20090904

Astronomy quiz question: circumpolar constellations

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, Fall Semester 2009
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Consider the view of the horizon shown below, as seen from San Luis Obispo, CA at a certain time on September 1. Ignore the fact that your starwheel does not include daylight savings time. Assume that you are able to see these constellations regardless if the sun is above the horizon or not.

According to your starwheel, what time corresponds to the view shown above?
(A) 7:30 AM.
(B) 10:30 AM.
(C) 7:30 PM.
(D) 10:30 PM.

Correct answer: (C)

With the north horizon of the starwheel oriented downwards, placing Ursa Major and Cassiopeia to the left and right of Polaris respectively, as shown, results in September 1 on the dial lining up with 7:30 PM on the edge of the starwheel.

Response (A) is with Cassiopeia and Ursa Major switching positions, to the right and left of Polaris, respectively.

Section 70160
(A) : 9 students
(B) : 0 students
(C) : 33 students
(D) : 0 students

Success level: 78% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.54

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