Polaris and Latitude Longitude Practice

Front

What is latitude?

Back

Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees.

Front

What is longitude?

Back

Longitude is the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, measured in degrees.

Front

What is Polaris?

Back

Polaris, also known as the North Star, is the star that remains stationary in the night sky.

Front

What direction does the Earth rotate?

Back

The Earth rotates counterclockwise when viewed from above the North Pole.

Front

How fast does the Earth rotate?

Back

The Earth rotates at a rate of 15 degrees per hour.

Front

What happens to star trails as the Earth rotates longer?

Back

Star trails become longer as the Earth rotates for a longer time.

Front

What is the altitude of Polaris for an observer at the North Pole?

Back

The altitude of Polaris for an observer at the North Pole is 90°.

Front

What is the altitude of Polaris for an observer at the equator?

Back

The altitude of Polaris for an observer at the equator is 0°.

Front

How do you find your latitude using Polaris?

Back

Your latitude is approximately equal to the altitude of Polaris above the horizon.

Front

What is the significance of the Prime Meridian?

Back

The Prime Meridian is the line of 0° longitude, from which all other longitudes are measured.