Polaris and Latitude

Polaris Polaris is also called the North Star Polaris is located directly above the north pole. This never changes. Even as Earth rotates on it’s axis, Polaris remains above the north pole. Polaris can only be seen from locations in the northern hemisphere (latitudes north of the equator). Polaris can not be seen from any location south of the equator. Draw the equator in on the picture then circle/highlight the portion of Earth that can see Polaris.

Locating Polaris If you follow through the shape of the Big Dipper it will point directly to Polaris (the North Star). Look at the diagrams and circle Polaris.

Altitude of Polaris and Latitude the angle of an object above the horizon. Altitude is like elevation for objects in the sky (not objects on land). ** A person/location’s latitude is equal to the altitude of Polaris (as long as the location is north of the equator). The number for altitude is THE SAME as the number for latitude. From 42°N latitude you would look 42° above the horizon to find Polaris. If a person is looking at Polaris and it is 86° above the horizon their latitude must be 86°N.

Polaris Questions Regents digrams: What is the latitude for each of the observers? 42°N 90°N 20°N ESRT practice: What would the altitude of Polaris be from: Binghamton? 42° Massena? 45° Buffalo? 43°