Coronado Varsity Astronomy: "The Celestial Sphere"....Poundstradamus
In astronomy and navigation, the celestial sphere is an abstract sphere with an arbitrarily large radius concentric to Earth. All objects in the sky can be conceived as being projected upon the inner surface of the celestial sphere, which may be centered on Earth or the observer. Test your knowledge of the sphere with the test below.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The object in the center of the celestial sphere is the....
- A.
North celestial pole
- B.
Sun
- C.
Earth
- D.
Celestial axis
Correct Answer
C. EarthExplanation
The object in the center of the celestial sphere is the Earth. The celestial sphere is an imaginary sphere surrounding the Earth, and it is used as a reference system to map the positions of celestial objects. Since the Earth is at the center of this sphere, it is considered the object in the center. The other options, such as the north celestial pole, the Sun, and the celestial axis, are not located at the center of the celestial sphere.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The circle on the celestial sphere midway between the north and south celestial poles is the...
- A.
Celestial equator
- B.
Ecliptic
- C.
Celestial horizon
- D.
Horizon
Correct Answer
A. Celestial equatorExplanation
The circle on the celestial sphere midway between the north and south celestial poles is known as the celestial equator. It is an imaginary line that represents the projection of Earth's equator onto the celestial sphere. The celestial equator divides the celestial sphere into two equal halves, the northern and southern celestial hemispheres. It is an important reference point for astronomers and is used to measure the declination of celestial objects, which is their angular distance north or south of the celestial equator.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The points on the celestial sphere directly above the Earth's poles are....
- A.
Zenith
- B.
The equinoxes
- C.
Right ascension
- D.
The celestial poles
Correct Answer
D. The celestial polesExplanation
The celestial poles are the points on the celestial sphere that directly align with the Earth's poles. These points are located directly above the North and South Poles of the Earth. The celestial poles are important in astronomy as they serve as reference points for determining the positions of celestial objects in the sky.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The boundary between the ground and the sky
- A.
Equator
- B.
Celestial meridian
- C.
horizon
- D.
Altitude
Correct Answer
C. horizonExplanation
The horizon refers to the boundary between the ground and the sky. It is the apparent line where the Earth's surface meets the sky. This line appears to be at eye level and separates the visible landscape from the sky. The horizon is an important reference point for navigation and determining the position of celestial objects. It also plays a role in determining perspective and depth perception in photography and art.Rate this question:
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- 5.
To locate the positon of a star in the sky, what is the coordinate measured around the horizon from zero meridian called...
- A.
Right ascension
- B.
Declination
- C.
Azimuth
- D.
Altitude
Correct Answer
A. Right ascensionExplanation
Right ascension is the coordinate measured around the horizon from the zero meridian. It is used to locate the position of a star in the sky. Declination is the coordinate measured north or south of the celestial equator, azimuth is the horizontal angle measured clockwise from north, and altitude is the vertical angle measured above the horizon. Therefore, right ascension is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the coordinate measured around the horizon from the zero meridian.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The imaginary point in the northern sky around which the stars seem to circle here in El Paso is .....
- A.
North celestial pole
- B.
Polaris
- C.
North pole
- D.
North Star
Correct Answer
A. North celestial poleExplanation
The correct answer is the north celestial pole. The north celestial pole is an imaginary point in the northern sky around which the stars appear to rotate. It is the point in the sky directly above Earth's North Pole. Polaris, also known as the North Star, is the star that is closest to the north celestial pole and serves as a guide for navigation. The north pole refers to Earth's geographic North Pole, while the North Star specifically refers to Polaris.Rate this question:
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- 7.
At the North Pole, throughout the night, the stars...
- A.
Rise straight up in the east and set straight down in the west
- B.
Rise straight up in the west and set straight down in the east
- C.
circle around the sky parallel to the horizon
- D.
Set at 5:36 a.m. in the Summer months only
Correct Answer
C. circle around the sky parallel to the horizonExplanation
At the North Pole, the stars appear to circle around the sky parallel to the horizon. This is because the North Pole is located at the Earth's axis of rotation, causing the stars to appear to move in a circular path around the observer. This phenomenon is known as the circumpolar motion of the stars and is a result of the rotation of the Earth on its axis. As a result, the stars neither rise nor set but remain visible throughout the night, creating a circle around the sky parallel to the horizon.Rate this question:
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- 8.
At the equator, throughout the night, the stars...
- A.
Rise straight up in the east and set straight down in the west
- B.
Rise straight up in the west and set straight down in the east
- C.
