põhjapõhi

Põhjapõhi is the Estonian word for the constellation Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper. It is a prominent constellation in the northern sky, easily recognizable by its distinctive shape resembling a ladle or dipper. The most famous star within Põhjapõhi is Polaris, the North Star, which is located very close to the north celestial pole. Due to this proximity, Polaris appears to remain almost stationary in the sky throughout the night, while other stars revolve around it. This makes it an invaluable tool for navigation, particularly for determining direction in the Northern Hemisphere.

The stars that form Põhjapõhi are relatively bright, making the constellation visible even in areas with moderate light pollution. Its shape is formed by seven stars, with Polaris being the brightest and forming the tip of the dipper's handle. The other six stars form the bowl of the dipper. Historically, Põhjapõhi has been important for various cultures in the Northern Hemisphere for its navigational and calendrical significance. Sailors and travelers have relied on its predictable position for centuries. The name "põhjapõhi" directly translates to "north bottom" or "north base," reflecting its association with the northern direction and the celestial pole.