From California, the North Star can be seen in the northern part of the sky. It is most easily visible on clear nights when there is little light pollution. To find the North Star, look for the constellation Ursa Major, which is also known as the Big Dipper. The two stars at the end of the Dipper's "bowl" point towards Polaris.
The North Star has been used for centuries as a navigation aid by sailors and explorers. It is still used today by hikers, campers, and anyone else who needs to find their way in the wilderness.