Which one of the following stars is nearest to the Earth?

Correct Option (c):

The Sun is the star closest to Earth. It is located at an average distance of approximately 150 million kilometers (1 Astronomical Unit - AU). The Sun is the central star of our solar system and the primary source of light, heat, and energy for Earth. From an astronomical perspective, the Sun is classified as a star.

Incorrect Options:

(a) Polaris:

Polaris, also known as the North Star, is approximately 433 light-years away from Earth. It is significant for celestial navigation due to its apparent fixed position in the Northern sky.

(b) Alpha Centauri:

Alpha Centauri is the closest star system to the Solar System, located at a distance of about 4.37 light-years from Earth. It is a triple-star system, with Proxima Centauri being the closest individual star in this system to the Sun.

(d) Sirius:

Sirius is one of the brightest stars observable from Earth. It is situated approximately 8.6 light-years away from Earth.