If you were standing on the Earth s equator, which of the following in the sky would pass through your zenith during the entire day (24 hours)?
A) The north celestial pole
B) The south celestial pole
C) The celestial equator
D) The nadir

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The celestial equator is the projection of the Earth's equator onto the celestial sphere. Since you are standing on the Earth's equator, it means the celestial equator passes directly overhead, or through your zenith. The north celestial pole is located directly above the Earth's North Pole and the south celestial pole is located directly above the Earth's South Pole. The nadir is the point directly below an observer and is not related to the sky. The celestial equator is directly above the Earth's equator, and therefore, it would be the only one of the choices listed that would pass through your zenith during the entire day. The north celestial pole would not be visible at all, while the south celestial pole would always be on the horizon. The nadir is the point directly below you and would not be visible in the sky.

If You Were Standing on the Earth S Equator, Which