0
Polaris
Polaris is Earth's current northern pole star, and thus is commonly referred to as the North Star. Historically, Polaris was used by sailors and navigators to determine their current latitude while crossing oceans. Please place all questions about Polaris, the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor, into this category.
543 Questions
By what other names is the star Polaris known?
Polaris is known by other names such as "pole star" or "North pole". Polaris has also been referred to as "Steadfast".
What causes the circumpolar stars to appear to move around polaris?
The apparent daily movement of the stars in the sky is a reflection of Earth's rotation. Earth rotates around its axis; as a reflection of this, the entire sky rotates around an "axis", which is simply the extension of Earth's axis.
By chance, the star Polaris is almost exactly on the line of the Earth's axis, extended into space.
So, as the Earth rotates the stars appear to rotate around Polaris.
Circumpolar stars never go below the observer's horizon, so they just seem to go in circles around Polaris.
What is the relationship of the latitude of the observer and the altitude of polaris?
The altitude of Polaris, the North Star, closely corresponds to the latitude of the observer in the Northern Hemisphere. Specifically, if you measure the angle of Polaris above the horizon, that angle is equal to the observer's latitude. For example, at 40 degrees north latitude, Polaris will appear 40 degrees above the northern horizon. This relationship helps navigators and astronomers determine their latitude by observing Polaris.
The North Star, or Polaris, is located nearly at the celestial North Pole, making it a fixed point in the sky as other stars appear to rotate around it. It serves as a navigational reference for travelers in the Northern Hemisphere, as it indicates true north. Polaris is part of the Ursa Minor constellation and is approximately 433 light-years away from Earth. Its brightness and position have historically made it a crucial guide for navigation at sea and on land.
How is the altitude of polaris related to the latitude of the observer in the northern hemisphere?
The altitude of Polaris, also known as the North Star, is directly related to the latitude of the observer in the northern hemisphere. Specifically, Polaris appears at an altitude equal to the observer's latitude; for example, if you are at 40 degrees north latitude, Polaris will be approximately 40 degrees above the northern horizon. This relationship occurs because Polaris is located nearly directly above the North Pole, making it a reliable indicator of latitude for navigation.
What is the float level on a 250 polaris?
The float level on a Polaris 250 generally refers to the height at which the float in the carburetor is set to allow the correct amount of fuel into the carburetor bowl. For most Polaris 250 models, the float level should be adjusted to approximately 15-17 millimeters from the gasket surface when the carburetor is inverted. It's important to refer to the specific service manual for your model for precise measurements and adjustments. Proper float level ensures optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.
What is angle of polaris from St. Paul?
The angle of Polaris, or its altitude, can be approximated by the latitude of St. Paul, Minnesota, which is around 44.9 degrees North. This means that when you are in St. Paul, Polaris will appear approximately 44.9 degrees above the northern horizon. The angle can vary slightly depending on your exact location within St. Paul.
What is the term that refers to constellations that travel around a pole star?
The term that refers to constellations that travel around a pole star is "circumpolar constellations." These constellations remain visible throughout the year and appear to rotate around the pole star due to the Earth's rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, examples include Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, while in the Southern Hemisphere, examples include the Southern Cross.
Did the wise men see the north star?
The wise men, or Magi, are often associated with following a star to locate the birthplace of Jesus. However, the specific star they followed is not identified as the North Star (Polaris) in the biblical account. Instead, it is commonly thought to be a bright celestial event or conjunction, possibly a planet or a supernova. The exact nature of the star remains a topic of speculation and debate among scholars.
What is device used to determine the altitude of the North star?
The device used to determine the altitude of the North Star (Polaris) is called an astrolabe. An astrolabe is an ancient astronomical instrument that allows users to measure the angle of celestial objects above the horizon. By aligning the astrolabe with Polaris, one can determine their latitude based on the altitude of the star. This technique has been used for navigation and understanding one's position on Earth.
