Question

Which of the following claims must be false?

a) I saw the full moon close to the horizon.
b) I stood at a fixed location on Earth and the sun didn't rise for more than a month.
c) I saw Polaris while I was on vacation in Australia.
d) I saw the Moon in the sky during the day.
e) I saw a lunar eclipse in Toronto at the same time as my friend saw it from Brazil.

Answer 1

The false claim is 'I saw Polaris while I was on vacation in Australia', as Polaris is not visible in the southern hemisphere.

Step-by-step explanation:

Looking at each claim closely, we can determine which one must be false:

• Full moon close to the horizon: This is a common sight and is entirely possible, as the full moon is often seen near the horizon when it rises or sets.
• Sun not rising for more than a month: This occurs in regions within the Arctic or Antarctic Circles during their respective polar nights, which is a natural phenomenon.
• Saw Polaris in Australia: This claim must be false. The North Star, Polaris, is not visible in the southern hemisphere; it can be used for navigation only in the northern hemisphere.
• Moon in the sky during the day: The Moon can often be seen in the sky during the day, which is a normal occurrence.
• Lunar eclipse visible simultaneously in Toronto and Brazil: This is possible as lunar eclipses can be seen from anywhere on Earth where it is nighttime.

Therefore, the false claim is: I saw Polaris while I was on vacation in Australia.