Latest news with #Polaris'
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Has Polaris always been the North Star? How Earth's 26,000 year cycle changes the 'pole star'
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Polaris, also known as the 'Pole Star' or 'North Star', is arguably the most famous stellar body to hang in the western hemisphere's night sky. For centuries it has served as a vital waypoint for explorers navigating both Earth's physical oceans and the celestial starfield above. Its apparent importance is reflected in the fact that the entire night sky appears to revolve around it. This happens because Polaris' location happens to be closely aligned with Earth's north rotational axis, which is known as the celestial pole when projected outwards into space. However, Polaris isn't the first North Star to shine down on humanity, nor will it be the last. Earth is engaged in a constant gravitational tug of war with the moon and sun, which over time has created a bulge at our planet's equator, according to NASA. As a result, Earth's axis of rotation has developed a distinct wobble - known to scientists as axial precession - which sees the celestial pole trace a wide, lazy circle over a roughly 26,000 year period, coming close to several other prominent stars besides Polaris. Read on to discover more about the past, present and future North Stars, including how to find them for yourself in the night sky in the northern hemisphere. Amateur stargazers new to the night sky may want to make use of our guide to the best stargazing apps available in 2025, many of which have free functionality, and make use of augmented reality tech to help you find Polaris and navigate the stars. Polaris is the logical starting point for any North Star tour, given that it is the reigning title holder and a key waypoint for many attempting to find their way around the night sky. The current North Star can be found easily by locating the Big Dipper asterism in Ursa Minor, which is high overhead this time of year. Draw an imaginary line from the magnitude 2.3 star Merak, which forms the outer base of the 'bowl', through Dubhe, the star positioned as the 'pouring tip' of the asterism. Follow that line outward and the next similarly bright star you find on this path will be Polaris. This bright point of light is in fact a triple star system, though only two of the stars are visible through a backyard telescope. The largest of the stellar trio is a supergiant star that burns over 2,000 times brighter than our sun, according to NASA. Polaris will continue to be the pole star for a few thousand years to come, until Earth's rotational axis wanders inexorably away on its 26,000-year wobble. Jumping back in time, Thuban was positioned as a North Star some 4,700 years ago, as early civilizations thrived in Mesopotamia and Egypt, according to NASA. Thuban is located some 270 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco - hence its official name of Alpha Draconis - and is comprised of a pair of stars known as an 'eclipsing binary.' In 2020, a team of scientists revealed that these two ancient stars regularly eclipse one another over the course of their 51-day orbital period from the perspective of Earth, leading to periodic dips in brightness based on data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. A good way to find Thuban is to locate the bright stars Phecda and Megrez that form part of the 'bowl' of the famous Big Dipper asterism in the constellation Ursa Major, which is located high overhead at this time of year. Draw a line from Phecda through Megrez out into space continuing for twice the distance separating the two guide stars and you will find the patch of sky containing Thuban. Both Kochab and Pherkad were close to the celestial pole around 3,00 years ago, granting them the moniker of 'Guardians of the Pole', according to stargazing website Kochab came particularly close to the celestial pole between 1700 BCE-300 CE, and may even have been referred to as "Polaris" by some in antiquity, according to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The stellar duo are particularly easy to find once you know the location of Polaris, as all three belong to the same constellation of Ursa Minor, or the 'Little Bear'. Ursa Minor boasts a pan-like outline featuring a 'bowl' and 'handle', with Polaris is located at the end of the handle, while Kochab and Pherkad form the outer edge of the 'bowl'. Some archaeologists believe that the Ancient Egyptians may have orientated the Great Pyramids of Giza to face an alignment of the stars Kochab and Mizar - a star in the Big Dipper asterism - which were on opposite sides of the celestial pole around that era. However, there is contention as to which stars were used to orientate the pyramids - an important distinction as it has a direct bearing of our understanding of when exactly they were built, per the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. The K-type star Errai - or Gamma Cephei to give it its official name - is the first future North Star on our list. In just 2,200 years Errai will be situated a mere 3 degrees from the north celestial pole in the night sky, according to The University of Virginia, putting an end to Polaris reign. Gamma Cephei is actually two stars, a binary star system located some 45 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cepheus. Its primary star plays host to a Jupiter-like gas giant, the discovery of which was first announced in 1988, before being swiftly withdrawn due to a lack of confidence in the data, according to NASA. Its existence was confirmed by a later study, and had it not been withdrawn, the planet - named Gamma Cephei A b would have been forever known as the first exoplanet ever discovered beyond our solar system. Errai can be found using the same trick used to locate Polaris. Simply draw an imaginary line from Dubhe - the tip of the bowl in the Big Dipper asterism - through and past Polaris. The next bright star on that path will be Errai. In around 5,000 years, Alderamin - another star in the constellation Cepheus - will be crowned the North Star, per the Royal Museums Greenwich website. Many observers have likened the five stars of Cepheus to a child's drawing of a house. Following that visualization, Errai marks the top of the roof, while the magnitude 1.5 star Alderamin forms the lower right foundation. It can be found by locating the stars Shedar and Caph in the 'W' shaped