Have equal amounts of darkness in the Summer months only
- D.
circle around the sky parallel to the horizon
Correct Answer
A. Rise straight up in the east and set straight down in the westExplanation
At the equator, throughout the night, the stars rise straight up in the east and set straight down in the west. This is because the equator is located at 0 degrees latitude, which means it is exactly halfway between the North Pole and the South Pole. Due to the Earth's rotation, all celestial objects appear to move from east to west across the sky. At the equator, this east-west motion is perpendicular to the horizon, causing the stars to rise straight up in the east and set straight down in the west.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The circle around the celestial sphere which is the Sun's apparent track during the year as viewed from the Earth ...
- A.
Ecliptic
- B.
Ecliptic plane
- C.
Celestial equator
- D.
equinox
Correct Answer
A. EclipticExplanation
The correct answer is ecliptic. The ecliptic is the circle around the celestial sphere that represents the Sun's apparent track throughout the year as seen from Earth. This path is created by the Earth's orbit around the Sun. The ecliptic is an important reference point for astronomers and is used to determine the positions of celestial bodies in the sky. It intersects the celestial equator at two points, known as the equinoxes, and forms the ecliptic plane, which is the plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The approximate date of the winter solstice for El Paso is....
- A.
Mar. 21
- B.
Dec. 21
- C.
June 21
- D.
Depends on which hemisphere one is in
Correct Answer
B. Dec. 21Explanation
The winter solstice is the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. It typically occurs on December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, which includes El Paso. This is because the Earth's axis is tilted away from the sun during this time, causing the sun to be at its lowest point in the sky. Therefore, the correct answer is Dec. 21.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The approximate date of the winter solstice for Australia is....
- A.
Mar. 21
- B.
Dec. 21
- C.
June 21
- D.
Depends on which hemisphere one is in
Correct Answer
C. June 21Explanation
The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, and it occurs when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun. In Australia, which is located in the southern hemisphere, the winter solstice falls on June 21. This is because during this time, the southern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, resulting in less daylight and colder temperatures.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Precession causes the north celestial pole to move around the celestial sphere (with respect to the fixed stars)
- A.
Back and forth along an arc
- B.
In a large ellipse pattern every 100 thousand years
- C.
Along the ecliptic
- D.
In a large circular pattern that takes 26 thousand years to complete
Correct Answer
D. In a large circular pattern that takes 26 thousand years to completeExplanation
Precession is a slow, continuous motion of Earth's axis that causes the position of the north celestial pole to change over time. This movement is not random but follows a specific pattern. The correct answer states that precession causes the north celestial pole to move in a large circular pattern that takes 26 thousand years to complete. This means that over a period of 26 thousand years, the north celestial pole traces out a circular path in the sky, gradually shifting its position. This circular pattern is a result of gravitational forces exerted by the Sun and the Moon on Earth's equatorial bulge.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The approximate date of the winter solstice for Earth is....
- A.
Mar. 21
- B.
Dec. 21
- C.
June 21
- D.
Depends on which hemisphere one is in
Correct Answer
D. Depends on which hemisphere one is inExplanation
The approximate date of the winter solstice for Earth depends on which hemisphere one is in. The winter solstice occurs when one hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice usually falls on or around December 21st, marking the beginning of winter. In the Southern Hemisphere, the winter solstice usually occurs on or around June 21st, marking the beginning of winter in that hemisphere.Rate this question:
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- 14.
An imaginary sphere surrounding the earth on which all objects in the sky can be located, is called the ....
- A.
Constellation belt
- B.
Oort Cloud
- C.
Celestial sphere
- D.
Heliosphere
Correct Answer
C. Celestial sphereExplanation
The correct answer is celestial sphere. The celestial sphere refers to an imaginary sphere surrounding the Earth on which all objects in the sky can be located. It is a useful concept in astronomy for determining the positions and movements of celestial objects. The other options, constellation belt, Oort Cloud, and heliosphere, do not accurately describe the concept of a sphere encompassing the Earth and the objects in the sky.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which of the following is not an alternate name for the North Star
- A.
Polaris
- B.
Pole Star
- C.
North Pole
- D.
All answers are correct
Correct Answer
C. North PoleExplanation
The North Pole is not an alternate name for the North Star. The North Star, also known as Polaris or the Pole Star, is a star that is located very close to the North Celestial Pole. The North Pole, on the other hand, refers to the northernmost point on Earth's surface, which is not related to the North Star. Therefore, the North Pole is not an alternate name for the North Star.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A point directly overhead always 90o from your horizon
- A.
Zenith
- B.
North Celestial Pole
- C.
Altitude
- D.
Polaris
Correct Answer
A. ZenithExplanation
The zenith is the point directly overhead from an observer's position. It is always 90 degrees from the horizon, regardless of the observer's location on Earth. This means that no matter where you are standing, if you look directly above you, you will see the zenith. Therefore, the statement "A point directly overhead always 90 degrees from your horizon" accurately describes the concept of the zenith.Rate this question:
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- 17.
