Celestial poles and the Earth’s polar axis – basic identifications Which set of statements correctly identifies the ends of the Earth’s polar axis and their intersections with the celestial sphere?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding the Earth’s axis and the corresponding celestial poles is essential for astronomical navigation, time determination, and surveying astronomy. These definitions underpin the concept of declination and hour angle coordinates.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The Earth rotates about a fixed polar axis in space.
• The celestial sphere is an imaginary sphere onto which celestial objects are projected.
• Extensions of the Earth’s axis intersect the celestial sphere at two points.

Concept / Approach:
The geographic north and south poles are the surface points where the rotation axis meets the Earth. Extending this axis to the celestial sphere defines the north celestial pole and south celestial pole. These fixed points define the axis about which the celestial sphere appears to rotate.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Relate terrestrial poles to the axis endpoints on Earth.Extend the axis outward to intersect the celestial sphere, naming the intersection points accordingly.All four statements align with standard astronomical definitions.

Verification / Alternative check:
Polaris (the North Star) lies near the north celestial pole, providing a convenient reference for azimuth determination in the northern hemisphere.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each of (a)–(d) is individually correct, so the inclusive option (e) is the only comprehensive correct choice.

Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up the geographic poles with magnetic poles; the latter are defined by Earth’s magnetic field, not by the rotation axis.

Final Answer:
All of the above