Polaris was much closer to Earth

Polaris appears that is closer to Earth than previously thought. According to recent studies, it is not 434 light years away, as previously thought, but "only" 323 light years. This small but important scientifically discovery was made by a group of European, Canadian and American scientists. According to researchers, the exact information about the distance to Polaris possible to determine more precisely many cosmic distances because they are derived. Currently Polaris is located less than 1 ° from the north pole of the Earth, and it is almost immobile in the daily rotation of the stars. It is very convenient for orientation - direction and almost coincides with the direction north, and its height above the horizon equal to the latitude of the observation. Polaris is the brightest and closest to Earth pulsating variable star Delta Cepheus with a period of 3.97 days. In fact, it is a triple star system. In the center is a supergiant (Polaris A), which is 2,000 times brighter than the Sun.      Polaris B is located a great distance from A, so you can see through a telescope is not difficult even from Earth. A dwarf - a star which is companion to the central star - Polaris Ab - so close that it was possible to be shot a few years ago by space telescope "Hubble" and only after resetting the equipment.