Earth's shape

The Earth's actual shape is most correctly described as

• a perfect sphere

• an oblate sphere

• a circle

• an eccentric ellipse

Which object best represents a true scale model of the shape of the Earth?

• a Ping-Pong ball

• an egg

• a football

• a pear

Precise measurements of the Earth indicate that its polar diameter is

• shorter than its equatorial diameter

• longer than its equatorial diameter

• the same length as its equatorial diameter

At which location is the altitude of Polaris approximately 42°?

• Niagara Falls

• Watertown

• Massena

• Elmira

From which New York State location would Polaris be observed to have an altitude closest to 43°

above the northern horizon?

• New York City

• Binghamton

• Watertown

• Utica

At which New York State location will an observer most likely measure the altitude of Polaris as

approximately 42°?

• Oswego

• New York City

• Jamestown

• Plattsburgh

Which reference line passes through both the geographic North Pole and the geographic South Pole?

• Tropic of Capricorn

• Tropic of Cancer

• 0° latitude

• 0° longitude

The angle of the star Polaris above the northern horizon can be used to determine an observer's

• latitude

• solar time

• local time

• longitude

As a person travels due west across New York State, the altitude of Polaris will

• decrease

• increase

• remain the same

Cities located on the same meridian (longitude) must have the same

• length of daylight

• latitude

• solar time

• altitude