Library Telescopes of Nassau County

Changing altitude of Polaris

Observing Activity

Are you planning a trip?
As you travel south, Polaris' altitude above the northern horizon becomes less.
In fact, it always matches your latitude, while Polaris' declination is always 90º.
• On your next journey that involves a significant latitude change, measure the altitude of Polaris before you leave, and again, after you arrive at your destination.
• Your fist-width on your outstretched arm spans about 10º. Use that handy reference for estimating the altitude of Polaris above the true horizon due north.
• Your difference in latitudes should match the proportional change in fist-widths.

Because Earth is round – not flat, not potato shaped – this activity is possible. If it were any other shape, as one traveled north or south, this Observer–latitude/Polaris–altitude relationship would not be seen.

City Lat. = Polaris Alt.
US City Lat.
Anchorage 61.2º
Seattle 46.7º
Minneapolis 45.0º
Boston 42.4º
Chicago 41.9º
New York 40.7º
Denver 39.7º
Kansas City 39.0º
Washington 38.9º
San Francisco 37.8º
Los Angeles 34.1º
Atlanta 33.7º
Dallas 32.8º
San Diego 32.8º
Jacksonville 30.3º
New Orleans 30.0º
San Antonio 29.4º
Miami 25.8º
Honolulu 21.3º

Virgo (Constellation)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgo_(constellation)

The next Library Telescope Patron Training presentation will be at the Seaford Public Library on Tuesday, June 16th at 7pm.

To register go to:
https://seafordlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/how-to-use-the-library-telescope-in-person-2/

Fish Hook (Asterism)

The Fish Hook – Constellation Guide The Fish Hook is an asterism formed by about a dozen bright stars in the constellation Scorpius. The curved star pattern forms the heart, body, tail, and