CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What is the common name of the North Star used for navigation?

1. Sirius

2. Betelgeuse

3. Polaris

4. Canopus

The correct answer is: Polaris

Polaris is commonly known as the North Star and is an essential reference point for navigation in the Northern Hemisphere. Its significance arises from its position nearly aligned with Earth's rotational axis, making it appear almost stationary in the sky, while other stars seem to rotate around it. This unique placement allows navigators and travelers to easily identify true north, which is crucial for map reading, navigation, and even during celestial navigation at sea. In contrast, the other options listed, such as Sirius, Betelgeuse, and Canopus, are prominent stars in their own rights but do not serve the same navigational purpose as Polaris. While Sirius, for example, is the brightest star in the night sky, and Betelgeuse is a well-known red supergiant, neither provides the reliable fixed point in the northern sky that Polaris does. Canopus is also a bright star but is located in the southern hemisphere, making it irrelevant for northern navigation.