How high above the horizon is polaris in Cape Town?

To calculate the altitude of Polaris above the horizon in Cape Town, we need to know the latitude of the city and the declination of Polaris.

- The latitude of Cape Town is approximately 33°55′S.

- The declination of Polaris is approximately +89°15′N.

The altitude of Polaris above the horizon can be calculated using the following formula:

```

Altitude of Polaris = 90° - latitude + declination

```

Substituting the values for Cape Town, we get:

```

Altitude of Polaris = 90° - 33°55′S + 89°15′N

= 55°20′

```

Therefore, Polaris is approximately 55 degrees and 20 minutes above the horizon in Cape Town.