1. Aim: What is the relationship between latitude and Polaris?
Do now:
Using your ESRT write the Latitude to the nearest minute for the following locations;
a) Massena
b) Ithaca
c) Slide Mt.
44055’N, 74050’W
42025’N, 76030’W
42000’N, 74025’W

2. I. Polaris (the North Star)
Brightest star in the sky.
Always in the Northern sky.
In-line with Earth’s North Pole.

3. The stars appear to rise in the Eastern sky and set in the Western sky
Since Polaris is in-line with the North Pole, the other stars appear to Rotate around Polaris as Earth Rotates.
The stars appear to rise in the Eastern sky and set in the Western sky
Time elapsed photography

4. Polaris' altitude (height above the horizon) is equal to an observer's latitude.
Example:
If you are standing at 470 North latitude, what is the height of Polaris?
470 above the horizon
As your latitude North increases, the altitude of Polaris increases.
Polaris’ altitude does not change when you move East or West

5. At the Equator, you cannot see Polaris.
420 N Latitude
Equator
Equator
At the Equator, you cannot see Polaris.
You are standing at 00 so Polaris is 00 in the sky.
At 420 N Latitude, Polaris is seen at an altitude of 420 (up in the sky).

6. Polaris
900 N Latitude
Equator
At the North Pole (900) Latitude, Polaris is seen at an altitude of 900 (directly above your head).

7. II. How do you find the North Star?
The “pointer stars” from the big dipper point to the star Polaris.

8. Closure
1. What is the latitude of an observer if the altitude of Polaris is 43°?
A) 23 N
B) 90 N
C) 43 N
D) 43 S
Answer: C

9. 2. A person knows he solar time on the Prime Meridian and the local solar time. What determination can be made?
A) the date
B) the altitude of Polaris
C) the longitude at which the person is located
D) the latitude at which the person is located
Answer: C

10. Closure 2
Take a “How does Polaris Help us Find Latitude” worksheet from the Top Do Now Bin