maantähti

Maantähti, also known as the North Star or Polaris, is a prominent star located in the constellation Ursa Minor. It is notable for its nearly constant position in the night sky, which makes it a reliable navigational tool for travelers and explorers. Polaris is situated very close to the north celestial pole, the point around which the entire northern sky appears to rotate. This proximity to the celestial pole means that Polaris remains relatively stationary while other stars appear to move around it.

The star is a yellow supergiant, approximately 430 light-years away from Earth. It is part of a triple star system, with two smaller companion stars orbiting it. The primary star, Polaris A, is a variable star, meaning its brightness fluctuates slightly over time. Despite its variability, Polaris is one of the brightest stars in the night sky, with an apparent magnitude of about 2.0.

Historically, Polaris has been used for navigation by sailors and travelers for centuries. Its consistent position has made it a crucial reference point for determining direction. In modern times, Polaris continues to be a significant star in astronomy and navigation, serving as a benchmark for celestial observations and space missions.

Polaris is also culturally significant in various traditions and mythologies. In Greek mythology, it is associated with the goddess Persephone, who was abducted by Hades while walking with her mother, Demeter. In Norse mythology, Polaris is linked to the god Baldr, who was killed by the poisoned mistletoe of the world tree Yggdrasil. These cultural references highlight the enduring fascination with Polaris and its symbolic importance across different societies.