In the US, which star is most commonly used for making astronomic observations?

Polaris, known as the North Star, is the most commonly used star for making astronomical observations in the United States due to its unique position in the night sky. It is located nearly at the celestial North Pole, making it a stable reference point for navigation and locating other stars. Its brightness and prominence in the northern hemisphere allow for easy identification, which is especially useful for navigators and stargazers.

In addition to its visibility and location, Polaris remains motionless in the sky while other stars appear to rotate around it, providing a reliable means for individuals to find true north. This characteristic has historically made it a vital tool for celestial navigation and has contributed significantly to its usage in astronomical observations.

Other stars, although they have their own significance and brightness, do not serve the same navigational role as Polaris. For instance, Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky but is not near the north celestial pole, while Betelgeuse and Vega, although notable stars, do not provide the same stable reference for celestial navigation.