Polaris: The North Star That Never Gets Lost (Unlike Your GPS)

Polaris—the North Star. The shining beacon in the sky that has guided wanderers for centuries, often mistaken for an overpriced nightlight on the cosmic ceiling.

But why do we bestow such a royal title upon Polaris? Sit back, grab your telescope (or a strong cup of coffee), and let’s unravel the shining mystery of why Polaris is called the North Star!

First off, let’s talk about positioning. Polaris is like that trustworthy friend who’s always on time, even when the rest of your gang is hopelessly lost in the world’s vast expanse. Situated nearly directly above the northern spin axis of our dear planet Earth, Polaris shines bright enough that, as the Earth spins, all the other stars party around it like it’s the favorite disco ball of the celestial club. Yes folks, while the stars whirl and twirl, Polaris stays cool, calm, and collected in its northern spot. Talk about commitment!

And here’s where things start to get amusing—while Polaris is doing its thing, down south, they’re still searching for a reliable South Star. Spoiler alert: no bright counterpart exists. So, Southern Hemisphere stargazers, you’re out of luck. It’s like being at a concert with all your favorite bands lined up for singles, only to step outside and discover that you still don’t have an opener.

Now, if you travel back in time—forget about “Back to the Future”; instead, think “Back to the Ancient Sky”—you’d discover that Polaris wasn’t always wearing the crown of the North Star. Thousands of years ago, it was Vega strutting its stuff in the northern spotlight. Earth’s spin axis has a habit of changing its alignment like a diva who just can’t settle on an acting role, but now, it’s Parkinson’s favorite, Polaris, who gets to enjoy the spotlight.

Oh, and contrary to popular belief, Polaris isn’t even the brightest star in the sky. No, that title goes to its flashy neighbor, Sirius. But what Polaris lacks in shimmer, it makes up for in accessibility. Thanks to its close alignment with the two stars in the cup of the Big Dipper, spotting Polaris isn’t exactly rocket science. Spoiler alert: if you can find the Dipper, you can find Polaris. It’s like following the crumbs to Grandma’s secret stash of cookies!

But wait, there’s more! Ever heard of the Cepheid variable stars? Well, our dear Polaris belongs to that exclusive club, and it’s a bit of a show-off. This celestial celebrity slowly pulsates, changing its brightness by a few percent over a few days. Think of it as the star equivalent of a mood swing, keeping its admirers engaged and guessing.

So, the next time you find yourself gazing into the night sky, take a moment to appreciate our steadfast northern friend. Polaris may not be the brightest star out there, nor the only guiding light, but it certainly has the history, the positioning, and the quirkiness that mark it as the North Star. With its celestial presence, it reminds us that, even in a galaxy full of chaos, some things—like a trusty compass pointing North—will always remain defined and unwavering. Happy stargazing!
Image via NASA https://ift.tt/PuW1YOc