Astronomy 120: Fall 2008

Homework 2: Due in September 12/15 recitation

Name ___________________________ Section _______

Q1:
On the following map, derived from the celestial sphere, add or label the following:
  1. The axes.
  2. The celestial equator.
  3. The north and south celestial poles.
  4. The vernal and autumnal equinoxes.
  5. The stars Rigel, Sirius, Arcturus, and Antares (note that you'll need to look up their coordinates in Appendix F of your textbook).
  6. The path of the Sun over the course of a year (be sure to indicate the direction of motion).
  7. The position of the Sun on the day you complete this problem set.
  8. Show, roughly, the part of the sky that is visible at about midnight on that same day.

 

Q2:
Describe the approximate direction, in horizon coordinates (i.e. altitude and azimuth), of the sunrise (if any) from the following locations on the given dates. Tell a bit about why this event might be unusual (if at all). Also estimate how long it takes for the Sun to clear the horizon (the Sun has an angular diameter of about 0.5 degrees).

  1. Sunrise from here in Ames on December 21.
  2. Sunrise viewed from the Earth's equator on September 21.
  3. Sunrise from the North Pole on June 21.
  4. Sunrise from the South Pole on September 21.
Why might people at the North Pole be very happy about sunrise on March 21?

NOTE: as originally posted, the question below makes no sense. Please don't worry about answering it. If you've already handed in your homework, rest assured that this won't be counted - but if you could think of a reason why astronomers woudl be happy that is different than why most other people would be happy, that is great!.
      And why might astronomers near the North Pole also be happy on that same day?

 

Q3:
What is the altitude of the noon Sun on the following dates at these locations?

  1. Ames, IA (lat 42 deg N, long 93 deg W) on March 21, June 21, September 21, December 21

  2. Sydney, Australia (lat 34 deg S, long 151 deg E) on March 21, June 21, September 21, December 21

  3. Barrow, Alaska (lat 71 deg N, long 157 deg W) on March 21, June 21, September 21, December 21

 

Q4:
Explain why the synodic month is longer than the siderial month. You will need to explain the meaning of the two months in your answer. Show, simply (i.e. with one line of math or clear words) why the difference is 2 days.

 

(BONUS) Q5:
It is an unwritten rule in baseball that the orientation of the diamond points northeast - that is, the line starting at home plate, running in the direction of second base, usually points to an azimuth of about 45 degrees. Speculate on why that might be, given the usual position of the batter and fielders and the direction of their gazes. Remember that baseball traditions mostly originated before stadium lights were invented; i.e. think of day games.