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Chapter 2: Problem 47

What is the right ascension of a star that is on the meridian at midnight at the time of the autumnal equinox? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The right ascension of a star that is on the meridian at midnight at the time of the autumnal equinox is \(0\) hours.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Concept of Right Ascension

Right ascension, an important concept in astronomy, is one of the coordinates used to locate a celestial object in the sky. It is measured along the celestial equator eastward from the vernal equinox and is usually given in time units of hours, minutes, and seconds.
02

The Right Ascension of a Star on the Meridian at Midnight

When a star is on the meridian at midnight, it has reached its highest point in the sky. Furthermore, being at the meridian at midnight indicates that the star is diametrically opposite to the Sun, in the direction of the vernal equinox. Thus, the star will reach its highest point twelve hours after the vernal equinox point does.
03

The Right Ascension at the Time of the Autumnal Equinox

At the time of the autumnal equinox, the right ascension of the Sun is 12 hours. Thus, a star that is on the meridian at midnight during the autumnal equinox would be diametrically opposite the Sun, and hence have a right ascension of 0 hours.

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