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Chapter 2: Problem 14

The Sun, Moon, and stars a. appear to move each day because the celestial sphere rotates about Earth. b. change their relative positions over time. c. rise north or south of west and set north or south of east, depending on their location on the celestial sphere. d. always remain in the same position relative to each other.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Options B and C are correct.

Step by step solution

01

- Analyzing Option A

The statement 'The Sun, Moon, and stars appear to move each day because the celestial sphere rotates about Earth' is a plausible explanation. However, modern astronomy understands that this apparent motion is due to Earth's rotation on its axis. The celestial sphere concept is an observational model, not an explanation of physical reality.
02

- Analyzing Option B

The statement 'The Sun, Moon, and stars change their relative positions over time' is correct. Due to the Earth's orbit around the Sun, the positions of the Sun and stars change over longer periods, while the Moon changes its position more noticeably over shorter periods.
03

- Analyzing Option C

The statement 'The Sun, Moon, and stars rise north or south of west and set north or south of east, depending on their location on the celestial sphere' explains the variations in the rising and setting positions throughout the year due to the tilt of Earth's axis and the observers' latitude.
04

- Analyzing Option D

The statement 'The Sun, Moon, and stars always remain in the same position relative to each other' is incorrect because the positions of these celestial objects change over time due to their respective motions in space, which affects their relative positions.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Earth's rotation
The apparent daily motion of the Sun, Moon, and stars across the sky is due to Earth's rotation. Earth spins on its axis once every 24 hours, making it seem like the celestial sphere is rotating around us. This rotation is why we experience day and night.
As Earth rotates from west to east, celestial objects appear to rise in the east and set in the west. If you watch the sky for a few hours, you can see this apparent motion. However, remember that it is Earth's rotation that creates this visual effect.
Earth's orbit
Earth's orbit around the Sun creates noticeable changes in the sky over longer periods. Earth takes one year to complete a full orbit around the Sun. During this time, the positions of the stars and the Sun change slightly each night.
This orbital movement is why constellations appear in different parts of the sky at different times of the year. For example, Orion is visible in the winter, while Scorpius is seen in the summer. Understanding Earth's orbit helps explain why some stars are only visible during certain seasons.
Tilt of Earth's axis
The tilt of Earth's axis is responsible for the varying seasons and the changing path of celestial objects across the sky. Earth is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. This tilt affects how and where the Sun, Moon, and stars rise and set.
Depending on the time of year and your location, you might notice that objects rise north or south of east and set north or south of west. The tilt also explains phenomena such as the Midnight Sun in polar regions, where the Sun can stay visible for 24 hours during summer.
Relative positions of celestial objects
Celestial objects do not remain in fixed positions relative to each other. The Sun, Moon, and stars each move in their own way. Understanding these movements is essential for celestial navigation and astronomy.
The Moon orbits Earth roughly every 27 days, changing its position in the sky each night. Planets orbit the Sun at varying speeds, which makes them move against the backdrop of more distant stars. This relative motion creates an ever-changing sky, making night-time observation both fascinating and complex.
Remember, accurate observations and calculations are crucial for understanding the dynamic beauty of the night sky.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

On the summer solstice in June, the Sun will be directly above __________ and all locations north of _________ will experience daylight all day. a. the Tropic of Cancer; the Antarctic Circle b. the Tropic of Capricorn; the Arctic Circle c. the Tropic of Cancer; the Arctic Circle d. the Tropic of Capricorn; the Antarctic Circle

There is an angle between the ecliptic and the celestial equator because a. Earth's axis is tilted with respect to its orbit. b. Earth's orbit is tilted with respect to the orbits of other planets. c. the Sun follows a rising and falling path through space. d. the Sun's orbit is tilted with respect to Earth's.

Imagine that you are standing on the South Pole at the time of the southern summer solstice. a. How far above the horizon will the Sun be at noon? b. How far above (or below) the horizon will the Sun be at midnight?

Which is not true on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes? a. Every place on Earth has 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. b. The Sun rises due east and sets due west. c. The Sun is located on the celestial equator. d. The motion of the stars in the sky is different than on other days.

Suppose you would like to witness the midnight Sun (when the Sun appears just above the northern horizon at midnight) but you don't want to travel any farther north than necessary. a. How far north (that is, to which latitude) would you have to go? b. At what time of year would you make this trip?
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