Constellation illustration

We tend to think of the North Star, Polaris, as a steady, solitary point of light that guided sailors in ages past. But there is more to the North Star than meets the eye. The North Star is actually a triple star system. And while one companion can be seen easily through small telescopes, the other hugs Polaris so tightly that it has never been seen – until now.

Credit:

NASA, ESA, N. Evans (Harvard-Smithsonian CfA), and H. Bond (STScI)

About the Image

NASA press release
Id:opo0602b
Type:Artwork
Release date:9 January 2006, 15:20
Size:1114 x 1306 px

About the Object


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