Cynosura

Ursa Minor, or Little Bear, a north polar constellation. The Greek name signifies dog's tail. Cynosura was a nymph of Mount Ida, a nurse of Zeus, who was transported to the sky and metamorphosed into the constellation. As pictured by the ancients, the tip of the tail is marked by the north star or polar star. The name of the constellation was applied to the star. As Cynosura or the polar star was the sole guide, the compass, of the ancient mariner, it was watched by all eyes. The invention of the compass has withdrawn attention from the pole star, and cynosure is now used more frequently to designate merely a center of attraction,--any object to which general attention is directed.