Latest news with #Polaris'
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jeon Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won Set to Thrill in Spy Romance 'Polaris'!
Jeon Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won Star Power That's Lighting Up the Screen Alright, folks, get ready for a screen explosion! Jeon Ji-hyun , the ultimate action queen who's made us cheer with her fierce roles, is joining forces with Kang Dong-won , the master of brooding mystery with that intense stare we can't resist. Their latest venture, ' Polaris ', has dropped some jaw-dropping stills, and trust me, the vibes are off the charts. They're playing characters caught in a whirlwind of secrets-Jeon as Moon-ju, a sharp UN ambassador digging into a presidential candidate's shooting, and Kang as San-ho, a cryptic agent who's got her back (or does he?). The stills show them in high-tension moments, locking eyes like they're decoding each other's souls. It's like watching a chess game where every move could be checkmate. For us young desi fans, it's got that spicy mix of drama and danger we crave in our thrillers! A Plot That'll Keep You Glued to Your Seat Dive into 'Polaris', and you're in for a wild ride. The story kicks off with Moon-ju, a top-tier diplomat, getting sucked into a massive conspiracy after a big-name presidential hopeful takes a bullet. Enter San-ho, the shadowy protector, and together they're peeling back layers of a truth that could flip the Korean peninsula upside down. It's not just spy games and cool gadgets-there's a melo twist with emotions running high, trust hanging by a thread, and hearts on the line. The stills tease a maze of side characters adding to the chaos, from intense political showdowns to sneaky backroom deals. Industry buzz calls this a game-changer in the spy genre, mixing raw action with deep dives into loyalty and betrayal. It's the kind of series that'll have you messaging your crew at midnight, "Bro, what just happened?!" Stellar Cast A series this epic needs more than just killer leads, and 'Polaris' delivers with a supporting cast that's pure gold. Picture this: John Cho as a no-nonsense US State Department official, all stern in diplomatic face-offs; Lee Mi-sook as a powerhouse shipping tycoon pulling political strings; Park Hae-joon as a driven presidential candidate; Kim Hae-sook as the calm yet commanding current president; and Oh Jung-se as a razor-sharp prosecutor. It's a web of power plays and hidden agendas that'll keep you guessing. Behind the camera, we've got writer Jung Seo-kyung teaming up with directors Kim Hee-won and Heo Myung-haeng, a trio known for crafting top-notch stories. Plus, the way they weave in global diplomacy feels so real, it's like watching a news headline come to life-only with more drama and flair. It's that polished vibe we love for weekend binges!
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
POLARIS OFF ROAD EXPANDS 2026 FAMILY LINEUP, WHILE CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF POLARIS ATVS
All-New RANGER 500 Joins the Lineup, an Entry Level UTV in the Value Segment Entire Portfolio Showcases the Brand's Commitment to Rider-Driven Innovation and American Designed and Engineered Products MINNEAPOLIS, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the introduction of the RANGER 500, the Company's newest utility vehicle (UTV) in the value segment, Polaris Off Road, the world leader in powersports and off-road innovation, today announced its 2026 off-road vehicle lineup. This year's launch is a celebration of Polaris' American heritage, marking the 40th anniversary of Polaris all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and a testament of the brand's commitment to innovation, offering elevated performance and cutting-edge features. The lineup updates are designed to elevate rider confidence and experience for work and play across the entire Polaris Off Road family, including RANGER, RZR, Polaris XPEDITION, GENERAL, Sportsman, and youth models. Highlights of Polaris' 2026 offering include the company's all-new mid-size side-by-side with the RANGER 500. Starting at a U.S. MSRP of $9,999, this utility vehicle brings all the workhorse DNA and reliability that customers expect, at a price point that opens it up to a wider range of consumers. The RANGER 500 is compact, easy-to-use and practical for everyday use offering value and versatility to help get work done around the property faster. Polaris also is celebrating the 40th anniversary of ATVs with the Sportsman 570 Premium limited time release based on the heritage, and a best seller and fan favorite from the 1990s. