Locating the Polaris!

The pole star, known as Polaris, is famous for being nearly still in our sky while the entire northern sky moves around it. People in ancient times determined directions during the night with the help of stars.

Being the most useful in determining the directions, Polaris is not easy to locate as there are about 50 more objects in the night sky brighter than Polaris. (Refer the picture below to get an idea how confusing this would be)

How to locate the Polaris?

Polaris is easy to locate by using the prominent group of stars known as the Big Dipper.

Big Dipper known as ‘The Saptarishi’ who are identified with the seven rishis of ancient India, Agastya, Atri, Bharadwaj, Gautam, Jamdagni, Vashistha and Vishwamitra. The corresponding western names of these stars are: Dubhe, Merak, Phad, Megrez, Alioth, Mizar and Alkaid.