "driving star" or "vehicle star." It is not a formal or officially recognized astronomical term. Instead, it is a colloquial expression used to refer to a particularly bright or prominent star that is visible from Estonia, often in relation to navigation or simply as a celestial landmark.

The specific star referred to by "sõidutähtis" can vary depending on context and historical usage. However, it most commonly designates Polaris, the North Star, due to its fixed position in the northern sky. Polaris has historically been crucial for navigation in the Northern Hemisphere, making it a significant "driving star" for those traveling by land or sea. Its constancy allowed mariners and travelers to determine direction and maintain their course.

In some instances, other bright stars in prominent constellations might also be informally labeled as "sõidutähtis" if they serve a similar navigational or observational purpose for people in Estonia. The term emphasizes the practical utility of a star as a guide or marker in the night sky, rather than its scientific classification or intrinsic brightness alone. It reflects a traditional, perhaps even folk-astronomical, perspective on the celestial sphere.