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! The Insurance Savings You Expect Great Rates and Award-Winning Service Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You "We are excited to be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Polaris ATVs, a milestone reflecting our enduring commitment to innovation and the off road community," said Reid Wilson, President of Polaris Off-Road Vehicles. "Across our 2026 lineup, we've continued to enhance our vehicles with added features and improved performance, delivering unmatched value while honoring our legacy as the American Powersports Company." This year's 2026 lineup includes: 2026 SportsmanPolaris is celebrating 40 years of innovation and legacy with the first American Engineered ATVs. The Sportsman 570 Premium 40th Anniversary Edition is a limited time release that embodies the spirit of adventure and excellence. The edition features premium paint and badging, and exclusive 90s-inspired graphics that pay homage to its rich heritage, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and modern design. The ATV also features a 9.5" rear suspension travel and 11.5" of ground clearance to help soak up trail ruts and bumps for a smoother ride, multi-select electronic power steering enabling effortless handling to reduce body fatigue, and on-demand all-wheel drive that detects tire slip in wet or loose conditions, delivering instant traction to keep riders grounded and in control. Riders can enjoy added warmth with new heated seats available as an accessory option for 2026 Sportsman 1-up 450 and 570 models, in addition to new fender flares available as an accessory for 450, 570 and Touring 570 models. The 2026 Sportsman 570 EPS and Premium models also come equipped with a 3,500 pound winch factory-installed. Additionally, the 570 EPS model includes new LED highlights adding more visibility to easily see paths in low-light conditions. Across the 2026 Sportsman lineup, on-demand all wheel drive delivers instant traction to stay grounded and in control from task to trail. Additionally, the Sportsman Ride and Handling feature offers a smooth ride with a legendary suspension system that soaks up the bumps along the trail. The 2026 Polaris Sportsman lineup features new colors and graphics across the following models: Sportsman 450 – 450 H.O. and 450 H.O. EPS Sportsman 570 – 570, 570 EPS, 570 Premium 40th Anniversary Edition, 570 Trail Sportsman 850 – 850 Premium and 850 Trail Touring – Touring 570 Premium and Touring 570 Ultimate Mud Edition – 850 and XP 1000 Scrambler XP 1000 S The 2026 Sportsman lineup starts at $6,999 U.S. MSRP and will begin shipping to dealers through August and September. For additional pricing on the entire model lineup, visit 2026 GENERALWhen versatility is the priority, the GENERAL lineup delivers with chore-to-trail performance, earning its title as the industry's best-selling crossover side-by-side. Standard features for trail-ready capability include a 999cc, 100-horsepower engine, a performance-inspired chassis, and On-Demand all-wheel drive for quick gripping traction and nearly limitless exploration. Beyond the trail, the GENERAL proves to be a true workhorse with a 600-pound capacity dump box for hauling gear and supplies, a 1,500-pound towing capacity, and VersaTrac Turf Mode to protect your lawn and boost maneuverability on delicate surfaces. For 2026, the entire GENERAL lineup features refreshed colors and graphics shaped directly by consumer feedback, offering a range of refined options that reflect what riders want most. Each colorway is designed to connect on both a visual and emotional level, delivering style with purpose. The GENERAL 1000 Sport continues to deliver exceptional value and will be available in Ghost Gray. The GENERAL 1000 Premium trim, offered in Zenith Blue, adds key upgrades, including FOX® 2.0 Podium QS3 shocks, LED headlights, 14-inch wheels, and 27-inch Maxxis Coronado tires to help deliver an enhanced performance. The GENERAL XP returns for 2026 in Sport, Premium, and Ultimate trims, each available in both two- and four-passenger configurations. The Sport trim, offered in Ghost Gray, builds on the standard specifications with a Polaris HD 4,500-pound winch for easy trail or property cleanup, Walker Evans Velocity Series shocks sport-tuned for a smooth and comfortable ride on the trail, and a poly sport roof for riding comfort. The Premium trim enhances the in-cab experience with added comfort and convenience, including a padded center console, convex rear-view mirror, and a Rockford Fosgate Stage 1 audio system. The Ultimate trim includes all Premium features and adds Polaris RIDE COMMAND technology via the 7" Display and an upgraded Rockford Fosgate Stage 3 audio