Why does Polaris stay at the same altitude and azimuth over time?

[Confused_Star]

Homework Statement

The star that I am looking for is Polaris. I Need to know the azimuth and altitude of the star polaris for a 2 hour period checking it ever fifteen minutes. I am in Middle Tennesse. Tonight (09/6/08) I come up with an azimuth of 20 degrees and the altitude was 77-78 Degrees. Can someone tell me if this sounds right. Also what is the reason the star did not change? And if I was to look at the same star tomorrow night at the same time would its position be different or the same and why?...and the same goes for if a month from now would it be the same or different and why?...this would really help me...I will take anything i can get!

Confused_Star

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Borek]

Have you ever seen long exposure picture of a night sky, with stars making circles? Like here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/devries.sandermarijn/OtherStuff#5147494361094525170

That's because the Earth is revolving. Why circles are larger and smaller? Polaris is close to the center of the picture.

 

[HallsofIvy]

The stars appear to move in circles because, of course, the Earth turns! As the Earth turns the stars appear to rotate in circles whose center is the line through the Earth's axis. Polaris happens to be very close to that line. It is not exactly on that line but it is very close to it. Thus, while it does move, it moves in very small circles. Its position does not change much.

 

[Borek]

I hoped OP will find it out by himself...

 

[chemisttree]

Polaris will be straight up at zenith if you were at the north pole (90^o altitude) and at 0^o altitude at the eqator. How far up will it be at your latitude? (check a map)

Another name for Polaris is the North Star. What azimuth value would you expect from something due north?