An imaginary line running north & south through the zenith
- A.
Right ascension
- B.
Declination
- C.
Meridian
- D.
North and South Celestial Pole
Correct Answer
C. MeridianExplanation
The meridian is an imaginary line that runs north and south through the zenith, which is the point directly overhead. It is an important concept in astronomy and navigation, as it helps to determine the position of celestial objects in the sky. The meridian is used to measure right ascension, which is the angular distance of a celestial object eastward along the celestial equator from the vernal equinox, and declination, which is the angular distance of a celestial object north or south of the celestial equator. The meridian also passes through the North and South Celestial Poles, which are the points in the sky directly above the Earth's North and South Poles.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which of the following is not characteristic of the North Star...
- A.
It is a "pulsing" star, a Cepheid variable
- B.
Travels the path of the Sun Along the celestial sphere
- C.
Stays nearly in the same spot above the northern horizon year-round while the other stars circle around it
- D.
~434 light-years from Earth
Correct Answer
B. Travels the path of the Sun Along the celestial sphereExplanation
The North Star stays nearly in the same spot above the northern horizon year-round while the other stars circle around it. This is due to its proximity to the North Celestial Pole, which causes it to appear stationary in the sky as the Earth rotates. The other characteristics mentioned in the options, such as being a "pulsing" star, a Cepheid variable, and its distance from Earth (~434 light-years), are not relevant to the North Star. The statement that it travels the path of the Sun along the celestial sphere is incorrect because the North Star does not follow the same path as the Sun.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Polaris won't always be the North Star, because....
- A.
Some names will change throughout the centuries of astronomy
- B.
Of the retrograde motion of the stars
- C.
Precession of the Earth's axis will point away from its current position
- D.
The gradual slowing of Earth's rotation
Correct Answer
C. Precession of the Earth's axis will point away from its current positionExplanation
The correct answer is that Polaris won't always be the North Star because of the precession of the Earth's axis. Over time, the Earth's axis undergoes a slow, circular motion, causing it to point away from its current position. As a result, the position of the North Star changes, and different stars take on the role of the North Star at different times. This phenomenon, known as precession, occurs over a period of approximately 26,000 years.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Precession is not caused by...
- A.
Climate change
- B.
The speed of rotation of Earth's axis
- C.
Earth's bulge at its equator
- D.
Gravitational attraction of the Moon and Sun
Correct Answer
A. Climate changeExplanation
Precession is the gradual change in the orientation of the Earth's axis of rotation. It is not caused by climate change, which refers to long-term changes in weather patterns and temperatures. Instead, precession is primarily influenced by the gravitational attraction of the Moon and the Sun, as well as the Earth's bulge at its equator. The speed of rotation of Earth's axis also affects precession, but it is not the sole cause.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The summer Solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere when....
- A.
The Sun intersects the Tropic of Cancer
- B.
When the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator in March
- C.
The Sun intersects the Tropic of Capricorn
- D.
When the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator in September
Correct Answer
A. The Sun intersects the Tropic of CancerExplanation
The summer Solstice occurs in the northern hemisphere when the Sun intersects the Tropic of Cancer. The Tropic of Cancer is the northernmost point on Earth where the Sun appears directly overhead at noon. During the summer Solstice, which usually happens on June 21st, the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the day is the longest of the year in terms of daylight hours. This is because the tilt of the Earth's axis causes the Sun's rays to be more directly overhead at this time, resulting in more sunlight and warmer temperatures in the northern hemisphere.Rate this question:
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- 22.
When the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator it is called...
- A.
Spring and Autumn equinox
- B.
Winter Solstice
- C.
Summer Solstice
- D.
New years day
Correct Answer
A. Spring and Autumn equinoxExplanation
The correct answer is Spring and Autumn equinox. The ecliptic is the apparent path of the Sun in the sky as seen from Earth. When it intersects the celestial equator, which is an imaginary line in the sky directly above Earth's equator, it marks the two points in the year when day and night are of equal length. These points are called the equinoxes. The Spring equinox marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, while the Autumn equinox marks the beginning of autumn.Rate this question:
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- 23.
The summer solstice occurs in the southern hemisphere when....
- A.
The Sun intersects the Tropic of Cancer
- B.
When the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator in March
- C.
The Sun intersects the Tropic of Capricorn
- D.
