Chapter 4 Flashcards
What is Latitude?
Declination in degrees (N-S)
What is Longitude?
Right Ascension in hour (E-W (from Vernal Equinox)
What is the horizon?
Unique in each location/time.
What is the Meridian?
line from N-S through zenith, its cuts the sky in half. (Unique in each location)
What is the Nadir?
It is the point directly below you (Opp of Zenith) (Unique in each location)
What is the origin?
The ‘Zero’ point of the celestial coordinate system.
What is the Vernal Equinox?
Point in space where the celestial equator and the ecliptic intersect in March (RA = 0h, Dec = 0)
What happens with the Sun in the summer?
It’s light hits the earth at a more direct (no spread, more effective)
What happens with the Sun in the winter?
It’s light hits the earth at an angle (lots more spread, less effective)
What is the Equinox?
Equal night and day, the ecliptic and equator intersect.
What/When is the Summer Solstice?
June 21st, sun farther N (longest day)
What/When is the Autumnal Equinox?
September 21st, sun on celestial equator (moving S)
What/When is the Winter Solstice?
December 21st, Sun farther S (shortest day)
What/When is the Vernal Equinox?
March 21, Sun on celestial equator (moving N)
When/What is the New Moon?
Rises/Sets with sun, Day 1, Can’t see it