Question 3 of 10intermediate🔧 ApplyShort Answer2 marks

Padmashree saw the Orion constellation nearly overhead at 8 pm yesterday. When will she see Orion overhead today?

Correct Answer

Padmashree will see the Orion constellation nearly overhead at approximately 7:56 pm today, about 4 minutes earlier than 8 pm.

This happens because the Earth completes one full rotation in about 23 hours 56 minutes, not exactly 24 hours.

Due to this difference, stars appear to rise approximately 4 minutes earlier each day.

Exercise: Let Us Enhance Our Learning | Q: 4 | (Page Page 17)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter mentions that 'Aryabhata's stated value for the time taken by the Earth to complete one full rotation about its axis is around 23 hours 56 minutes 4.1 seconds.' This is the sidereal day—the time for Earth to complete one rotation relative to the stars. Since our clocks use the solar day (24 hours), stars appear to rise about 4 minutes earlier each consecutive day.

Solution Steps

  1. The Earth completes one full rotation in about 23 hours 56 minutes, not exactly 24 hours.

  2. Due to this difference, stars appear to rise approximately 4 minutes earlier each day.

  3. Therefore, Orion will be overhead at approximately 7:56 pm today, about 4 minutes earlier than 8 pm yesterday.

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