Polaris - where are you?
Star trails around Polaris: Photographer Alexey Chuden
“I am in the northern hemisphere and all stars rotate around me! “ Finding Polaris (the North Star) from Hawaii in December is relatively easy, but it requires understanding its position in the night sky, especially since Hawaii is located closer to the equator compared to northern latitudes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Understand Polaris's Position:
Polaris is located in the Northern Hemisphere and roughly aligns with the North Celestial Pole. It is a key star for navigation because it stays relatively stationary in the sky while other stars appear to move around it.
In December, Polaris is visible in the northern sky.
In Hawaii, which is at a latitude of about 20° North, Polaris will appear to be roughly 20° above the northern horizon. This is because the altitude of Polaris in the sky roughly equals your latitude.
2. Find the Big Dipper (Ursa Major):
The Big Dipper is one of the easiest star patterns to find in the northern sky. In December, it will be located relatively high in the northern sky.
The Big Dipper is part of the constellation Ursa Major. It consists of seven stars, forming a "dipper" shape.
3. Locate Polaris Using the Big Dipper:
Look for the two stars at the edge of the Big Dipper’s bowl (the outermost stars of the bowl).
These two stars are called Dubhe and Merak.
Draw an imaginary line between these two stars and extend it out about five times the distance between them. This line will point directly to Polaris.
Polaris will appear as a relatively bright star, though not the brightest in the sky.
4. Adjust for Your Location:
In Hawaii, Polaris will appear lower in the sky than it would at more northern latitudes. It will be about 20° above the horizon.
Ensure that you have a clear view to the north (towards the horizon), as tall buildings, mountains, or trees might block your view of the star.
5. Hawaiian Navigators used Polaris for Latitude:
Identifying Direction (North-South): While Hawaiian voyagers had a star compass system, which included knowledge of various stars, Polaris was a crucial tool for navigating north and south. At night, by aligning their canoe or their observation point with the star, navigators could steer in a particular direction, such as northward towards Alaska or southward towards Tahiti. The higher Polaris is in the sky, the closer the navigator is to the North Pole (or the more northerly they are in the Pacific). The lower Polaris appears, the closer they are to the equator.
6. If You are lost in the northern hemisphere-Find Polaris
If you are lost in the Northern Hemisphere and need to find your way, Polaris, also known as the North Star, is the key star to locate. Here's why:
Fixed Position in the Sky: Polaris is situated nearly directly above the North Pole, so it remains relatively fixed in the sky. Its position makes it a reliable indicator of true north, no matter where you are in the Northern Hemisphere. Finding Polaris is the best way to orient yourself and determine direction
Summary:
Find the Big Dipper in the northern sky.
Draw an imaginary line from the two stars of the Big Dipper's bowl and extend it to find Polaris.
Polaris will be about 20° above the northern horizon in Hawaii in December.
That’s the simplest way to find Polaris while in Hawaii. Happy stargazing from Amazing Maui Stars tour!