Use a calculator whenever necessary.

Please CIRCLE or put a box around your final answer if it is numerical.

If you wish, you may discuss the questions with friends, but please turn in your own hand-written solutions, with questions answered in your own way.

1. Draw a celestial sphere and label the horizon, the cardinal points, the celestial and anti meridians, the zenith and the nadir.

 

2. Approximating Angles

a. Using your fist, measure the angular separation of Merak and Dubhe OR the width of the "W" asterism making up Cassiopeia.

b. Using your fist, determine the smallest angle from the horizon to Polaris.

 

c. The smallest angle from the horizon to Polaris is actually 38^o at DVC. Compare your answer in part b) and determine the real angular size of your fist.

 

3. Explain what is meant by the phrase, "the sun is in Aquarius today".

 

4. How does a Cepheid variable star allow astronomers to determine its distance?

    

5. Explain the Algol star system and illustrate with a diagram.

 

6. Identify the following asterisms and any numbered stars….

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)