Definition: North Star
The North Star is a special bright star called Polaris, which always points toward
the North Pole and helps people find their way in the night sky.
Fun Facts
1. Also Known As Polaris: Although most people call it the North Star, its official scientific name is Polaris, and it is actually a system made up of three stars orbiting one another: it's a stellar trio!
2. A Natural Compass: Because the North Star sits almost directly above Earth's North Pole, it acts as an incredible natural compass that has guided people for centuries: it always points true north.
3. Guiding Travelers: Sailors and explorers relied on the North Star during long night journeys across the ocean because it never changes position in the sky: it is the ultimate dependable guide.
4. Not the Brightest Star: Even though it is one of the most famous stars in the sky, the North Star is actually not the brightest star overall, sitting comfortably as the 48th brightest: fame doesn't mean winning a brightness contest.
5. A Supergiant Star: Polaris is classified as a yellow supergiant star, meaning it is much larger, heavier, and brighter than our own Sun: it's a giant in space.
6. Staying Still: While all the other stars in the night sky appear to spin and move in circles due to Earth's rotation, the North Star stays locked in the exact same spot: it never joins the cosmic dance.
7. Ancient Starlight: The light you see coming from the North Star tonight actually left the star hundreds of years ago because it is located about 430 light-years away from Earth: you are literally looking back in time.