Polaris - α Ursae Minoris (alpha Ursae Minoris)
Polaris, also designated as α Ursae Minoris (alpha Ursae Minoris), is a variable and multiple supergiant star of spectral class F7 in the constellation of Ursa Minor.
Polaris visual magnitude is 2.02, making it the 50th brightest star in the sky. Because of its brightness, Polaris is clearly visible to the naked eye when observed from locations with dark skies, and should be also quite easily visible from light polluted areas.
Celestial Coordinates
Apparent
J2000
Galactic Coordinates
Finder Chart
Simplified finder chart for Polaris - α Ursae Minoris (alpha Ursae Minoris).
Magnitude, Color, Spectral Class
The red dot in the diagram below shows where Polaris is situated in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram.
Star System Properties
Polaris is a visual double star which can be observed only with the help of very large telescopes. The table below shows key information about the Polaris double sysyem:
Distance, Radial Speed, Proper Motion
Polaris is distant 431.22 light years from the Sun and it is moving towards the Sun at the speed of 17 kilometers per second.
Alternative Designations
Visibility from Your Location
Polaris - α Ursae Minoris (alpha Ursae Minoris) is circumpolar and transits at 01:43 UTC (altitude: 52.1°)