/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 12 How do the stars appear to move ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 2: Problem 12

How do the stars appear to move over the course of the night as seen from the north pole? As seen from the equator? Why are these two motions different?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The stars appear to move in circular paths around the North Star when viewed from the North Pole, while they move in straight lines from East to West when viewed from the equator. This difference is due to the Earth's rotation and shape.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding of celestial motion

From any point on Earth, due to its rotation, stars would appear to move across the sky. This motion is perceived as if the stars are moving from East to West when actually it's the observer on Earth who is moving due to Earth's rotation.
02

Stars' motion as seen from the North Pole

At the North Pole, an observer would see this as stars moving around Polaris, the North Star located directly overhead. This appears as circular trails around the North Star.
03

Stars' motion as seen from the Equator

From the equator, stars seem to rise directly from the East and set directly in the West. This gives a near straight trajectory of stars across the sky.
04

Reason for the difference

The different perceptions of the stars' motion from the North Pole and the Equator is due to the Earth's spherical shape and rotation. At the North Pole, you're rotating on the spot, hence stars move in circles. At the equator, you're moving at speed with the rotation of the Earth, hence stars seem to rise and set.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the right ascension of a star that is on the meridian at midnight at the time of the autumnal equinox? Explain.

Describe how the seasons would be different if the Earth's axis of rotation, rather than having its present \(23 \frac{1}{2}^{\circ}\) tilt, were tilted (a) by \(0^{\circ}\) or (b) by \(90^{\circ}\).

Why is it convenient to divide the Earth into time zones?

What is the difference between the sidereal year and the tropical year? Why are these two kinds of year slightly different in length? Why are calendars based on the tropical year?

Where on Earth do you have to be in order to see the north celestial pole directly overhead? What is the maximum possible elevation of the Sun above the horizon at that location? On what date can this maximum elevation be observed?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Energy Physics

Read Explanation

Electromagnetism

Read Explanation

Particle Model of Matter

Read Explanation

Force

Read Explanation

Measurements

Read Explanation

Oscillations

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.