Polaris is the correct term used for the “North Star” or “Pole Star” and it is the brightest star in the constellation of Ursa Minor. This star seems to remain still in the night sky whilst the other stars rotate around it.
The simplest way to find Polaris, is to spot the “Plough” which is part of Ursa Major and point directly to it. Near to the top of the Plough you should find Polaris, then if you drop a vertical line from Polaris to the horizon, this is known as due north. When you are looking north the east will be to your right, west to your left and south will be behind you.
The North Star has been used for navigational purposes for centuries.