constellation Cassiopeia. Draw a line from Shedar through Caph and beyond, and Alderamin will be directly on this path. The magnitude 1.2 star Deneb passed close to the celestial north pole 18,000 years ago according to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and will again around the year 9,800 CE, at which point it will be around seven degrees from the pole. To spot it, simply look to the Eastern sky after sunset during spring, where you will see the trio of bright stars that form the Summer Triangle asterism. Deneb will form the lower left point of the triangle relative to the horizon. The celestial north pole pointed to the bright star Vega some 14,000 years ago, at a time when our hunter-gathering ancestors roamed the Earth. NASA has estimated that Vega will become the north star once again in around 12,000 years from now, as Earth's rotational axis continues its lazy wobble through the stars. Vega is one of the brightest stars in the northern hemisphere, whose claim to scientific fame came in 1984, when scientists discovered the first evidence of what turned out to be an almost 100-billion-mile-diameter disk of dusty planet-forming matter in orbit around the star. Vega is the fifth brightest star visible in the northern hemisphere. Vega forms the top point of the famous Summer Triangle. Night sky lovers hoping to get a closer look at the night sky should check our guides for the best binoculars deals and the best telescope deals available in 2025. Our guides on the best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography can also help immortalize your stargazing sessions! Editor's Note: If you would like to share your astrophotography with readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Polaris Publishes 2024 Geared For Good Report
Polaris continues to operate as a steward for its employees, riders, communities and the outdoors MINNEAPOLIS, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) today released its 2024 Geared For Good Report. The annual report demonstrates Polaris' ongoing commitment to being good stewards for our industry, employees, riders, communities, and the outdoors. "Doing business the right way and showing up for our people, riders, dealers and the communities where we operate has been a part of how we've operated since our founding," said Pam Kermisch, Chief Customer Growth Officer and Corporate Responsibility Committee Chair at Polaris. "This year's report is a testament to the efforts of the Polaris team, their embrace of our Geared For Good culture, and the impact they are creating around the globe. There is a lot to be proud of, but what inspires me most is our ongoing commitment to advance our Geared For Good work." Built upon four pillars—THINK PRODUCT, THINK PRODUCTION, THINK PLACES, and THINK PEOPLE— Polaris' Geared For Good framework helps steer company efforts. Highlights from the 2024 report include: THINK PRODUCT: As part of its commitment to designing products and technologies with a focus on customer satisfaction, safety and environmental impact, Polaris released the next generation of the Indian Scout, 2025 RANGER lineup, Klim Freeride Helmet and Hurricane SunDeck 3200, and Bennington's Vivid UX Digital Display. Additionally, Polaris was recognized for best-in-class innovation in 2024: RANGER Kinetic Pro XD featured on Construction Equipment's Top 100 New Products, Dirt Wheels Magazine's Top Electric UTVs list, and Green Industry Pro's Editor Choice Award. Polaris RANGER 1000 Premium named Best of Fun by Men's Health Outdoor Awards. THINK PRODUCTION: Through its ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its operations, Polaris reached 90% waste diversion from landfills at our Wyoming, Minnesota facility – achieving our 2035 goal. Additionally, a new liquid paint system was implemented at Polaris Roseau, decreasing natural gas usage by 83,026 therms and avoiding 452 metric tonnes of CO2e emissions. THINK PLACES: Polaris takes action to positively impact land and water through stewardship and responsible riding. In 2024, Polaris awarded two grants through NFF's Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation to support trail enhancement projects in Sam Houston National Forest in Texas and Tonto National Park in Arizona. Polaris also donated $220,000 in TRAILS GRANTS to support trail stewardship and rider education efforts across the United States and Canada. THINK PEOPLE: Polaris puts employees, customers, dealers and communities at the center of its business. In 2024 Polaris achieved its lowest Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) on record in company history for the second consecutive year — 0.30. The company also provided more than $6.4 million to organizations and local communities in 2024 through corporate donations, Foundation grants, corporate matches of employee donations and vehicle donations. To learn more about Polaris' commitment to its environmental goals and progress made in 2024, please visit the 2024 Geared For Good Report. About Polaris As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris' high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER, RZR, Polaris XPEDITION, and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves nearly 100 countries across the globe. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Polaris Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
United to ramp up luxury services amid robust demand for premium travel
(Reuters) -United Airlines will increase the number of premium seats and services on its upcoming fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, as it looks to cash in on rising demand for luxury travel. The carrier on Tuesday unveiled a new business class suite called 'Polaris Studio' for the new aircraft, which will have 25% larger seats, caviar service, skincare kits, 27-inch screens and other luxury offerings. The aircraft will also have a standard 'Polaris' business class suite, which has been upgraded with sliding doors and larger screens, among other changes. North American airlines are rushing to capitalize on surging demand for high-margin premium travel and safeguard profits against potential economic downturns. Travel habits have changed post the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers look for experiences and hospitality rather than buying expensive goods. A rebound in corporate travel has bolstered this trend. Last month, United said it expected its financial performance to be resilient despite economic uncertainty stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, citing demand for premium offerings and international travel. The carrier expects the first 787-9 Dreamliner with the new interior before the end of this year, with the inaugural flight planned in 2026. It expects 30 of these jets to join its fleet by 2027. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
