Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. An award-winning reporter writing about stargazing and the night sky. Can you find the so-called “North Star” or “Pole Star?” ...

While Polaris the North Star is far from the brightest, it’s a very important star because it shines directly above the Earth’s North Pole. Polaris is perched 433 light-years, or just over 2500 ...

The North Star is the brightest in the night sky, right? It’s actually only the 48th brightest! The brightest is Sirius, the “Dog Star,” which is visible in the southwest come dark this month. It will ...

Polaris, also known as the 'Pole Star' or 'North Star', is arguably the most famous stellar body to hang in the western hemisphere's night sky. For centuries it has served as a vital waypoint for ...