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[Nordsee]

No, not the ship but the star that shows us where North is ( roughly). I always understood it was the faint star at the top of the Big Bear, Plough or Big Dipper, call it what you will. I honestly just find the group of stars and use that as North. Then I read in a German magazine that the Pole Star is in the group of the Little Bear, Dog, etc. That is well away from the major group and not so easy to find, anyone like to explain?

[Bryan Young]

The "Pole Star"....or "Polaris", is to be found at the very end of the Plough handle. It sits by itself, a little away from the rest of the constellation, but follow the curve of the handle and it becomes obvious. And by the way, a stellar sight (with a sextant) of this star, when "corrected" gives a very accurate indication of the observers latitude. BY.

[Colin Bishop]

I don't think that's right Bryan, see here: http://www.satsig.net/maps/how-to-find-north-pole-star.htm

The star that a continuation of the 'handle' of the Plough points to is Arcturus in the constellation of Bootes. See here: http://kab.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tugna:Finding_arcturus.png

Colin

[Bryan Young]

Oopsy! My fault. Two stars mixed up again! Of course you're correct. How on earth (wrong adjective) did I get that wrong. Still, it's a simple progression from t'other end. Sorry. Thanks for the correction. Bryan.

[Nordsee]

I don't think that's right Bryan, see here: http://www.satsig.net/maps/how-to-find-north-pole-star.htm

The star that a continuation of the 'handle' of the Plough points to is Arcturus in the constellation of Bootes. See here: http://kab.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tugna:Finding_arcturus.png

Colin

Thanks people, now I know!!

[Colin Bishop]

It's quite easy to spot.

Colin