2001 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2001 · General Studies

Question 77: Geography

If the stars are seen to rise perpendicular to the horizon by an observer, he is located on the

aEquator
bTropic of Cancer
cSouth Pole
dNorth Pole

AnswerThe answer is (a).

At the Equator the celestial pole lies on the horizon, so stars rise and set along paths perpendicular to the horizon. At the poles stars circle parallel to the horizon without rising or setting, and at intermediate latitudes, including the Tropic of Cancer, they rise at a slant. Remember: Equator means vertical rising and setting, poles mean circling.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Right: at the Equator stars rise vertically.
  • (b) At the Tropic of Cancer the stars' paths slant.
  • (c) At the South Pole stars circle parallel to the horizon.
  • (d) At the North Pole stars circle parallel to the horizon.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2001, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.