Question

James observes that the Polaris star in the northern hemisphere does not rise and set in the sky. His teacher tells him that this is because Earth rotates around an axis that points toward Polaris. Based on this information, identify where Polaris could be located on the diagram.

Answer 1

Answer:

Just above the axis of the Earth

Explanation:

The pole star is the star that lies just above the axis of the Earth. Contrary to the belief that it is exactly above the axis of Earth it is actually a little bit shifted. But that separation is very small i.e. 0.5°. Also, pole star is just a designation. For northern hemisphere, Polaris is the pole star.

In the diagram, Polaris will be the star just above the axis of Earth.

Just because it lies above the axis of the Earth it doesn't appear to move from its place.

Answer 2

Answer:

Just above the pole (top-most red circle)

Explanation:

Polaris is used to identify North direction. Since, the Earth rotates on its axis which is along North-south, Polaris never seems to rise and set from the Northern hemisphere. This is because Polaris lies above north pole. Thus, in the given diagram, Polaris is above the North pole on the axis represented by top-most red circle.