Lab#1
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New York University *
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Course
101
Subject
Astronomy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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4
Uploaded by PrivateValor12642
Name: Hannah Davis-Jacobs
(Partners Marta Muñoz-Rojas Szpilka)
Section 002
9/27/23
Lab #1 The Celestial Sphere Model
Problem:
What is the Celestial Sphere Model?
Summary of Procedures and Observations:
Our procedure for this lab was quite minimal, as we just followed the online lab module.
We did lab unit A5: the Celestial Sphere. We opened the module and followed the
instructions, prompting us to explore the sky and take measurements of various celestial
objects with respect to the celestial equator, our location on Earth, etc. We took
measurements and observations of the location of stars, constellations, and the sun as
time progressed, on certain days, namely the various equinoxes/solstices (summer, winter,
vernal, autumnal), and at the poles, as well as 23.5 degrees N to measure the Sun’s
location in the sky on the summer solstice.
Question and Answers:
Question 1
Which of the following constellations does the celestial equator not pass through?
Hint:
Click
anywhere in the Main Window and press "k"
on your keyboard to toggle the constellations on
and off.
A. Cetus
B. Orion
C.
Ursa Major
D. Aquarius
Question 2
Where would the celestial equator appear to be located for an observer standing directly on one
of the Earth's poles?
Hint:
Change your location on the Earth to the North Pole.
A.
It would pass directly overhead, from east to west.
B.
It would be parallel to and coincident with the horizon.
C.
It would run parallel to the horizon at an angle of 45 degrees above it.
D.
It would be below the horizon and therefore not be visible.
Question 3
The relatively bright star near the north celestial pole is:
A.
Kochab
B.
Capella
C.
Dubhe
D.
Polaris
Question 4
An observer in Earth's northern hemisphere is looking directly towards Polaris. In what
direction is this observer facing?
A.
South
B.
North
C.
Northeast
D.
Northwest
Question 5:
How does the altitude of the north celestial pole relate to the observer's geographic latitude on
the surface of the Earth?
A.
The altitude of the NCP is equal to 180° minus the observer's geographic latitude.
B.
The altitude of the NCP is equal to 90° minus the observer's geographic latitude.
C.
The altitude of the NCP is equal to the observer's geographic latitude.
D.
There is no relationship between these two angles since the altitude of the NCP changes
throughout the night.
Question 6
The ecliptic is inclined at 23.5 degrees to the celestial equator. This is the result of:
A.
The tilt of Earth's rotational axis with respect to the orbital plane of the Earth.
B.
The tilt of the Sun's spin axis.
C.
The fact that the Earth's orbit is elliptical.
D.
The tilt of the Earth's spin axis with respect to its equator.
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Question 7
On what date of the year does the Vernal Equinox occur? On what date of the year does the
Autumnal Equinox occur? [Hint: Run time forward to find the two dates when the Sun is on
the celestial equator.]
A.
December 21, September 23
B.
December 21, June 21
C.
March 21, June 21
D.
March 20, September 22
Question 8
On what date does the Sun reach the most northerly point (the summer solstice) along the
ecliptic? On what date does the Sun reach the most southerly point (the winter solstice) along
the ecliptic?
A.
December 21, September 23
B.
June 21, December 21
C.
March 21, June 21
D.
March 21, September 21
Question 9
An observer notices that the Sun is directly overhead at midday during the Summer Solstice.
What is this observer's latitude upon the Earth?
1.
23.5 degrees North.
2.
23.5 degrees South.
3.
0 degrees, on the Equator.
4.
66.5 degrees South.