celestial navigation
LIAR!
In the northern hemisphere, the altitude of the North Star, or Polaris, is approximately equal to the observer's latitude. This means that if you are at a latitude of 40 degrees north, Polaris will be about 40 degrees above the northern horizon. This relationship makes Polaris a useful navigational tool for determining one's latitude.
The point on the horizon that is due west has an altitude of zero and an azimuth of 270 degrees.
As you move north in the northern hemisphere, the altitude of Polaris, also known as the North Star, increases. Polaris is situated almost directly above the North Pole, so its altitude corresponds closely to your latitude. At the North Pole, Polaris is at the zenith (90 degrees), while at the equator, it is on the horizon (0 degrees). Therefore, as you travel northward, you will see Polaris rising higher in the sky.
latitude of the observer
43 degrees
celestial navigation
The device used to determine the altitude of the North Star (Polaris) is called an astrolabe. An astrolabe is an ancient astronomical instrument that allows users to measure the angle of celestial objects above the horizon. By aligning the astrolabe with Polaris, one can determine their latitude based on the altitude of the star. This technique has been used for navigation and understanding one's position on Earth.
To measure the altitude of the North Star (Polaris), an instrument called a sextant is commonly used. The sextant allows navigators to determine the angle between the horizon and the star, which corresponds to their latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. By measuring this angle, one can accurately ascertain their position relative to the North Star.
Zero. (It's on the horizon.)
To determine your latitude in the northern hemisphere using a star, measure the angle between the horizon and the star using a sextant. This angle is called the star's altitude. If you know the star's declination (which is constant), subtract it from 90 degrees minus the star's altitude to find your latitude.
The idea is there, but a couple of important terms are swapped.The altitude of the North Star above the northern horizon is approximately equal tothe observer's north latitude.
The altitude of the North Star will not change from any point on Earth. However, the declination changes depending upon where you are and when - It is less than 90 degrees.
The altitude of the North Star, or Polaris, from Minneapolis is approximately 45 degrees above the northern horizon. This is because Polaris is located nearly directly above the North Pole, and its altitude in the sky corresponds closely to the observer's latitude. Minneapolis is situated at about 45 degrees north latitude, making Polaris appear roughly at this altitude.
To determine your direction using the North Star, locate the North Star in the night sky, which is always positioned in the north. By facing the North Star, you will be facing true north, helping you find your direction.
Northville, MI is at 42 degrees, 26 minutes North. The altitude of the North Star is between 42 degrees and 43 degrees, depending on the time. (Polaris isn't exactly at the North Pole; it is about 1/2 degree off.)
If you are at the North Pole, you'll see the star Polaris near the zenit (altitude almost 90 degrees).
As you travel northward, the altitude of Polaris, or the North Star, increases. This is because Polaris is positioned almost directly above the North Pole, so at the North Pole, it is located directly overhead at an altitude of 90 degrees. Conversely, as you move south, the altitude of Polaris decreases.