1. Controls
- Arrow Keys or Dragging the Mouse: Adjust the viewing direction while on Earth.
- A Key: Switches to a high latitude (near the North Pole) viewpoint on Earth.
- S Key: Switches to a viewpoint from the ecliptic (near the equator). Observe the path of Polaris and the Sun.
- D Key: Switches to a viewpoint looking at Earth from the side of the solar orbit.
- SPACE Key: Switches to a viewpoint from above the solar system.
2. Origin of 360 Degrees
– Birth of 360 Degrees
The 360-degree system was created by the ancient Babylonians. They used a sexagesimal (base-60) numeral system because 60 can be easily divided by many numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, 60). This made mathematical calculations simpler, especially for astronomical calculations.
The Babylonians observed the paths of the Sun, Moon, and stars as they moved across the sky due to Earth’s rotation. They felt the need to break down these celestial movements into smaller, manageable parts, which led to the development of the 360-degree system.
– Daily Movement Angle of the Sun
The Sun appears to move about 360 degrees relative to the Earth over the course of a year. When divided by the number of days in a year, this means the Sun moves approximately 1 degree each day (360 degrees / 365 days ≈ 1 degree). This daily movement of 1 degree is a practical unit for representing the Sun’s path.
– Connection
Thus, there is a clear connection between the 360-degree system and the daily movement angle of the Sun. The 360-degree system provides a useful tool for dividing and measuring the daily and yearly paths of the Sun. This was essential for ancient people to plan and predict astronomical events, and it continues to play an important role in our understanding of time and space today.
The combination of practical needs and observations by ancient mathematicians and astronomers led to the creation of the 360-degree angle system we use today, which continues to have a significant impact on how we measure time and determine positions.
3. Definition of the Ecliptic
The ecliptic refers to the imaginary line on the celestial sphere that represents the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun. When the plane of Earth’s orbit is projected onto the celestial sphere, the Sun appears to move along this line over the course of a year. The constellations arranged along this path are known as the Zodiac.
– Zodiac Constellations
The Zodiac includes the following 12 constellations:
- Aries
- Taurus
- Gemini
- Cancer
- Leo
- Virgo
- Libra
- Scorpio
- Sagittarius
- Capricorn
- Aquarius
- Pisces
– Astronomical Significance
The constellations of the Zodiac are significant in astronomy because the Sun, Moon, and planets primarily move along this path. Astronomers use these constellations to easily locate and record the positions of celestial bodies in the solar system.
– Connection with Seasons
The times when the Sun passes through each of the Zodiac constellations are closely linked to seasonal changes. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun entering Aries corresponds to the vernal equinox, marking the beginning of spring. Similarly, the Sun reaching Libra corresponds to the autumnal equinox, marking the start of autumn.
– Difference Between Science and Astrology
While the Zodiac constellations also play a significant role in astrology, astrologers believe that these constellations influence individual personalities and destinies. In contrast, astronomers use these constellations as tools for marking the positions of celestial bodies. Astronomy relies on observational and measurement-based scientific methods to study the universe.
The Zodiac constellations play a crucial role in astronomical observation and recording and are essential tools for understanding the passage of time and seasonal changes.
Phenomena Caused by Earth’s Rotation – CSAI