system, delivering an immersive sound experience for all passengers. Both the Premium and Ultimate trims are available in Super Graphite and Earth Blue colorways. The 2026 GENERAL lineup starts at $17,999 U.S. MSRP and will begin shipping to dealers in August. For additional pricing on the entire model lineup, visit 2026 Polaris XPEDITIONSince its debut in 2023, the Polaris XPEDITION has continued to carve out its own category of adventure-ready side-by-sides, delivering elevated performance, rugged versatility, and all-weather comfort from summer to winter for riders who demand more from their machine and seek to push the boundaries of exploration. The Polaris XPEDITION comes standard with a 114 HP ProStar Gen 2 engine, FOX Podium QS3 Shocks, and 14 inches of ground clearance supported by high-clearance dual A-arms with stabilizer bars giving riders the sporty performance they need to tackle tough terrain. Additionally, high-mount air intakes and a sealed electrical system provides reliable performance by keeping vital components dry and running at peak power. Confident and comfortable from the inside out, the Polaris XPEDITION enhances every ride with a refined interior experience featuring Polaris' 7" touchscreen display powered by RIDE COMMAND, a premium JBL Trail Pro 4100 audio system, illuminated interior controls and lockable full doors with power windows. A tip-out windshield with wiper and washer adds even more versatility for all-weather adventures. The lineup includes two distinct models tailored to adventure demands. The XP features an open rear cargo box with dumping capability and a 60/40 split flip-up rear seat on the 5-passenger model for flexible utility. The ADV, designed for more extensive gear hauling, offers an enclosed pass-through cargo space that's 5 inches longer than the XP model, a locking tailgate, and a flip-up and fold-flat rear seat configuration on the 5-passenger model. Both feature Polaris' Lock & Ride MAX Cargo System for nearly unlimited configurability. For 2026, the Polaris XPEDITION ADV and XP lineup is offered exclusively in the premium NorthStar trim and features refreshed styling with updated colors and graphics. Guided by consumer feedback and current color trends, each scheme is thoughtfully curated to reflect what today's riders value most—a blend of style and adventure-ready appeal. The 2026 lineup also marks the return of the fan-favorite Matte Super Graphite, alongside striking new options like Performance Red and Slate Gray options. The lineup also boasts an enhanced fit and finish with color-matched interior accents for a more premium feel. Both ADV and XP models now come standard with RIDE COMMAND+, which includes three years of complimentary access to the subscription-based connected vehicle technology, and 30" Pro Armor Trekker tires, engineered for premier trail performance and a quieter ride. Improved heater performance provides greater comfort, allowing riders to extend their adventures year-round. The 2026 Polaris XPEDITION lineup starts at $39,499 U.S. MSRP and will begin shipping to dealers in August. For additional pricing on the entire model lineup, visit 2026 RANGER Continuing to deliver on innovation, the No. 1 best-selling side-by-side in the industry debuts the all-new 2026 RANGER 500, along with updated features, colors and graphics across the upgraded 2026 lineup. The RANGER 500 is compact, easy-to-use and practical for everyday use offering value and versatility to help get work done around the property faster. For 2026, the RANGER XP 1000 lineup receives an upgrade with new 29" Pro-Armor X-Terrain tires, featuring a new innovative variable tread design that reduces perceived noise for quieter cab experience, as riders power through tasks and trails. The XP 1000 lineup offers a class-leading 1,000 pound box capacity and 2,500 pound towing capacity to get more done in fewer trips. Additionally, the RANGER NorthStar models including the XP 1000 NorthStar offers advanced comfort and convenience of an enclosed cab system plus heat and air conditioning. Available on the NorthStar Ultimate, with the 7" Display powered by RIDE COMMAND, riders get an elevated off-road experience with GPS navigation of over 1.2 million miles of verified trails and other ride-enhancing features, so they can ride confidently and tackle jobs with ease. Also, with integrated JBL audio, riders can enjoy precise audio clarity and premium sound with AM and FM radio or connect to Bluetooth®. Customers can continue to enjoy a two-year limited warranty* across the 2026 RANGER lineup. The 2026 RANGER lineup boasts new, updated and returning models including: RANGER 500 RANGER SP 570 – SP 570, SP 570 