If you are at a latitude of 35 degrees north of Earth’s equator, what is the angular distance from the northern horizon up to the north celestial pole? From the southern horizon down to the south celestial pole?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
At a latitude of 35° north of Earth’s equator, the angular distance from the northern horizon up to the north celestial pole is 35°.
Explanation:
- Understanding the celestial poles:
The celestial poles are the points where Earth’s rotational axis, when extended, intersects the celestial sphere. The North Celestial Pole (NCP) is aligned with the Earth’s North Pole, and the South Celestial Pole (SCP) is aligned with the Earth’s South Pole. These poles are located directly above the Earth’s poles in the sky. - Relation between latitude and the celestial poles:
The observer’s latitude directly corresponds to the angular distance between the observer and the North Celestial Pole. This is because the altitude (angle above the horizon) of the North Celestial Pole at any location on Earth is equal to the observer’s latitude. For example:
- If you are standing at the North Pole (latitude 90°N), the North Celestial Pole will be directly overhead, so its altitude would be 90°.
- At the equator (latitude 0°), the North Celestial Pole would be on the horizon, at an altitude of 0°.
- For a latitude of 35°N, the North Celestial Pole is 35° above the northern horizon.
- Southern Celestial Pole:
The South Celestial Pole is symmetrically located on the opposite side of the celestial sphere. From a location at 35°N, the South Celestial Pole is located 180° away from the North Celestial Pole along the celestial meridian. Therefore, the angular distance from the southern horizon down to the South Celestial Pole is:
- 180° – 35° = 145°
Thus, the angular distances are:
- From the northern horizon to the North Celestial Pole: 35°
- From the southern horizon to the South Celestial Pole: 145°.