Astronomy quiz question: low clockwise arc stars

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, Spring Semester 2011
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An observer in San Luis Obispo, CA notices over several hours that stars are making low clockwise arcs across the sky as they rise and set. Which horizon is this observer facing?
(A) North.
(B) East.
(C) South.
(D) West.

Correct answer: (C)

In San Luis Obispo, CA, an observer facing east or west would see stars rising or setting, respectively. An observer facing north would see stars making stars counterclockwise circles around the north celestial pole.

Section 30676
(A) : 16 students
(B) : 7 students
(C) : 24 students
(D) : 2 students
(No response : 1 student)

"Success level": 52% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.80