Consider the following statements regarding the Pole Star: 1. It can be used to know the latitude of your place. 2. By measuring the angle of the Pole Star from your place, you can determine your longitude. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a) 1 only. Explanation The Pole Star (Polaris) is aligned almost perfectly with the Earth's rotational axis above the North Pole. Consequently, it appears stationary in the sky while other stars rotate around it. This unique position makes it a critical reference point for celestial navigation in the Northern Hemisphere. - Statement 1 is Correct: The angle of elevation (altitude) of the Pole Star above the horizon is directly equal to the latitude of the observer. - At the North Pole (90° N), the Pole Star is directly overhead (90° altitude). - At the Equator (0°), the Pole Star lies on the horizon (0° altitude). - Therefore, by measuring the angle of the Pole Star from the horizon, one can determine the latitude of that place. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Longitude represents the angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. The altitude of the Pole Star does not change based on longitude; it remains constant along a specific latitude regardless of the east-west position. Longitude is typically determined by comparing local time with a standard reference time (such as Greenwich Mean Time). Key Takeaway: In the Northern Hemisphere, the angle of the Pole Star above the horizon is always equal to the observer's latitude.

NCERT Class 6 Geography — Chapter 1: Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes

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Consider the following statements regarding the Pole Star:

It can be used to know the latitude of your place.
By measuring the angle of the Pole Star from your place, you can determine your longitude.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

The Pole Star (Polaris) is aligned almost perfectly with the Earth's rotational axis above the North Pole. Consequently, it appears stationary in the sky while other stars rotate around it. This unique position makes it a critical reference point for celestial navigation in the Northern Hemisphere.

Statement 1 is Correct: The angle of elevation (altitude) of the Pole Star above the horizon is directly equal to the latitude of the observer.
- At the North Pole (90° N), the Pole Star is directly overhead (90° altitude).
- At the Equator (0°), the Pole Star lies on the horizon (0° altitude).
- Therefore, by measuring the angle of the Pole Star from the horizon, one can determine the latitude of that place.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Longitude represents the angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. The altitude of the Pole Star does not change based on longitude; it remains constant along a specific latitude regardless of the east-west position. Longitude is typically determined by comparing local time with a standard reference time (such as Greenwich Mean Time).

Key Takeaway: In the Northern Hemisphere, the angle of the Pole Star above the horizon is always equal to the observer's latitude.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes

Consider the following statements regarding the naming of latitudes: 1. All parallels north of the equator are called 'north latitudes'. 2. All parallels south of the equator are called 'western latitudes'. 3. The value of latitude is followed by the letter 'N' or 'S'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the "Torrid Zone"?

easy

With reference to the shape of the Earth, consider the following statements: 1. The Earth is a perfect sphere with no irregularities. 2. It is slightly flattened at the North and South Poles. 3. It has a bulge in the middle. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the Globe: 1. It is a true miniature model of the Earth. 2. On a globe, countries and continents are shown in their correct size, but oceans are not. 3. The globe is fixed and cannot be rotated. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the axis of the Earth, consider the following statements: 1. The axis is a real needle passing through the North and South Poles. 2. The Earth moves around its axis from West to East. 3. The axis is an imaginary line. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes

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The correct option is (a) 1 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: The angle of elevation (altitude) of the Pole Star above the horizon is directly equal to the latitude of the observer.
- At the North Pole (90° N), the Pole Star is directly overhead (90° altitude).
- At the Equator (0°), the Pole Star lies on the horizon (0° altitude).
- Therefore, by measuring the angle of the Pole Star from the horizon, one can determine the latitude of that place.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Longitude represents the angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. The altitude of the Pole Star does not change based on longitude; it remains constant along a specific latitude regardless of the east-west position. Longitude is typically determined by comparing local time with a standard reference time (such as Greenwich Mean Time).

Key Takeaway: In the Northern Hemisphere, the angle of the Pole Star above the horizon is always equal to the observer's latitude.