Final answer:
Most objects viewed from above the North Pole of Earth move in a counterclockwise direction due to Earth's west-to-east rotation. Stars appear to circle the north celestial pole when viewed from the North Pole. These movements and position changes of the stars as one travels indicate the Earth's curved surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
When viewed from far above the North Pole of Earth, most objects, including the stars and the Earth itself, appear to travel in a counterclockwise direction. This apparent motion is due to the fact that the Earth rotates from west to east. Observing the north celestial pole, one would notice stars making daily circles around it, and because the Earth spins on its axis, all stars appear to move in circular paths in the sky.
If you were standing at the North Pole, you would see the north celestial pole directly overhead, and the stars would appear to circle around it without rising or setting. Conversely, at the South Pole, you would notice the stars circle around the south celestial pole. The rotation of the Earth around its axis points towards these celestial poles, creating the observed circular motion in the sky.
The perceived motion of the celestial sphere and the positions of the stars observed from different latitudes on Earth reveal that the planet is not flat but has a curved surface. For example, as Aristotle noted, travelers moving southwards would see different stars, indicating they moved over a curved surface. Additionally, the height of the North Star decreases as one travels south, further supporting the fact that the Earth is round.