The great circle on the celestial sphere...

Question 1 / 2707066636ee928f7522a1c519838

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c519838

The great circle on the celestial sphere that passes through the zenith and the north and south poles is the __________.

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Question 1 of 27070

The great circle on the celestial sphere that passes through the zenith and the north and south poles is the __________.

🔍 Key Concepts

• Zenith and how it relates to an observer’s position on the celestial sphere • The definition of a great circle on the celestial sphere • How meridians and vertical circles are defined in celestial navigation

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: which option describes a great circle that MUST pass through both celestial poles AND your zenith? • Think about which of these choices are related to the Sun’s path (e.g., ecliptic) versus those related to an observer’s local position. • Consider the difference between circles that run north–south through the poles and those that run east–west or at right angles to the meridian.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which term means a great circle through the celestial poles and a given point on the celestial sphere. • Eliminate any option that is not defined as a great circle by standard celestial navigation terminology. • Check which terms are local to the observer (involving the zenith) versus global circles like the ecliptic.

Question 1 of 27070

The great circle on the celestial sphere that passes through the zenith and the north and south poles is the __________.

principal vertical

ecliptic

hour circle

prime vertical