answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The altitude of the celestial pole from the horizon actually tells you your latitude.

So If I locate Polaris, the star that our earth's celestial pole points to and I see it's 40 degrees above the horizon to the north, I know that my latitude is 40 degrees north. Think about the extremes, if your on the equator looking for the celestial pole, you would see it on the northern horizon correct? (0 degrees) Now think of where the celestial pole would be pointing when on the north pole. You guessed it, straight up! (90 degrees)

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 14y ago

If you are in the northern hemisphere, you can measure the altitude of the star Polaris above the northern horizon; within 0.7 degree, the elevation angle of Polaris is your latitude. If you have a Nautical Almanac, a simple calculation will enable you to correct that 0.7 degree error.

Alternatively, if you have access to the Nautical Almanac and an accurate timepiece, you can measure the elevation of the Sun at "local apparent noon"; the moment when the Sun is highest in the sky. A simple calculation will allow you to compute your latitude, and reference to the Nautical Almanac will give you your latitude, for a relatively simple one-observation "fix" of your position. This works in either the northern or southern hemispheres.

A similar one-observation fix for the Moon is possible.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: By locating the north celestial pole how can you determine your latitude?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Latitude is based on the celestial observation of?

Latitude is based on the celestial observation of the angle of the sun or a celestial body above the horizon at noon. By measuring this angle, sailors and navigators can determine their north-south position on Earth.


What instruments are used to determine the altitude of the north star?

Instruments such as a sextant or a quadrant can be used to determine the altitude of the North Star. By measuring the angle between the North Star and the horizon, navigators can determine their latitude.


Are latitude and right ascension are coordinate systems used to find objects on the celestial sphere?

Yes, latitude and right ascension are both coordinate systems used for locating objects on the celestial sphere. Latitude is measured in degrees north or south of the celestial equator, while right ascension is measured in hours, minutes, and seconds eastward from the vernal equinox. Right ascension is analogous to longitude on Earth.


How do you determine the altitude at which the celestial equator cuts the meridian?

To determine the altitude at which the celestial equator cuts the meridian, you need to know your latitude. The altitude will be equal to your latitude. If you are at the equator (0Β° latitude), the celestial equator will cut the meridian at 90Β° altitude. At the North Pole (90Β° latitude), the celestial equator will be 0Β° altitude.


What never sets at your latitude?

Any sky object within (your latitude) degrees of the north celestial pole.


How is the altitude of the North Celestial Pole above the northern horizon related to the observer's latitude?

The altitude of the North Celestial Pole above the northern horizon is equal to the observer's latitude. This means that the higher the observer's latitude, the higher the North Celestial Pole will appear in the sky. For example, an observer at a latitude of 45 degrees will see the North Celestial Pole 45 degrees above the northern horizon.


Pole star how do you find diections?

The Pole Star, also known as Polaris, can help you find direction by locating the North. It is located very close to the north celestial pole, so it remains nearly stationary while other stars appear to move across the sky. By locating Polaris, you can determine which way is north, south, east, and west.


What latitude do you have to be in order to see the north celestial pole?

North of the equator. In theory, about 0 degrees, or further north.


What is the angle between the zenith and North celestial pole if you are at 37 degrees latitude?

The angle between the zenith and North celestial pole at a latitude of 37 degrees is equal to 53 degrees. This is because the North celestial pole is located at an altitude above the horizon that is equal to your latitude. Subtracting this from 90 degrees (the angle between the zenith and the horizon) gives you 90 - 37 = 53 degrees.


What latitude on earth is a celestial pole 45 above the horizon'?

The celestial pole that is 45 degrees above the horizon is located at a latitude of 45 degrees. This means that an observer at this location would see the celestial pole positioned halfway between the horizon and the zenith.


Latitude in a definition?

the angular distance of a place north or south of the earth's equator, or of a celestial object north or south of the celestial equator, usually expressed in degrees and minutes


How do you find the latitude of northern hemisphere?

To find the latitude in the northern hemisphere, you can use a GPS device or online map tools that provide latitude information based on your current location. Additionally, you can determine latitude using a sextant and celestial navigation techniques by measuring the angle of the North Star above the horizon.