Why does the pole star appears fixed at one point? in Stars and the Solar System – Class 8 Science Experiment
Chapter Name: Some Natural Phenomena
Activity Name: Why does the pole star appears fixed at one point? in Stars and the Solar System
Activity Description:
In this experiment, we will use an umbrella with white paper stars attached to it to understand why the pole star appears fixed at one point in the night sky.
By rotating the umbrella, we will observe the motion of the stars and identify the one that remains stationary. The experiment aims to demonstrate the concept of the pole star being aligned with the Earth’s axis.
Required Items:
- Umbrella
- White paper stars (10-15 stars) – 5 cm length, 2.5 cm breadth
- Glue or tape
Step by Step Procedure:
- Take the umbrella and open it.
- Attach one white paper star to the position of the central rod of the umbrella.
- Attach the other white paper stars at different places on the cloth near the end of each spoke.
- Ensure that the stars are securely attached to the umbrella.
- Hold the central rod of the umbrella in your hand and rotate the umbrella slowly.
Experiment Observations:
- Observe the stars on the umbrella as you rotate it.
- Notice that one star does not appear to move while the others do.
Precautions:
- Handle the umbrella carefully to avoid any damage.
- Securely attach the white paper stars to prevent them from falling off during the rotation.
Lesson Learnt from Experiment:
The experiment demonstrates that the pole star appears fixed in the night sky because it is situated in the direction of the Earth’s axis. While all stars appear to move due to the rotation of the Earth, the pole star remains stationary since it is aligned with the axis of rotation.
