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Questions and Answers
What does the Sun appear to do in relation to the stars over the course of a day?
At what location is the altitude of Polaris measured at 90°?
What is the declination of Polaris?
What does the ecliptic represent in astronomy?
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What configuration describes the coordinates at the celestial equator?
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Study Notes
Earth's Revolution and the Night Sky
- As Earth revolves around the Sun, Polaris remains fixed in the northern sky.
- Certain stars near Polaris remain constant throughout the year, while different stars are visible in the southern sky.
Sun's Daily and Annual Motion
- Over the course of a day, the Sun appears nearly stationary compared to stars.
- The Sun's position changes throughout the year, tracing a path on the celestial sphere.
- It rises and sets daily, reaching its highest point in the sky at noon.
Ecliptic Path
- The ecliptic is the apparent annual path of the Sun across the celestial sphere.
Locating Polaris
- Polaris can be located using both terrestrial and celestial coordinates.
- Terrestrial coordinates:
- Horizon is 0°, Zenith is 90°.
- North: 0°/360°, East: 90°, South: 180°, West: 270°.
Altitude and Azimuth in Local Sky
- At the North Pole, the altitude of Polaris is 90°; at the Equator, it is 0°.
- The altitude of Polaris varies with latitude.
Celestial Equatorial Coordinates
- The Celestial Equator is at 0°, while the Celestial North Pole is at +90° and the South Pole at -90°.
- Right Ascension of Polaris: 02h 31m.
- Declination of Polaris: +89°.
Significant Dates
- Vernal Equinox: 0h or 24h.
- Autumnal Equinox: 12h.
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Description
Explore the fascinating relationship between the Earth, the Sun, and the stars in our sky. This quiz covers the movement of the Sun and the visibility of stars throughout the year. Test your knowledge on celestial phenomena and how they relate to our position on Earth.