When the ecliptic intersects the celestial equator in September
Correct Answer
C. The Sun intersects the Tropic of CapricornExplanation
During the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere, the Sun intersects the Tropic of Capricorn. This means that the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the day is the longest of the year in the southern hemisphere. The Tropic of Capricorn is located at approximately 23.5 degrees south of the equator. This event marks the beginning of summer in the southern hemisphere and is opposite to the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, where the Sun intersects the Tropic of Cancer.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which of the following is not true regarding the celestial sphere?
- A.
Zero hours is the same as 24 hours in right ascension
- B.
Zero hours right ascension is located at the autum equinox
- C.
Zero hours right ascension is located at the vernal equinox
- D.
Right acsension is measured in hours minutes and seconds
Correct Answer
B. Zero hours right ascension is located at the autum equinoxExplanation
The celestial sphere is an imaginary sphere surrounding the Earth, used to map the positions of celestial objects. Right ascension is a coordinate system used to measure the east-west position of celestial objects, similar to longitude on Earth. Zero hours right ascension is located at the vernal equinox, not the autumn equinox. The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring and is the point where the Sun crosses the celestial equator from south to north.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The solar days in the northern hemisphere summer are shorter than in the winter because of what primary reason?
- A.
The slower rotation speed of Earth during winter will cause day and night time length to increase
- B.
The orbit speed of Earth during summer will increase, because Earth is approaching the aphelion of its orbit, causing longer solar days
- C.
The tidal bulge of the Earth combined with the liquid iron core slows down the rotation speed
- D.
The orbit speed of Earth during summer will decrease, because Earth is approaching the aphelion of its orbit, causing shorter solar days
Correct Answer
D. The orbit speed of Earth during summer will decrease, because Earth is approaching the aphelion of its orbit, causing shorter solar daysExplanation
During the northern hemisphere summer, the orbit speed of Earth decreases because it is approaching the aphelion of its orbit, which is the point farthest from the Sun. This decrease in orbit speed causes shorter solar days. As Earth moves farther away from the Sun, it takes longer to complete a full rotation, resulting in shorter daylight hours.Rate this question:
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- 26.
When an object casts no shadow during daylight on refers to what situation?
- A.
Subsolar point
- B.
Equinox
- C.
Solstice
- D.
None of the answers
Correct Answer
A. Subsolar pointExplanation
The subsolar point refers to the location on Earth where the Sun is directly overhead at a given moment. When an object casts no shadow during daylight, it means that the Sun is directly overhead, creating no angle for the object to cast a shadow. This situation occurs only at the subsolar point, making it the correct answer. The equinox and solstice are related to the position of the Sun in relation to the Earth's equator and are not directly connected to the absence of shadows.Rate this question:
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- 27.
After 10 000 years, which of the following will have moved the farthest?
- A.
True north
- B.
Magnetic north
- C.
Celestial north
- D.
Pacific Ocean plate
Correct Answer
B. Magnetic northExplanation
The correct answer is magnetic north. Magnetic north refers to the location on Earth's surface where the magnetic field points vertically downwards. Over time, the position of magnetic north changes due to the movement of molten iron in Earth's outer core. This movement causes the magnetic field to shift, resulting in a change in the location of magnetic north. Therefore, after 10,000 years, magnetic north will have moved the farthest compared to true north, celestial north, and the Pacific Ocean plate.Rate this question:
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- 28.
At what time will the North Pole be tipped at its greatest angle toward the Sun?
- A.
Spring Equinox
- B.
Winter Solstice
- C.
Summer Solstice
- D.
Autumal Equinox
Correct Answer
C. Summer SolsticeExplanation
The North Pole will be tipped at its greatest angle toward the Sun during the Summer Solstice. This occurs around June 21st each year when the Earth's axis is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, the North Pole receives the most direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures and the peak of summer.Rate this question:
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- 29.
What term best describes the path of Earth as it orbits the Sun?
- A.
Ecliptic
- B.
Ecliptic plane
- C.
Celestial equator
- D.
Aphelion and perihelion
Correct Answer
B. Ecliptic planeExplanation
The term "ecliptic plane" best describes the path of Earth as it orbits the Sun. The ecliptic plane is the imaginary plane that represents the Earth's orbit around the Sun. It is inclined at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees to the celestial equator. This plane is used as a reference point for locating celestial objects in the sky, as well as for determining the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets.Rate this question:
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- 30.
A point in the celestial sphere where the ground apparently meets the sky?
- A.
Celestial equator
- B.
Meridian
- C.
Zenith
- D.
Horizon
Correct Answer
D. HorizonExplanation
The correct answer is horizon because it refers to the point in the celestial sphere where the ground apparently meets the sky. The horizon is the boundary that separates the visible portion of the Earth's surface from the sky. It is the line where the Earth's surface and the sky appear to meet when looking straight ahead.Rate this question:
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