Chapter 13, Observing the Sky Video Solutions, Pathways to Astronomy

Problem 1

Use your hand and fingers to estimate the angular size of at least three constellations. Sketch the constellations to scale with your measurements.

Erika Bustos

Numerade Educator

01:26

Sailors have "handy" rules for estimating the time until sunset. Approximately how many minutes before sunset is the Sun "one finger" above the horizon at the equator? At $45^{\circ} \mathrm{N}$ or S latitude?

Penny Riley

Numerade Educator

01:16

Problem 3

It is said in the text that the Moon sets about 50 minutes later each evening. Given that the lunar cycle of phases is 29.53 days, calculate a more accurate value for this time.

Matthew Baker

Numerade Educator

00:18

Problem 4

Calculate a precise value for how many degrees the Moon moves each day, keeping in mind that to complete one lunar month of 29.53 days, the Moon must once again align with the Sun, which also has shifted along the ecliptic during that time.

Mayukh Banik

Numerade Educator

07:25

Problem 5

Even at greatest elongation, Mercury will not always be visible high above the horizon after sunset or before sunrise. This is primarily because the angle between the ecliptic and the horizon is shallow sometimes during the year. In that case, Mercury is far from the Sun, but still close to the horizon. When the ecliptic is more nearly perpendicular to the horizon in your viewing location, Mercury will have a higher altitude. By examining the foldout star chart, estimate what times of year the ecliptic will be at the best angle for you to observe Mercury in the evening sky. Is there an upcoming greatest elongation that is favorable for you?

Mitchell Cutler

Numerade Educator

01:58

Problem 6

If you mark the position of the shadow cast by the top of a flagpole at the same clock time every day throughout the year, you will find that the marks trace out a figure-eight pattern. Explain why this happens by referring to the equation of time.

Narayan Hari

Numerade Educator

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