Premium and SP 570 NorthStar RANGER 1000 – 1000, 1000 EPS and 1000 Premium RANGER XP 1000 – XP 1000, XP 1000 NorthStar Premium and Ultimate RANGER XP 1000 Special Editions – NorthStar Trail Boss, CREW Texas and CREW NorthStar Texas The lineup starts at $9,999 U.S. MSRP and will begin shipping to dealers in August. For additional pricing on the entire model lineup, visit 2026 RZRRZR remains the No.1 best-selling sport side-by-side brand thanks to its winning performance, bold styling, and industry-leading comfort and technology. The latest RZR lineup drops with head-turning colors and graphics built to dominate both the trails and the showroom. From Storm Gray to wild, high-impact hues, each colorway taps into trending styles that let riders stand out wherever they ride. For 2026, the RZR Pro XP and RZR Pro S are offered in Sport and Ultimate trims, with both two- and four-seat configurations. The RZR Pro XP Sport comes equipped with FOX® shocks perfect for multi-terrain riding, while the RZR Pro S Sport features Walker Evans® shocks suitable for speed and control in extreme terrain. Both Sport trims will be available in Sand Dune and Storm Gray colorways. The RZR Pro XP Ultimate trim delivers top-tier performance with DYNAMIX 2.0 semi-active suspension instantly adjusting compression damping in real time, delivering unmatched control, comfort, and performance across any terrain. For 2026, the RZR Pro S Ultimate will also come equipped with DYNAMIX 2.0 semi-active suspension. Both models will feature Rockford Fosgate® Stage 4 audio system, RIDE COMMAND technology integrated in a 7" display, integrated GPS, and rear camera. Ultimate trims will be offered in Slate Gray and Earth Blue. New for 2026, all RZR Pro XP and Pro S models will come standard with new inner door handles for rider convenience. The RZR Trail lineup is purpose-built for agility, comfort, and confidence on tight, technical terrain. At 50" wide the RZR Trail Sport is compact and responsive equipped with 26" tires and ZF Sachs Twin Tube for nimble handling. For those looking to elevate the ride, The RZR Trail Ultimate adds Rockford Fosgate® Audio, FOX® PODIUM X shocks and VersaTrac Turf Mode to boost capability and handling. Stepping up to the RZR Trail S, it features a wider 60" stance and 27" tires for added stability, with RIDE COMMAND, enhanced Rockford Fosgate® Audio, and high-performance Walker Evans® Needle shocks, built to tackle more aggressive trails with confidence. Both models showcase Polaris' revitalized RZR DNA with signature RZR Fang LED accent lights, adding a bold touch to the trail-ready design. Comfort is a priority when exploring backcountry trails, and both vehicles are engineered with optimized ergonomics for improved sightlines and ride quality. An adjustable seat and tilt steering wheel allow riders of all sizes to find their perfect fit, while plush suspension provides a smooth, controlled ride across rugged terrain. For 2026, the RZR Trail will be offered in a Sport and Ultimate trim and RZR Trail S will be offered exclusively in the Ultimate trim, featuring the striking Sand Dune colorway. The 2026 RZR lineup starts at $16,999 U.S. MSRP and will begin shipping to dealers in August. For additional pricing on the entire model lineup, visit 2026 YouthPolaris continues its commitment to growing the off-road community by investing in the next generation of riders through its unparalleled Youth lineup for 2026. Built for riders as young as six years old, Polaris Youth vehicles offer industry-leading safety technology and kid-friendly performance to provide parent peace-of-mind while also empowering families to share their passion for adventure and hit the trails together from an early age. Across the lineup, Polaris continues to deliver top-of-the-line safety features including Helmet Aware Technology with beacon integration, enforcing helmet use, preventing engine start or limiting speed when no helmet beacon is detected, giving parents peace of mind. Youth RIDE CONTROL includes customizable geofencing, speed limiting, and location tracking, plus the Polaris Safe Start system with password protection. A seatbelt interlocking feature limits speed until the driver's belt is securely fastened, and each vehicle comes standard with a safety kit featuring a flag, safety tether, and access to online training. The Outlaw 70 EFI, tailored for riders ages 6 and up and will be available in Velocity Blue/Lifted Lime and Velocity Blue/Fierce Fuchsia. It features an enclosed engine and parent-adjustable speed limiter to help young riders gain confidence at their own pace. For ages 10 and up, the 2026 Outlaw 110 EFI will be offered in a new Indy Red and new Lime