nordstjernen

Nordstjernen is the Danish name for Polaris, also known as the North Star. It is an important navigational star in the Northern Hemisphere, located very close to the north celestial pole. Due to its proximity to this pole, Polaris appears to remain almost stationary in the sky throughout the night while other stars appear to rotate around it. This consistent position has made it invaluable for centuries to navigators seeking to determine direction and latitude.

Polaris is actually a multiple-star system, with the main star, Polaris A, being a yellow supergiant. The apparent brightness of Nordstjernen makes it easily visible, even in areas with moderate light pollution. Its significance in Scandinavian culture and history is evident in its name, "Nordstjernen," which directly translates to "North Star." Historically, it has been a symbol of guidance, constancy, and orientation. While other stars change their positions over long periods, Polaris's near-fixed location has provided a reliable celestial marker for countless voyages and explorations.