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Lab 1: The Sky As The World Turns

Introduction to the Celestial Globe

The [celestial sphere] that surrounds the Earth is what ancient astronomers believed the stars and other celestial bodies were attached.

Looking at the celestial globe, the [celestial poles] extend outwards to the celestial sphere at the Earth's north and south poles.

When an object like the Sun passes across the meridian, it achieves its [highest] point above the horizon.

The [zenith] is the point directly overhead.

The celestial equator is a projection of the [Earth's equator].

If an object is always above the horizon, it is called [circumpolar]. The size of this "zone" depends on the observer's[latitude].

Right ascension (R.A.) and declination (dec.) aid astronomers in locating an object in a way that is independent of [time] or [place].

An object's angular distance north or south of the celestial equator is its [declination] and is measured in [degrees]. It is [positive] north of the equator and [negative] south of the equator.

An object's distance from the vernal equinox, increasing to the east around the celestial equator, is called [right ascension]. It is usually measured in [hours and minutes], instead of degrees.