04-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Polaris Renewable Energy Announces Q1 2025 Investor Call Details
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / April 4, 2025 / Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. (TSX:PIF) ('Polaris' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce it will be holding its Earnings Conference Call and Webcast to report its Q1 2025 Earnings Results on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. To listen to the call, please dial Toll Free 888-506-0062 or International Toll-Free Number 973-528-00-11 entry code 918859. or URL: A digital recording of the earnings call will be available for replay two hours after the call's completion. Replay Call Information: Toronto: 1 877-481-4010, Passcode: 51832 International (toll-free): 1 919-882-2331, Passcode: 51832 Encore Replay Expiration Date: May 15, 2025 About Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. is a Canadian publicly traded company engaged in the acquisition, development, and operation of renewable energy projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. We are a high-performing and financially sound contributor to the energy transition. The Company's portfolio includes a geothermal plant (~82 MW), four run-of river hydroelectric plants (~39 MW), three solar (photovoltaic) projects (~35 MW) and an onshore wind park (~26 MW). For more information, contact: Polaris Renewable Energy Inc.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Polaris Built The Most Dominant UTV In Racing And You Can Buy One For Only $140,000
It seems that nobody can beat Polaris in off-road competition these days, and the engineers behind this monster machine are quite proud of it. Now the company is offering you a chance to drive the same equipment that the pros do, with the $139,999 2025 Polaris RZR Pro R Factory. A direct replica of the machines the Polaris factory race team uses in international off-road racing, the Pro R is the dirt rider you need if you want to take your competitive skills to the next level. There's a lot of engineering that goes into a race winning vehicle like that, likely with a price into the millions for Polaris, and here's your chance to buy that engineering and racing experience at a deep discount. The concept of a "race replica" is not a foreign one to two-wheeled riders, with a variety of factory racers offered to collectors and track enthusiasts for decades. Polaris, perhaps learning from its Indian Motorcycles division, has spent decades developing the ultimate off-road racing UTV for competition in events like the Mint 400, Baja 1000, and Dakar rally. The RZR, in fact, successfully defended its class victory in the Dakar just last month, and spent 2024 dominating the SCORE Pro UTV Open class taking its second championship in a row. If you've always wanted to see if you have what it takes to go against the best in the world on an even playing field, this is probably your best opportunity to do just that. Maybe you'll be faster, maybe you'll be slower, but you'll know it wasn't the equipment that let you down. Polaris says the point of building and selling this thing is to "continue to elevate the sport of side-by-side racing, intensify competition among top-tier teams, and set new benchmarks for desert-racing dominance." Only 30 examples will be built in collaboration with Scanlon Clarke Industries, the engineering brains behind the RZR Factory Racing Team. Read more: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid Blows Away Every Truck In Its Segment "The RZR Pro R Factory represents the pinnacle of Polaris' off-road innovation, offering off-road racers and teams a unique opportunity to own a purpose-built machine designed to win," said Reid Wilson, President of Polaris Off Road. "Since its debut, we've received incredible interest and demand for the vehicle from other teams, fueled by its unmatched track record. By making this vehicle available, we're empowering more teams to elevate competition and set a new standard for off-road racing, further reinforcing Polaris' leadership in the industry." This machine takes the standard RZR Pro R two-seater you can buy at any local Polaris dealer and amps up the off-roady-ness. The standard 2-liter ProStar engine remains, but has had its power output increased ten percent to 255 ponies. While the finished product looks pretty much like the standard Pro R, so much has changed under the skin that it's basically a whole new thing. The magic is in the suspension, with a race-spec MaxLink setup with Fox live valve X2 shocks, and semi-active Dynamix DV suspension control. The race-spec Alcon brakes have driver-adjustable bias to keep you on top of your race. And of course the wheel and tire package is beefed up to handle the rigors of the desert with Method bead locks and 35-inch BF Goodrich KR2s. The RZR Pro Factory gets a specially reinforced high-strength steel chassis with a full complement of carbon fiber body panels, a lightweight lithium 12v battery, mil-spec minimalist wiring harness, and carbon kevlar Sparco race seats to keep weight at a minimum. The fuel tank has been replaced with a long-range 130 liter racing fuel cell with dry-break filler to keep the risk of fire to a minimum in the desert. Because Polaris knows flat tires happen in competition, there's a streamlined and easy spare tire mounting system with all of the tools close by and easy to access for that emergency swap. There's also a full integrated fire suppression system, just in case the sh*t hits the fan. A MoTeC system runs the whole shooting match with real-time data logging and on-the-fly controls with big mushy buttons so you can still smash them with your race gloves on. This monster machine carries more than a $100,000 premium over the standard RZR Pro R, but building and preparing one of those to this standard of competition would surely smash through that money pretty quickly. If you want to go racing against the winners, you're better off just buying from the winners. Read the original article on Jalopnik.
