ASTRONOMY 101Exercise #3THE ECLIPTIC and THE CELESTIAL SPHERE_____________________________________________________________________Instructions for Think & Discuss Exercise: Use the space belowfor the following exercise.This questions will guide you in understanding the ecliptic, the annual motion of the Sun, and therelationship of the Earth to the celestial sphere. This sheet is not to be handed in._______________________________________________________________________________1) Determine the equatorial coordinates (both Right Ascension and Declination) of the Sun atthe times of the equinoxes and the solstices -- March 21, June 21, Sept. 21, and Dec. 21. Explainyour reasoning. Present your answers in the table below, and makesure to inclue the units.Date Right Ascension Declination____________________________________________________March 21June 21Sept. 21Dec. 212) At what latitude on the Earth must you stand so that the Sun will be directly overhead at noonon the (a) Vernal Equinox, March 21 ? (b) Autumnal Equinox, Sept. 21 ? (c) Summer Solstice,June 21 ? (d) Winter Solstice, Dec. 21 ?(over)3) Figuring out where the Sun is in the skyonthe solstices and equinoxes.•Fill the space belowwith an accurate drawing of the celestial sphere, making it as round aspossible.•Drawthe Earth at the center,indicating the North and South poles and the Earth’sequator.•Drawand label the celestial equator (3-dimensional) and the North and South celestial poles.•Drawasmall figure on the edge of the globe of the Earth at a latitude of 42° to represent your-self.•Onthe celestial sphere, label your zenith, and drawand label your horizon (3-dimensional).•Use your drawing as a guide to answer the following questions:1) What is the altitude of the celestial equator above the southern horizon? _________2) What is the altitude of the Sun at noon in Amherst on the vernal equinox? _________3) What is the altitude of the Sun at noon in Amherst on the summer solstice? _________4) What is the altitude of the Sun at noon in Amherst on the winter solstice? _________5) Makeanew celestial sphere drawing for an observer in Hawaii (latitude 21°). What is thealtitude of Sun at noon in Hawaii on the winter solstice?
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