When will the stars near Polaris set?
Stars near Polaris never really set. Instead they circle the pole without dipping below the horizon. Stars with this behavior are called circumpolar because they circle the pole. However, ALL stars circle the pole, so when we describe a star as circumpolar we mean it is ALWAYS visible circling the pole star. (On a clear night, of course.) Which stars are circumpolar depends upon your latitude. At a latitude of 90o (the North Pole) all the stars you can see are circumpolar. At a latitude of 0o (the Equator) none of the stars are circumpolar. To determine which stars will be circumpolar from your location, think about your latitude. If your latitude is 37oN then all stars within 37o of Polaris will be circumpolar and thus always visible in a clear night sky. Any stars further than 37o from Polaris will rise and set – they will not be circumpolar. There’s a lot of info here. Do I get homework in this course? Of course! (But I won’t check it. ) Find some time this month on a clear evening
