How long will it take, in solar time, for the Big Dipper, to return to the same position in an observer's sky?
A) 24 hours 4 minutes
B) 23 hours 56 minutes
C) 365 days
D) 24 hours exactly

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Big Dipper, like other stars and constellations, returns to the same position in the sky every 23 hours and 56 minutes due to Earth's rotation. This period is known as a sidereal day, which is shorter than a solar day (24 hours) because of the Earth's orbit around the Sun.

How Long Will It Take, in Solar Time, for the Big