Page 2 of 6 Star
post
Lab #1: Locating Objects in the Sky (continued)
PROCEDURE
Measure the altitudes and azimuths of artificial stars
A quadrant is a quarter of a circle that has
been divided into 90 equal parts or degrees. If
you sight a star along the two posts on the
post
upper edge of the quadrant, the string will
indicate the altitude or height above the
horizon in degrees. In the illustration at right,
the altitude of the star is 35º.
Horizon
QUADRANT
& bob
Four paper stars that are labeled with the
Greek letters a (alpha), B (beta), y (gamma)
and 8 (delta) have been fixed on the walls and
ceiling in the lab room.
Use the quadrant to find the altitudes of these
stars to the nearest degree from Location 1 if
your last name begins with the letter A through
I, Location 2 if your last name begins with the
Sighting
Location
The bob points to
the Earth's center
and establishes a
line that is
perpendicular
to
the horizon
Relat