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Apparent Motions of Celestial Objects
An apparent motion is a motion that a celestial object appears to make across the sky. The “actual
motion” may be different.
Apparent Motions of
Stars
Stars “appear” to rise from the east and set in the west along a
pathway known as an arc.
Each star’s “apparent” motion in
the sky is at a constant rate -- 15°
per hour.
Some stars near Polaris (North Star) move in a complete
circle.
Polaris
Apparent Motions of the Planets and the Moon
The “apparent” path of the planets and Moon in the
sky is the same as that of the stars – from an east-to-
west direction.
The position of planets in the sky does change
throughout the year due to their revolutions around
the sun.
The position of the Moon in the sky changes each
evening – rising from the east 50 minutes later each evening and shifting more
eastward (retrograde motion) when compared to
background stars.
Apparent Motions of the Sun – The Celestial Sphere
The “apparent motion” of the Sun is the same as that of the stars, planets and Moon. The Sun “appears” to
rise from the east and set in the west.
A celestial sphere is a model to help illustrate the “apparent motions” of objects in the sky – such as the
Sun.
East
South North
Westhorizon
zenithSolar Noon – Position of the Sun when it is at its highest altitude in the sky.
Apparent path of the Sun
Apparent Motions of the Sun – The Celestial Sphere
Throughout the year, the “apparent motion” of the Sun in the celestial
sphere changes in altitude, origin and length with the seasons.
In the Northern Hemisphere:
The Sun rises due east and sets due west in the beginning of spring and fall.
In the Northern Hemisphere:
The Sun rises north of east and sets north of west in the summer.
The sun’s altitude at noon is highest during the year.
The sun’s “apparent path” across the sky is at its longest (greater than 12
hours).
In the Northern Hemisphere:
The Sun rises south of east and sets south of west in the winter.
The sun’s altitude is low in the sky.
The sun’s “apparent path” across the sky is short (less than 12
hours).
Geocentric Model
Throughout human history, ancient civilizations and modern science have
sought to explain the “apparent motions of celestial objects in the sky.
The geocentric model places the Earth as a stationary body at the
center of the universe – with most celestial objects revolving around it.
This model was widely accepted by European
cultures until the 16th century.
The theory fails to explain the “apparent motions” of planets
and some motions of the Earth.
Heliocentric Model
The heliocentric model places the Sun as a stationary body at the
center of the Solar System – with celestial objects revolving around it.
This model is widely accepted by most modern
cultures.
In this model, the Earth rotates upon an imaginary axis and revolves around the Sun.
The heliocentric model helps to explain the “apparent motions” of the stars, planets, Sun and
Moon along the celestial sphere.