Final answer:
An observer in Watertown, New York, would see Polaris at an altitude roughly equal to the latitude of Watertown, which is about 44° above the horizon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The altitude at which an observer sees Polaris, the North Star, is approximately equal to their latitude. For someone in Watertown, New York, which is approximately at 44°N latitude, Polaris will be observed at an altitude of roughly 44° above the horizon. It's worth noting that Polaris lies very close to the north celestial pole, making it a reliable indicator of latitude in the Northern Hemisphere.
When an observer in the Northern Hemisphere looks at Polaris, they are looking at a point in the sky that is nearly aligned with Earth's rotational axis. Therefore, as the Earth spins, Polaris remains nearly stationary in the sky, and its altitude doesn't change, making it an essential tool for navigation and determining latitude.