Celestial Sphere And Star Charts (Page 6 of 6) in pdf

Celestial Sphere And Star Charts Page 6

Astronomy 101

Celestial Sphere and Star Charts

Notice that 12 midnight is on the bottom. That means that 12 noon is at the top. You have to carefully lift

the flap covering the top half of the star chart to answer the next two questions. Remember that the Sun is

about due south at noon. (Example: The Sun is in the constellation LEO near September 11 You can verify

this on the celestial sphere if you like.)

13. In what constellation is the Sun on April 5

14. When will it be impossible to see the center of the Milky Way, which is located in SAGITTARIUS?

(In other words, during what time of the year does SAGITTARIUS not make an appearance in the sky

between sunset and sunrise?)

15. Also in SAGITTARIUS is the M8 nebula, a good target for binoculars. About what date would be the

best time to see this object if you wanted to look at 10 pm? (Hint: SAGITTARIUS should be on the

meridian, due South.)

16. You are lost in the woods on July 15

. You note that the pointer stars of the Big Dipper are just above

the horizon and pointing straight up. What time is it?

17. You get lost again! This time on December 20

at about 3 am. You see Arcturus through the clouds.

You wish to go south. You should walk with Arcturus... (circle one)

in front of you

at your back

on your left

d. on your right

18. Which appears to be closer to the North Star; Castor or Pollux?

Celestial Sphere And Star Charts Page 6