
Polaris

by Science Photo Library
Title
Polaris
Artist
Science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Polaris, designated Alpha Ursae Minoris (abbreviated Alpha UMi), commonly the North Star or Pole Star, is the brightest star in the constellation of Ursa Minor. It is very close to the north celestial pole, making it the current northern pole star. Our best estimate of the distance of Polaris is about 433 light-years. Polaris is a multiple star. Polaris B has been discovered in 1779 by William Herschel. Polaris A is a double making for a 3-star system. This image was created from photographic material taken with the 1.22-metre Oschin Telescope at Mount Palomar Observatory, forming part of the Digitized Sky Survey 2.
Uploaded
October 24th, 2019
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