Which name refers to an alternate pole star alongside Polaris?

The name that refers to an alternate pole star alongside Polaris is indeed coherent with understanding celestial navigation and the historical significance of various stars in the night sky.

Kochab, a star in the constellation Ursa Minor, has been historically used as a guide toward the north celestial pole. As the Earth's axis slowly wobbles in a phenomenon known as precession, different stars take turns becoming the pole star over millennia. Currently, Polaris is the pole star, but thousands of years ago, Thuban in the constellation Draco served this role, making it another alternative pole star.

Cepheus, while not specifically a pole star, is noteworthy in this context for being associated with the nearby star Polaris and its position in the northern sky. The interaction of these celestial bodies showcases how the perception of the pole star has changed based on the Earth’s axial precession.

In summary, the concept of alternate pole stars is multifaceted, involving historical context and the paths of various stars over time, which leads to the correct inclusion of all these stars when considering alternatives to Polaris.