Question

An observer at 23 degrees n would need to look up __________ degrees to see polaris.

a) 23 degrees
b) 67 degrees
c) 90 degrees
d) 180 degrees

Answer 1

An observer at 23 degrees north would need to look up 23 degrees to see Polaris, as the apparent height of Polaris corresponds to the observer's latitude.

Step-by-step explanation:

An observer at 23 degrees north would need to look up 23 degrees to see Polaris. This is because the angle at which you see Polaris in the sky is approximately equal to your latitude. Since the observer is at 23 degrees north latitude, Polaris will appear roughly 23 degrees above the horizon. It is a unique star that stands nearly motionless in the sky throughout the night and throughout the year while the other stars of the northern sky move in a slow procession around it. This is because it is positioned nearly over the North Pole.