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3. What happens to the altitude of Polaris if an observer travels due West? 4. Use the diagram above to find the altitude of polaris at a. North Pole b. Equator c. New Orleans

3. What happens to the altitude of Polaris if an observer travels due West? 4. Use the diagram above to find the altitude of polaris at a. North Pole b. Equator c. New Orleans

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
Applications and Investigations in Earth Science (9th Edition)
9th Edition
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Chapter1: The Study Of Minerals
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3. What happens to the altitude of Polaris if an observer travels due West? 4. Use the diagram above to find the altitude of Polaris at a. North Pole ________ b. Equator ___________ c. New Orleans _______ 5. If the altitude of Polaris is 42°, what is the observer's latitude?
Transcribed Image Text:3. What happens to the altitude of Polaris if an observer travels due West? 4. Use the diagram above to find the altitude of Polaris at a. North Pole ________ b. Equator ___________ c. New Orleans _______ 5. If the altitude of Polaris is 42°, what is the observer's latitude?
### Understanding Latitude through Observational Astronomy #### Diagram 1: Latitude Representation on Earth - **Description**: The cross-section of a globe shows lines of latitude from 0° at the equator to 90° at the North Pole. Latitude lines run parallel to the equator and are used to measure how far north or south a location is from the equator. #### Diagram 2: Observation of Polaris at Different Latitudes - **At Equator**: - **Description**: Polaris is located at the horizon. This indicates that at 0° latitude, Polaris is not visible in the night sky. - **At New Orleans, Louisiana**: - **Description**: Polaris is positioned 30° above the horizon, matching the city's approximate latitude of 30°N. - **At North Pole**: - **Description**: Polaris appears directly overhead, at 90°, corresponding to the latitude of 90°N. This visualization indicates the direct correlation between latitude and the star's angle above the horizon. #### Diagram 3: Using a Sextant to Measure Star Altitude - **Description**: A person uses a sextant to measure the angle between the horizon and a star (Polaris). The sextant is depicted as a circular instrument with a movable arm, illustrating how navigators determine latitude by calculating the elevation angle of Polaris or another celestial body above the horizon. ### Summary These illustrations demonstrate the fundamental concept that the altitude of Polaris above the horizon is equal to the observer's latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. This principle has historically been crucial for navigation, helping mariners determine their position at sea.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Latitude through Observational Astronomy #### Diagram 1: Latitude Representation on Earth - **Description**: The cross-section of a globe shows lines of latitude from 0° at the equator to 90° at the North Pole. Latitude lines run parallel to the equator and are used to measure how far north or south a location is from the equator. #### Diagram 2: Observation of Polaris at Different Latitudes - **At Equator**: - **Description**: Polaris is located at the horizon. This indicates that at 0° latitude, Polaris is not visible in the night sky. - **At New Orleans, Louisiana**: - **Description**: Polaris is positioned 30° above the horizon, matching the city's approximate latitude of 30°N. - **At North Pole**: - **Description**: Polaris appears directly overhead, at 90°, corresponding to the latitude of 90°N. This visualization indicates the direct correlation between latitude and the star's angle above the horizon. #### Diagram 3: Using a Sextant to Measure Star Altitude - **Description**: A person uses a sextant to measure the angle between the horizon and a star (Polaris). The sextant is depicted as a circular instrument with a movable arm, illustrating how navigators determine latitude by calculating the elevation angle of Polaris or another celestial body above the horizon. ### Summary These illustrations demonstrate the fundamental concept that the altitude of Polaris above the horizon is equal to the observer's latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. This principle has historically been crucial for navigation, helping mariners determine their position at sea.
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