Answer to Question #173605 in Astronomy | Astrophysics for ANJU JAYACHANDRAN

Question

1c) Sketch the celestial equator, horizon, observer’s meridian and show the zenith and

nadir on the celestial sphere for an observer at latitude 30 N.

Answer 1

The height of the Northern Celestial Pole (P) is equal to the latitude of the observer (30 degrees). Zenith (Z) is above the observer and nadir (N') is opposite to zenith. The horizon is perpendicular to the line ZZ', the celestial equator (here it is reproduced bi the inclined ellipse) is perpendicular to the PP' line. The meridian is the circle PZP'Z'.