In the sky, one is aware of the large number of celestial bodies and objects that can be seen. Among many, the ever popular polar star is found, one of those stars capable of standing out in the sky. Since time immemorial, its visualization has been associated with different meanings of the pole star or premises. What is the absolute truth regarding her?
The polar star has acquired a value beyond the scientific, since it has also been part of human beliefs and cultures. She has witnessed everything that is lived on the face of the Earth, serving as a guide on some occasions. Being visible to the naked eye, it is one of those space bodies capable of correctly orienting and marking latitudes.
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The polar star and all that it represents for humanity. How exactly does it differ?
One of the most sighted and familiar celestial objects by humans is the North Star. Your presence in heaven represents an iconic view that encompasses different apparent meanings.
This star belongs to the constellation of the Little Bear, being the most important of that particular group. Since forever, she has been known as one of the brightest and most prominent in that group.
Source: Google
Also known scientifically as Alpha-Ursa Minoris or North Star, it is the closest to the north pole as such. Therefore, to speak of this star is to refer exactly to that specific latitude: north.
Since ancient times, the polar star has been the object of study by various cultures, such as the Chinese or Greek. Depending on each of them, it was conceived by various etymologies, but the most common is the one known today.
In general terms and according to its physical characteristics, it is a yellow supergiant star of enormous luminosity. In fact, it is said that the irradiation of its light is perceived from the Earth up to 2000 times greater than the Sun.
Despite being more than 400 light years away from Earth, it is still one of the brightest bodies. Thanks to this quality, it has developed a certain fanaticism or popularity among science and culture as such.
There is no doubt that the polar star and humanity, they have always had a history that involves them. In this regard, it has been possible to determine various meanings related to this specific star.
Meanings of the polar star throughout history. How important has it been to the world?
The polar star has been used by humanity for a single purpose more than useful forever. This celestial object served as a spearhead to orient or guide those people who were looking for the north.
Due to its close relationship with these latitudes, it was almost a given to follow such a direction without any error. For a long time, this star has been associated with the tilt of the Earth and, therefore, with the North Pole.
Being one of the brightest stars in the night sky, it caught the attention of various cultures and historical figures. As a result, it was named, defined or meant in different ways according to how it was studied.
Also, due to the quality of the polar star of remaining practically fixed in the sky, facilitated its study over time. Belonging to the Ursa Minor constellation, it added one more detail to increase its relevance.
The polar star and its relationship with the Mayan culture
For the Mayan culture, the polar star represented something more than a simple star in the sky. In general, this star was recognized as a deity with different religious meanings attributed to it.
The Mayan culture established that the polar star not only guided on the physical pathbut in the spiritual. Those people with a lost direction spiritually, had to entrust themselves to the brightness of the star to be "enlightened".
On the other hand, this culture named the star as the Goddess of the Night or the Goddess of Winter. For this reason, it was venerated every time it was sighted, since it was considered bad luck not to do so. All merchants and merchants were aware of the influence of the polar star on the path they had to follow.
However, the Mayans were known for their great scientific and astronomical gifts. Despite their religious beliefs, they also highlighted the relevance of the polar star in the field of science.
The different names of Polaris, given by human history
Along the history, Polaris has received different names and appreciations that are worth noting. One of the most curious is linked to Scandinavian mythology, known by them as "Veralder Nagli". For this culture, the polar star was the nail that fixed the stellar dome or vault, keeping it as its center.
In another order of ideas, the polar star has been known by other names such as star of the sea and even naval star. Also, for Chinese culture in the past it was associated with a deity by the name of Tou Mu. In the case of the Greeks, it was known as "Dog's Tail" due to the shape they gave to the system to which it belonged.
How to locate the polar star? It's easier than it seems to find the universal guide!
Source: Google
Know how to locate the pole star It can be useful in case of an emergency. To carry out this premise, it is necessary to locate the Big Dipper in the sky, guided by its shape.
The next step in understanding how to locate the North Star is to understand how Ursa Major is oriented. Later and after identifying two of its stars, Merak and Dubhe, calculating approximately, with the fingers, the distance between the two.
Then, using the same distance, it must be “stretched” or multiplied by 5 upwards. Right at that moment and if everything went perfectly, it will connect with the brightest star in the north: Polaris.