Introductory
Which stars never set?
An observer stands at latitude N (Ulaanbaatar). Determine the range of declinations for which a star is circumpolar, i.e. never sets below the horizon. What fraction of the celestial sphere is permanently visible?
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Reading resources
Material that covers the physics behind this problem.
- Spherical AstronomyRobin M. Green
The definitive treatment of the celestial sphere, spherical trigonometry and time systems. Dense but authoritative.
Textbook - Astronomy NotesNick Strobel
Free, well-illustrated introductory notes covering the whole syllabus at a conceptual level.
Lecture notes - Stellarium WebStellarium
Browser planetarium. Indispensable for checking coordinate, rising/setting and constellation questions against the real sky.
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