The Polaris Window
Polaris, the North Star, is framed by the Polaris window. Polaris, a star of the second magnitude, stands alone and forms the tail of the constellation Ursa Minor. It marks the approximate position of the north celestial pole.
On clear nights, viewers may position themselves between the two surface lights near the center of the monument and observe the North Star by looking through the Polaris window formed below the lintel, above the sill, and between the inner faces of the north trilithon. To secure the best view of Polaris, viewers should stand near the surface light which most nearly indicates their approximate height.
Erected by University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri University of Science and Technology).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Anthropology & Archaeology • Science & Medicine.
Location. 37° 57.383′ N, 91° 46.592′ W. Marker is in Rolla, Missouri, in Phelps County. It is on Bishop Avenue (U.S. 63) 0.1 miles north of University Drive (State Highway E), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Analemma (here, next to this marker); Lunar Eclipse Predictions (a few steps from this marker); Rolla Stonehenge: A Vision Made In Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); UM-Rolla Stonehenge (within shouting distance of this marker); Pine Street and Downtown Rolla (approx. 0.4 miles away); "White" USO (approx. 0.4 miles away); Historic Site (approx. half a mile away); "Black" USO (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rolla.
Also see . . .
1. STONEHENGE (English Heritage).
2. Stonehenge (National Geographic). (Submitted on October 4, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
3. Missouri S&T Stonehenge, tis a magic place . (Submitted on October 4, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
4. Ursa Minor (Little Bear) and Polaris. (Submitted on October 4, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 4, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
