A Star of Many Names

The star known today as Polaris has guided travelers for centuries, shining brightly as the North Star. Throughout history, it has been known by many names, including Cynosura in ancient Greece.

Polaris is part of the Ursa Minor constellation and marks the end of the Little Dipper's handle. Its unique positioning near the celestial north pole makes it an essential star for navigation.

Scientific Significance

🌌 In the field of astronomy, Polaris is classified as a cepheid variable star. These stars are important for measuring cosmic distances due to their intrinsic brightness patterns.

Besides its navigational importance, Polaris also serves as a benchmark for understanding stellar evolution and galaxy distances, a beacon of light in both historical and scientific exploration.