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Celestial Sphere
Model we use to describe the positions and motions of objects
in the sky is the Celestial Sphere
Stars are fixed to an invisible sphere,
centered around the Earth
Earth is held fixed with its rotational
axis vertical
Earths reference points extended to C.S
Celestial Sphere
Celestial sphere rotates East-to-West around Earth to imitate
diurnal motion.
Celestial Sphere
Sun, Moon, planets move independently on the surface the
Celestial Sphere to imitate annual motion
Coordinate Systems
In order to locate anything, one needs to specify a frame of reference,
an origin, and coordinates.
Coordinate Systems
SCCC (Selden)
LAT = 41 51" 59# N
LONG = 73 01" 54# W
Points of Reference
Zenith
= Front
60
60
30
30
E
W
Example
= Back
Zenith
= Front
Az = 110
CD = ESE
Alt = 60
Seasons
The 23.5 tilt of Earths rotational axis effects the climate by:
- creating more direct sunlight in summer
Seasons
The 23.5 tilt of Earths rotational axis effects the climate by:
- extending the number of hours of daylight in summer
Precession
The Earths axis wobbles in space because the Moons gravity
pulls on the Earth unequally (26,000 years).
Effects of Precession
Polaris will not always be the pole star.
Location of Sun on C.S. during the Vernal Equinox changes
Planetarium Exam
Star - point sources of light in the night sky
CONSTELLATION - agreed upon region of sky
- named for mythological figure within boundaries