Constellations That Never Set: A Guide to Circumpolar Stars

From mid-northern latitudes, five constellations never dip below the horizon: Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, and Draco. These circumpolar constellations were crucial for navigation before the invention of the compass. Polaris in Ursa Minor marks the north celestial pole.

Sailors and travelers could always find their bearings by locating these permanent sky markers..