Chapter 33, Problem 2RQ

Why does an observer at a given location see one set of constellations in the winter and a different set of constellations in the summer?

To determine

The reason that at a given location, there are a different set of constellations is observed in the winter and in the summer season.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

Earth orbits around the Sun and so the change is position of the Earth results in different constellation in different seasons.

Explanation of Solution

The constellation depends on a person's position on Earth and on the season. At a particular time of the season, people above the equator (in the Northern hemisphere) witnesses different constellations than the people below the equator (the Southern hemisphere).

Different constellations are visible at different times of the seasons. This is because Earth also orbits around the Sun. When the Earth passes around the Sun, the season changes, say in the Northern hemisphere from winter to spring or in the Southern hemisphere from spring to fall. As the season varies, so do the constellations that are visible at night due to change is the position of the Earth.

Conclusion:

Therefore, Earth orbits around the Sun and so the change is position of the Earth results in different constellation in different seasons.