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latitude can be easily determined by using sun angles and star sightings. Assume you are using polaris ( the North Star) as your frame of reference. What is the relationship between your latitude and the angle of polaris above the horizon?



Answer :

AL2006

If you are in the northern hemisphere, then the angle between Polaris and
your northern horizon is always within about 1/3 degree of your north latitude. 
For many purposes, it's close enough to just figure that the elevation of Polaris
above your northern horizon IS your north latitude.

Sadly, it's a different story if you are in the southern hemisphere ... Polaris is
never visible from there at all.


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