Astronomy quiz question: time for Boötes to rise to zenith

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, fall semester 2015
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

The diagram at right shows the positions on September 1 of the constellations Ursa Minor and Boötes for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA. Ignore daylight saving time. Assume you can see stars in daylight. The constellation Boötes will be at its highest point in the sky __________ later.
(A) five hours.
(B) seven hours.
(C) nine hours.
(D) 12 hours.

Correct answer (highlight to unhide): (B)

On September 1 Ursa Minor and Boötes will have the positions shown above the north-northeast-east horizon at 9:00 AM. Using a starwheel to advance the time hourly starting from 9:00 AM on September 1, Boötes will be at the highest point in the sky (the zenith) at 4:00 PM, which is approximately seven hours later.

Section 70160
Exam code:
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 16 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 7 students

Success level: 52% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.76