Q&A for How to Find the North Star

No. Polaris (the North Star) is not a bright star. If the star you're seeing doesn't twinkle, it is probably a planet rather than a star, as they also appear very bright in the sky. Otherwise, it could be Sirius, or more likely, Arcturus.

I use Stellarium, but there are a bunch of them. Look around until you find one that you like.

You can also use constellations to find the North Star. Try the other methods in this article.

Ursa Major is also called the Big Dipper because it consists of seven bright stars arranged in a pattern resembling a big spoon, and the word "dipper" in olden days meant a large spoon used for drinking water. There are three stars in the handle of the ladle and four that form the bowl. It is also called the Great Bear because, along with other faint stars, it forms the shape of the bear.

Ursa Minor, the Little Bear, is the constellation that contains Polaris. Ursa Major, the Great bear, is commonly used as a pointer to Polaris. Cassiopeia can also be used as a pointer. In winter, you can use Orion to find Polaris. Find Orion's Belt, then go upwards at right angles to the belt.

You would not see it. At the equator, Polaris would be 0 degrees from the ground and lay right on the horizon, unless there is something tall in the way. The first two stars on the right claw of Scorpius would generally point north and toward Polaris to get you in the ball park.

No, the first "star" to appear is apt to be a planet, either Venus or Mercury, depending on their locations. The first actual star would probably be Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. Sirius, the Dog Star, can be seen trailing Orion, the Hunter, in the winter.