How is the altitude of polaris related to the latitude of the observer in the northern hemisphere?

The altitude of Polaris, also known as the North Star, is directly related to the latitude of the observer in the northern hemisphere. Specifically, Polaris appears at an altitude equal to the observer's latitude; for example, if you are at 40 degrees north latitude, Polaris will be approximately 40 degrees above the northern horizon. This relationship occurs because Polaris is located nearly directly above the North Pole, making it a reliable indicator of latitude for navigation.