This object's brightness is 2.5 times greater today than in Ptolemy's time, suggesting changes in stellar evolution 100 times larger than predicted. F
This object's brightness is 2.5 times greater today than in Ptolemy's time, suggesting changes in stellar evolution 100 times larger than predicted. Found in an asterism with Kochab and Pherkad, this object exhibits decreased amplitude that suggests its departure from the instability strip. It has two other companions, one of which was discovered by Herschel in 1780, and is the closest Population I (*) Cepheid variable to Earth. It can be referenced with the line connecting Dubhe and Merak, and it is the brightest star in Ursa Minor. For ten points, name this star found at the end of the Little Dipper, commonly referred to as the North Star.
This object's brightness is 2.5 times greater today than in Ptolemy's time, suggesting changes in stellar evolution 100 times larger than predicted.
Polaris [accept Alpha UMi or Alpha Ursae Minoris; prompt on North Star, Northern Star or Pole Star before mention, as those change over the years]