Squeeze, while the Sportsman 110 EFI returns in Velocity Blue. The 2026 youth side-by-side lineup empowers riders to grow with Polaris. The RZR 200 EFI returns in Storm Gray with Polaris Blue accents, as well as Indy Red. Designed for riders 10 and up, it comes equipped with dual A-arm front suspension for smoother handling, and better control over rough terrain for a more confident ride, 10 inches of ground clearance allowing young riders to clear obstacles with ease, 24" tires offering enhanced traction and a smoother ride, LED headlights and taillights improving visibility in low-light conditions and increasing safety, and the confidence of RIDE CONTROL and Helmet Aware Technology give parents peace of mind by enforcing helmet use and allowing remote control of speed, location, and ride boundaries. The RANGER 150 EFI returns in bold Zenith Blue, bringing a utility-style experience to younger riders, with room for gear and features that mirror Polaris' full-size RANGER models. For teens 14 and older, the Phoenix 200 returns in Storm Gray as the most powerful youth ATV in the Polaris lineup, providing a seamless step between youth and full-size vehicles with a confident, capable ride, while still offering an adjustable speed limiter for safety. The 2026 Polaris Youth lineup starts at $2,999 U.S. MSRP and will begin shipping to dealers in August. For additional pricing on the entire model lineup, visit To learn more about the Polaris ORV 2026 lineup and to stay up to date on testing and demo opportunities, please visit or join the conversation and follow on FacebookSM, InstagramSM, YouTubeSM and XSM. About PolarisAs 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. *Walker Evans Racing® is a registered trademark of Walker Evans Enterprises Incorporated; FOX® is a registered trademark of Fox Factory Inc. *Warranty inclusive of 12-month factory warranty plus 12-month promotional limited warranty for a total term of 24 months. Terms and conditions apply. JBL® is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc. Rockford Fosgate® is a registered trademark of Rockford Corporation Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Polaris Inc.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia confirms Eid al-Adha. See Columbus Eid prayer times, locations
The Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha commemorates the 10th day of the final month of Dhul Hijjah. Many Muslims are observing the first days of the blessed month, while others are preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. With Saudi Arabia confirming the date of Eid al-Adha as June 6, nearly 2 billion Muslims worldwide and roughly 1% of Ohioans who are Muslim will celebrate. Muslims will hug their friends and family and greet them with 'Eid Mubarak,' meaning 'blessed festival' in Arabic. Looking for Eid prayer locations in Columbus? Find one near you below. According to the Quran, Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, for the sake of God, but God stopped him and sent a ram to be sacrificed instead. Eid is a time of prayer and celebration, and Columbus, Ohio, has multiple locations hosting gatherings. Date: June 6 Location: Ohio Expo Center, Bricker Hall, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus Takbeer: 8:30 a.m. Salat: 9:00 a.m. Prayer will NOT be at any of the NICC locations. More information can be found on the NICC website. Date: June 6 Address: Bill McDonald Sports Complex, 4990 Olentangy River Road, Columbus First Eid prayer: 9 a.m. Second Eid prayer: 10:45 a.m. Prayer will NOT be at the Polaris Masjid location. More information can be found on Polaris' Instagram page. Date: June 6 Address: Columbus Crew Stadium, One Black and Gold Blvd., Columbus Doors open: 7 a.m. Eid Salat: 9 a.m. Masjid Ibnu Taymiyah will only have ONE prayer. More information can be found on its Instagram. Date: June 6 Address: 4615 Northtowne Blvd., Columbus First Prayer: 7 a.m. Second Prayer: 8:30 a.m. Third Prayer: 9 a.m. Date: June 6 Address: 4501 Refugee Road, Columbus, First Prayer: 7 a.m. Second Prayer: 8 a.m. Third Prayer: 9 a.m. Fourth Prayer: 10 a.m. Date: June 6 Address: Valleydale Ballroom, 1590 Sunbury Rd, Columbus Eid Salat: 8 a.m. Date: June 6 Address: 591 Industrial Mile Road, Columbus First Prayer: 7:30 a.m. Second Prayer: 8:30 a.m. Third Prayer: 10 a.m. This may be updated with more Eid prayer locations in Columbus. Is your local Columbus mosque having an Eid al-Adha prayer? Please contact Mariyam Muhammad with event information. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Saudi Arabia confirms Eid al-Adha. See Columbus Eid prayer times, locations
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
