The correct answer is: C. Equal to the latitude of the place.
A star culminates at zenith when it is directly overhead. This happens when the star’s declination is equal to the observer’s latitude. The declination of a star is its angular distance north or south of the celestial equator. The latitude of a place is its angular distance north or south of the Earth’s equator.
For example, if you are standing at a latitude of 30 degrees north, then a star with a declination of 30 degrees will culminate at zenith.
Options A and B are incorrect because the declination of a star cannot be greater than the longitude of a place. The longitude of a place is its angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. The declination of a star is its angular distance north or south of the celestial equator. The two are not related.
Option D is incorrect because a star can culminate at zenith if its declination is equal to the latitude of the place.