Polaris Tonight: Visibility, Position and Best Viewing Time
Is Polaris Visible From My Location?
From your location, Polaris is visible all night. Its current position and altitude are shown below.
When Is the Best Time to See Polaris Tonight?
The earliest practical time to observe Polaris tonight is around 01:58, when it is already about 38° above the horizon. It reaches its highest point of about 38° around 02:08.
Where is Polaris right now?
Polaris is located in the constellation Ursa Minor. It is currently above the horizon at an altitude of 38° toward the north, with an apparent magnitude of 1.97.
Twilight begins at 01:58 local time. At that moment, Polaris will be 38° above the horizon toward the north.
Twilight begins at 01:58 local time. At that moment, Polaris will be 38° above the horizon toward the north.
Polaris visibility on 2026-09-14
Polaris Visible all night
Polaris rise and set timetable
| Time | Elevation | |
| Polaris is always above the horizon | ||
Moonrise, 4.1% illuminated  | 07:32 | 37° |
| Sunset | 17:17 | 37° |
| Civil sunset | 17:44 | 37° |
| Twilight start (−12°) | 18:15 | 37° |
| Moonset | 18:26 | 37° |
| Astronomical observing session begins | 18:46 | 37° |
| Polaris is always above the horizon | ||
| Polaris transit | 02:05 | 38° |
| Astronomical observing session ends | 03:20 | 38° |
| Twilight end (−12°) | 03:52 | 38° |
| Civil sunrise | 04:22 | 38° |
| Sunrise | 04:50 | 38° |
Track Polaris position throughout the night
← 14 September 2026 →
| Time | |
| Altitude | |
| Azimuth |
Shift the map to change the time and observe Polaris changing position in the night sky.
Finder Chart for Polaris
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| Object name | Polaris |
| Field of view | |
| Limiting magnitude | |
| Polaris coordinates | 2.52975, 89.26410899999999 |
| Center coordinates | 2.52975, 89.26410899999999 |
Polaris Passage Through Night
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Current position of Polaris
| Time | 01:58 |
| Latitude | 37.3541 |
| Longitude | -121.955 |
| Elevation | 38° |
| Azimuth | 0° |
Here you can see the current position of Polaris on the map, as well as its positions for rise and set. This tool lets you track its movement throughout the night with accurate, up-to-date information.
When Is Polaris Visible Throughout the Year?
Polaris will be visible throughout the entire year. Its position changes only slightly, by no more than 1°.
| Date | Tue, 15 September 2026 |
| Astronomical observing session begins | 18:40 |
| Astronomical observing session ends | 03:15 |
| Astronomical observing duration | 9h 35m |
| Rise | Polaris is always up |
| Set | Polaris is always up |
| Elevation at transit | 38° |
| Transit time | 02:01 |
| Equatorial coordinates | RA: 02h 31m 47s", Dec: 89° 15' 50s |
| Magnitude | 2 |
| Constellation | Ursa Minor |
The graph illustrates the annual visibility pattern of Polaris, including its daily appearances and transit times. The vertical axis shows the hours of the day and the horizontal axis spans the year. The reddish area marks when the object is above the horizon, while the white line marks its daily transit.
You can also see when Polaris is visible throughout the year in a table with exact rise, transit, and set times for each date.
You can also see when Polaris is visible throughout the year in a table with exact rise, transit, and set times for each date.
Astrometric and Physical Parameters of Polaris
Coordinates and Visibility
| Right Ascension | 02h 31m 47s |
| Declination | 89° 15′ 51″ |
| Magnitude | 1.97 |
| Constellation | Ursa Minor |
| Elevation | 38.1° |
| Azimuth | 0° |
| Spectral type | F7:Ib-IIv SB |