Homework 4: Due Wednesday, February 18

1. List five bright stars that can be close to the zenith in Northfield.

Any star with a declination = Northfield's latitude (44 degrees 30 minutes) will do. Capella, Deneb, Vega, Mirfak, and Algol are all close.

2. Where on earth would you be (i.e. what would your latitude be) if the star Aldebaran has an altitude of 40^o above the south horizon when transitting? 66 degrees

   

3. What are the vernal and autumnal equinoxes? What are the summer and winter solstices? How are these four points related to the ecliptic and the celestial equator? The equinoxes are the intersections of the ecliptic and the CE. The summer solstice is the point on the ecliptic with the highest declination. The winter solstice is the point on the ecliptic with the lowest declination.
4. At what point on the horizon does the vernal equinox rise? Where on the horizon does it set? The vernal equinox is on the CE. All points on the CE rise due east and set due west.
5. Where are you (i.e. what is your latitude) if you took the photograph below. Assume that you are in the northern hemisphere. Show how you arrived at your answer by analyzing the star trails.

   

   Out latitude is roughly 30 degrees. See diagram below.