Altitude of Polaris Quiz

Which graph best represents the altitude of Polaris observed at northern latitude positions on the Earth's surface?

• Graph A

• Graph B

• Graph C

• Graph D

Answer explanation

Graph B correctly shows that the altitude of Polaris increases as latitude increases, reaching 90 degrees at the North Pole. This relationship is linear, reflecting the direct correlation between latitude and Polaris' altitude.

At which latitude will Polaris be overhead?

• 0°

• 23 ½°N

• 90° S

• 90° N

Answer explanation

Polaris, also known as the North Star, is located directly above the North Pole at 90° N latitude. Therefore, it will be directly overhead only at this latitude.

The diagram below shows the angular altitude of Polaris above the horizon at a certain location. What is the latitude of the observer?

• 15° N

• 25° N

• 30° N

• 65° N

Answer explanation

The angular altitude of Polaris corresponds to the observer's latitude. Since Polaris is located at approximately 90° N, the altitude of 25° indicates the observer is at 25° N latitude.

At which New York State location would an observer measure the highest altitude of Polaris?

• New York City

• Slide Mountain

• Niagara Falls

• Plattsburgh

Answer explanation

Polaris, the North Star, appears higher in the sky as you move north. Plattsburgh, being further north than New York City, Slide Mountain, and Niagara Falls, allows for the highest altitude measurement of Polaris.

Which diagram represents the approximate altitude of Polaris as seen by an observer located in Syracuse, New York?

• Diagram A

• Diagram B

• Diagram C

• Diagram D

Answer explanation

Polaris, located nearly directly above the North Pole, has an altitude equal to the observer's latitude. Syracuse, NY is approximately 43°N, making Diagram B the correct representation of Polaris's altitude.

Which graph best represents the relationship between the latitude of an observer and the observed altitude of Polaris above the northern horizon?

• Graph A

• Graph B

• Graph C

• Graph D

Answer explanation

Graph D correctly shows that as the latitude of an observer increases, the altitude of Polaris also increases, reflecting the direct relationship between latitude and the observed position of Polaris in the northern sky.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

If an observer on Earth views Polaris on the horizon, the observer is located at the:

• equator (0°)

• North Pole (90° N)

• Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N)

• Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S)

Answer explanation

Polaris, the North Star, is located directly above the North Pole. If an observer sees Polaris on the horizon, they are at the equator (0°), where it is at the lowest point in the sky.

The diagram below shows an observer on Earth measuring the altitude of Polaris. What is the latitude of this observer?

• 90° N

• 66.5° N

• 43° N

• 23.5° N

Answer explanation

The altitude of Polaris corresponds to the observer's latitude. Since Polaris is located at 90° N, an altitude of 66.5° indicates the observer is at 66.5° N latitude, making this the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

At which location will the highest altitude of the star Polaris be observed?

• Equator

• Tropic of Cancer

• Arctic Circle

• central New York State

Answer explanation

Polaris, or the North Star, is located nearly directly above the North Pole. Therefore, its altitude is highest at the Arctic Circle, where it can be observed at an angle close to 90 degrees, compared to lower latitudes.

During the time exposure of the photograph, the stars appear to have moved through an arc of 120°. How many hours did this time exposure take?

• 5 h

• 8 h

• 12 h

• 15 h

Answer explanation

The stars move 360° in 24 hours, so 120° corresponds to (120/360) * 24 = 8 hours. Thus, the time exposure took 8 hours.