▽Astronomy Picture of the Day ●01/15 06:21 2025 January 14North Star: Polaris and Surrounding DustImage Credit & Copyright: Davide CovertaExplanation: Why is Polaris called the North Star?First, Polaris is the nearest bright star toward the north spin axis of the Earth. Therefore, as the Earth turns, stars appear to revolve around Polaris, but Polaris itself always stays in the same northerly direction -- making it the North Star.