This is the 2678th most frequent Japanese word.
浮かぶ
"To float" or "to come to mind."
In this sentence, '浮かぶ' is used to describe the boat floating on the surface of the lake, illustrating its physical ability to remain on water.
湖に小さなボートが浮かんでいる。
A small boat is floating on the lake.
Here, '浮かぶ' expresses a figurative emergence of a thought or image in one's mind, implying recollection or realization.
彼の顔が急に思い浮かんだ。
His face suddenly came to mind.
In this context, '浮かぶ' poetically portrays the stars as appearing to float in the vastness of the night sky, enhancing an atmospheric description.