Image rights – www.popsugar.com
Night sky is fascinating to humans from ancient to modern times. For some, looking at night sky brings peace and hope, whereas for stargazer’s what is this bright star over there? For kids seeing moon in the night sky makes them happy. But all the human beings who are blessed with eyes will witness the marvel of thousands of stars light up in the clear night sky.
When you casually look up in the night sky to enjoy the serenity of the peaceful night, you will blown with the view of thousands of stars. If you’re lucky it is clear sky without any clouds. You can see the “North Star the Polaris”. Determining its position in the vast sky maybe bit tricky, but learning to position the north star is fun.
Compass of Sailors
During ancient times, North star used to be a compass for the sailors. They used to travel in the boats for trading or fishing purposes without any technology just by believing the compass which points towards north. During nighttime, north star, that is Polaris is consider as their beacon and sail in that direction. However, development in the navigators reduced olden technique of following star navigation. Most of the people rely on the accurate modern technology while travelling in the ocean.
Polaris position in the Sky
Why Polaris is so special? Due to its fixed position in the night sky. Based on the seasons, the positions of planets, stars and constellations change. But only North star- Polaris don’t change its position. It always stays on the North pole of the sky whereas all other stars move it position based on the seasons except North Star. Once you find north star in the sky from that you can determine the other directions based on the position you are standing. This doesn’t require difficult mathematical calculations, all it requires is the knowledge of finding stars. It is also famously known as Pole Star
How to find the Polaris
First find big dipper constellations in the dark night sky, for better view move away from city lights. After drawing imaginary lines which join the star constellations big dipper, focus on the bottom two pointer stars which are bright. Next step is to draw an imaginary line straight upwards 5 times. Finally, you reach a star it is our North star – Polaris. Always remember Polaris is not brightest star in the night sky, finding it will be quite tricky. During clear night sky we will be able to spot it.
Dhruva Story
Once there lived a king by the name Uttānapāda. He had two wives : Suniti and Suruchi. Suniti’s son is Dhruva whereas Suruchi son is Uttama. The king is fond of his beautiful second wife Suruchi. King Uttānapāda over period of time started neglecting his first wife Suniti and Dhruva. The king was not aware how much his actions affecting his son Dhruva. Once Dhruva who was craving for his father affection went to his father. He saw Uttama sitting on his father lap and playing along with his mother next to him. Dhruva as well desired to sit on his father lap approached him which was abruptly stopped by Suruchi.
The small 5-year-old boy with tearful eyes looked at his father who did nothing for the action of his stepmother. Crying with pain for not able to get fathers love , Dhruva went to his mother who was heartbroken by seeing her 5-year-old son crying and pained upon knowing the reason. She advises her son to pray to Lord Vishnu, all his problems will be solved.
Taking his mother advice seriously, 5 years old boy leaves his luxurious palace, wears bark cloths and starts his journey towards the thick forest. Narada Maharishi who happens to see Dhruva questions him. What he is doing in the dangerous forest alone. Dhruva narrates him things happen and his determination to see Lord Vishnu by doing penance. Narada Maharishi advise him to go back to kingdom and enjoy his childhood days by playing. Dhruva refuses and by seeing determination Narada Maharishi guides him how to do penance with Mantra.
After 6 months of sincere penance, Lord Vishnu blesses Dhruva with his presence. The small boy who happens to see Lord Vishnu was unable to talk as he is mere 5-year-old. Lord blesses him with knowledge and declares after his life as King on earth he will remain as Polar Star – Polaris in the sky where all the planets and star revolve around him.
Summing Up
According to Hindu puranas: Noth Star, Pole star – Polaris is none other than Dhruva who received blessing from Lord Vishnu. Try spotting Polaris in the clear night sky and enjoy the stargazing.
Space Science: Understanding of the Galaxy – Brahmatatsattva %
This is very informative 🙏👌
Thanks for shairing 😊
Thank you 😊
Thank you 😊