The horizon system is a particularly useful system for describing where you can
ID: 1880017 • Letter: T
Question
The horizon system is a particularly useful system for describing where you can find celestial objects in the sky. The position of the celestial object can be described in terms of a combination of two angles. One angle is measured along the horizon eastward from the north point, and the other angle is measured upward from the point on the horizon below the object.
a) For an observer looking along his horizon what compass direction is 270 degrees away from the north point?
b) For an observer looking along his horizon toward the east point, how many degrees are between the east point and north point?
c) For an observer looking along his horizon what compass direction is 225degrees away from the north point?
d) What is the maximum angular amount an observer can look above the horizon?
e) If a celestial object is ½ up from the observer’s horizon, how many degrees above the horizon is the object?
f) If a celestial object is 30 degrees above the horizon, give its position as a fraction above the horizon.
g) If a star is seen at the east point of the observer’s horizon, what angular amount above the horizon is the object?
h) If a planet is 10 degrees above the horizon and 135 degrees from the north point, give its position in terms of a fraction above the horizon and compass direction along the horizon.
Fraction above horizon:
Compass direction along horizon:
Explanation / Answer
a) 270 degree away from noth point is : West
b) Degrees between the east point to north point : 270 degree
c) Compass direction is 225degrees away from the north point : South -West direction
d) Maximum angular amount an observer can look above the horizon : 90 degree
e) Since maxium altitude is 90 degree for zenith, a celestial object is ½ up from the observer’s horizon = 45 degree
f) Similary, for the celestial object is 30 degrees above the horizon, its position as a fraction = 30/90 = 1/3
g) (Question is not clear, may be 0> to 90 degree)
h) Fraction above horizon: 10/90 = 1/9
Compass direction along horizon: 135/360 = 3/8
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