Starry Navigation Quiz

What is another name for the North Star?

How did ancient navigators use the North Star for navigation?

• By measuring its brightness

• By using it to determine the direction of the North

• By calculating its distance from Earth

• By observing its colour

Which constellation is the North Star a part of?

• Orion

• Ursa Major

• Ursa Minor

• Cassiopeia

What is a common sign that land is nearby when observing clouds?

(a)  

• Clouds are scattered and high

• Clouds are dense and low
• Clouds are moving quickly
• Clouds are absent

Why were constellations important to ancient navigators?​ ​ (a)  

• They helped predict weather patterns

• They were used to tell time

• Created a map of the night sky for navigation
• They were used to communicate with other ships

Which constellation is known as the "Great Bear"?

• Ursa Major

• Ursa Minor

• Orion

• Draco

How did the position of the sun help ancient navigators during the day?

• It helped them determine the time of day

• It helped them find the direction of East and West

• It helped them predict the weather

• It helped them measure distances

What is the significance of the constellation Orion for ancient navigators?

(a)  

• It indicated the arrival of winter

• It was used to find the North Star

• It helped them navigate during the winter months
• It was used to find the direction of South

According to what we've learned from our Ancient Navigators, the Polynesians, what type of clouds are typically found near land masses?

How did ancient navigators use the stars to determine their latitude?

• By measuring the angle of the North Star above the horizon

• By counting the number of visible stars

• By observing the colour of the stars

• By tracking the movement of the stars

Answer explanation

On a starry night in the northern hemisphere, a mariner could figure out latitude fairly easily by measuring the angle between the North Star and the horizon. On fair days, the Sun provided the most reliable readings.