Polaris, the bright star located nearly in line with Earth's rotational axis, appearing stationary in the northern sky and used for navigation. Metaphorically refers to a guiding principle or constant reference point.
Compound of 'north' from Old English 'norþ' and 'star' from Old English 'steorra.' The metaphorical usage developed from maritime navigation practices where Polaris served as a reliable directional guide for centuries.
While we call it the North Star, Polaris hasn't always held this position and won't forever - due to Earth's axial precession, different stars serve as pole stars over thousands of years, meaning our most 'constant' navigational reference is actually slowly wandering through space.
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