i just need to determine the direction and altitude of polaris from Los Angeles. If anyone is willing to help me in this one, I'll be thankful.
any help is appreciated.
2006-11-25 16:19:53 · 4 answers · asked by BLUEEEE 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Polaris is always due north (duh!) and at an elevation equal to your latitude. So from LA, at 34° N latitude, Polaris will be 34° above your northern horizon. Remember that a compass does not point exactly north - in the LA area it points about 13° east of north.
The easiest way to locate Polaris is to follow a line through the two stars at the end of the Big Dippers Bowl.
2006-11-25 18:31:17 · answer #1 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Typically, you can take the two stars in the end of the big dipper (you want the two that make up the side of the scoop away from the handle) and you draw an imaginary line straight (as if you are coming out of the scoop) and it will take you directly to Polaris. However, Polaris is not a very bright star, and you may not be able to see it due to the light pollution in L.A. I know I can't see it in Phoenix. Good luck, and enjoy the stars!
2006-11-25 16:23:59 · answer #2 · answered by pagliinaz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a good star map at this website ==>http://www.kidsastronomy.com/academy/lesson110_assignment4.htm
If you can find The Big Dipper (Ursa Major) you can easily spot Polaris (The North Star)
2006-11-25 17:02:21 · answer #3 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way I've found to find any Star or Planet in the night sky is an excellant piece of Astronomy software called STARRY NIGHT - http://www.starrynight.com
Once you've set your location on Earth, and the time you are / will be observing, it'll show you the night sky in accurate detail.... once you've established which direction you need to look (a compass helps), it's pretty straight forward from there
2006-11-25 23:09:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