Polaris, known as the North Star, sits more or less directly above Earth's north pole along our planet's rotational axis. This is the imaginary line that extends through the planet and out of the north and south poles. Earth rotates around this line, like a spinning top.

Polaris is a star in the northern circumpolar constellation of Ursa Minor. It is designated α Ursae Minoris (Latinized to Alpha Ursae Minoris) and is commonly called the North Star or Pole Star.

Polaris, or commonly known as The North Star, is located almost directly above the North Celestial Pole marking the way due north. Polaris is not the brightest star in the night sky. However, it is easily located making it a reliable gauge of North for travelers without a compass.

Polaris, Alpha Ursae Minoris (α UMi), is a yellow supergiant located approximately 446 light-years away in the constellation Ursa Minor. It is the current North Star, the closest visible star to the north celestial pole. It marks the end of the handle of the Little Dipper asterism.