Constellation Sky Familiarization Objectives l Learn sky navigation
Constellation – Sky Familiarization
Objectives l Learn sky navigation using the SC-1 Star Chart l l Locate the meridian, horizons, and zenith for a given date and time. Use the star chart to locate stars and constellations in the night sky.
Nacogdoches View 32 Zenith o CE NCP 32 o West North South East SCP
The stars visible, at any given time, continuously changes. This a result of the Earth’s motion, rotation and revolution.
North Ecliptic East Sun’s Path Celestial Equator Declination (degrees) Right Ascension (hours) South
Find the position of the star Sirius East North RA = 6 h 45 m DEC = -17 d South
March 22 @ 8: 00 p. m North East Zenith West Point Meridian South
March 22 @ 8: 00 p. m East Point
March 22 @ 8: 00 p. m North East Zenith West Point Meridian South
March 22 @ 9: 00 p. m North East Zenith West Point South Meridian West Horizon
March 22 @ 10: 00 p. m North East Zenith West Point South Meridian West Horizon
January 10 @ 8: 00 p. m East North 5 days X 4 min/day=20 min January 5 @ 8 pm January 10 @ 8 pm
Sky Familiarization l A Few Things to Remember l l The NCP is located above the north point on the horizon. The angular distance is equal to your latitude. The zenith is located an angular distance equal to your latitude from the CE, i. e. , the declination of the zenith is your latitude. Any vertical line on your SC-1 (north-south) is a meridian. Approximately one half of the stars on the SC-1 are visible at any given time (12 hours of RA).
- Slides: 15