How Objects Appear to
Move in Our Sky
Name:________________________
Class#:________________________
Each question is worth 10 points. Please answer each question in
complete sentences.
1. Describe and draw the path of the sun on a winter day.
Drawing
Description
How is this different from the sun’s path on a summer day?
2. Draw and explain how to use a shadow stick.
Drawing
Description
When are the shadows you cast the shortest? Why?
If you have no shadow at all in the middle of the day where are you and
why don’t you cast a shadow?
3. Draw the section of sky around the North Star and describe its motion
over a 24-hour period.
Drawing
Description
What does it mean to be circumpolar?
What is special about the north star? Why does it do what it does?
4. Draw the positions of Polaris and Ursa Minor viewed from here, from the
North Pole, and from the Equator. (Assume the bottom of the table
cell is the horizon and the top is the zenith or top of the sky.)
Reno
North Pole
Equator
Why do we see differences from these different locations?
If you were standing on the North Pole, what would you see the night sky
do over a 24 hour period? Why?