Astronomy Midterm #1 Quiz Questions
When Galileo looked at Venus and Mercury what phenomenon did he see that supported the Coperincan view of the Universe? rotation of each planet sunspots craters and mountains phases like those of the Moon
phases like those of the Moon
To break up light into the component colors that it contains astronomers use a device called: a telescope a CCD a spectrometer interferometer array
a spectrometer
The smaller objects in the solar system composed mainly of ices that usually orbit far from the Sun are called: comets snowroids satellites asteroids
comets
The slow tipping of Earth's axis in a circle with a period of about 26,000 year is called: revolution retrograde motion ecliptic motion precession
precession
The ancient goal of astrology was to? understand the origin of Earth. make a more accurate model of the universe. predict the passing of the seasons. predict human events.
predict human events.
In what wavelength range was interferometry first routinely used? optical radio infrared ultraviolet
radio
The largest telescopes in the world collect what region of light from the electromagnetic radiation? radio visible X-ray gamma
radio
Not all wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation can penetrate the Earth's atmosphere. Of the following types of waves that come from space which one are you likely to be able to detect most easily from our planet's surface? radio waves x-rays gamma rays infrared waves
radio waves
Which of the following has the longest wavelength? x-rays radio waves visible waves ultraviolet waves
radio waves
A fashion designer decides to bring out a new line of clothing which reflects the longest wavelength of visible light. What color will these articles of clothing be to the human eye? blue red violet black
red
When a star or galaxy is moving away from us, we observe the Doppler effect by seeing the lines in its spectrum yellow-shifted red-shifted become darker and darker blue-shifted
red-shifted
The first telescopes and those used by Galileo were: Dobsonians reflectors radio telescopes refractors
refractors
The ability of telescopes to provide precision of detail in an image is known as aberration magnification focusing resolution
resolution
How long is the Earth's precessional period? 2000 years 26000 years 11000 years 200 years
26000 years
The Earth is closest to the Sun in which month of the year? July June March January
January
A planet in our solar system whose composition resembles that of our Sun is: Mercury Pluto Earth Jupiter
Jupiter
Besides the Sun where is most of the mass of the solar system? the Asteroid belt Saturn Jupiter the Kuiper belt Earth
Jupiter
Which of the following is NOT a terrestrial planet? Jupiter Venus Earth Mars
Jupiter
Suppose a planet has an orbital period of 687 days. What is the closest value to its semimajor axis? 3.0 AU 1.5 AU 78 AU 18000 AU
1.5 AU
Currently the largest optical telescope mirrors have a diameter of 5 m 100 m 1 m 10 m
10 m
Roughly how many stars are in the Milky Way Galaxy? 1 billion 10 billion 100 billion 100 trillion
100 billion
Which distance is the longest? 100 kilometers 100 lightminutes 100 lightyears 12 parsecs
100 lightyears
How many degrees as measured on the celestial sphere does the Moon cover as it moves during the course of one day? 5 degrees 36 degrees 13 degrees 25 degrees
13 degrees
Approximately how fast are you moving with the rotation of Earth? 13000 km/hr 1300 km/hr 130 km/hr not moving at all
1300 km/hr
If the Earth was tilted 18 degrees from vertical to the ecliptic plane instead of 23.4 degrees what is the angle between the celestial equator and the ecliptic? 0 degrees 10 degrees 23.4 degrees 18 degrees
18 degrees
Suppose you visit the planet Mercury and your originally weigh 530 N on Earth. How much would you weigh (in Newtons) on that planet? Mercury's weight is about 1/20th of the Earth and its radius is about 1/3 of that of the Earth. 300 N 100 N 200 N 400 N
200 N
How long does it take our solar system to complete one orbit around the Milky Way Galaxy? 10 thousand years 230 thousand years 10 million years 230 million years
230 million years
The orbital period of a geosynchronus sattelite is Question 34 options: 365.25 days. 12 years. about 30 days. 24 hours.
24 hours.
How many arcseconds in one degree? 60 360 1800 3600
3600
If a planet has an orbital period of 8 years how far from the Sun is it? 2 AU 4 AU 16 AU 1 AU
4 AU
If your mass is 60 kg on Earth what would your mass be on the Moon? 60 kg 10 kg 10 lb 50 kg
60 kg
What is the acceleration due to gravity at the Earth's surface? 9.8 meters per second squared 11.2 meters per second squared 6.6 meters per second squared 3.9 meters per second squared
9.8 meters per second squared
What is the acceleration of gravity of Earth? 9.8 meters per second downward 9.8 kilometers per second downward 9.8 kilometers per second squared downward 9.8 meters per second squared downward
9.8 meters per second squared downward
The latitude of the Earth's North Pole is 180 degrees. 90 degrees. 12 hours. 0 degrees.
90 degrees.
How does the spectrum of a molecule differ from the spectrum of an atom? A molecule does not have spectral lines due to electrons changing energy levels. A molecule has additional spectral lines due to changes in its rotational and vibrational energies. Molecules only have spectral lines at ultraviolet wavelengths. Most atoms only have spectral lines at infrared wavelengths.
A molecule has additional spectral lines due to changes in its rotational and vibrational energies.
From a particular location on Earth why can we see many more total eclipses of the Moon than total eclipses of the Sun? The Moon is always in the same place in our sky while the Sun moves around the sky. The Moon is much bigger in the sky than the Sun. The line-up of the Earth Moon and Sun needed for a lunar eclipse happens many many times more often than what is needed for a solar eclipse. A total lunar eclipse is visible over a much larger part of the Earth's surface than a total solar eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse is visible over a much larger part of the Earth's surface than a total solar eclipse.
What do we mean when we say that the universe is expanding? Average distances are increasing between star systems within galaxies Everything in the universe is gradually growing in size All galaxies are increasingly moving away from one another Individual galaxies are gradually growing in size
All galaxies are increasingly moving away from one another
When an atom absorbs a photon containing energy any of the following can happen except which? The atom becomes excited. An electron moves from a lower energy level to an upper one. An electron moves from an upper energy level to a lower one. The atom is ionized.
An electron moves from an upper energy level to a lower one.
Which of these is a law of motion from Newton? Only one force can act on an object at rest. An individual force applied to an object will always change its motion. An object in motion will remain in motion unless a force acts upon it. Force is equal to mass times its velocity.
An object in motion will remain in motion unless a force acts upon it.
How do asteroids differ from comets? Asteroids are made of icy material and are less dense than comets which are rockier. Asteroids are rocky bodies and are less dense than the comets which are made of icy material. Asteroids are rocky bodies and are denser than the comets which are made of icy material. Asteroids are made of icy material and are denser than comets which are rockier.
Asteroids are rocky bodies and are denser than the comets which are made of icy material.
From a city in the U.S., where in the sky would you look to see a star that is not turning with the motion of the sky in the course of a night? On the celestial equator. On your horizon. At the north celestial pole. At your zenith.
At the north celestial pole.
Which of these is NOT a function of a calendar? Be useful to a large number of people for communication regarding dates. Use natural time intervals such as those defined by the Moon. Be able to accurately predict when an asteroid will strike the Earth. Keeps track of time over long periods.
Be able to accurately predict when an asteroid will strike the Earth.
Which of the following is true? Both the Northern and Southern hemispheres receive the same amount of sunlight on the equinoxes. The Northern Hemisphere receives the least direct sunlight on the summer solstice. Both the Northern and Southern hemispheres receive the same amount of sunlight on the solstices. The Southern Hemisphere receives the most direct sunlight on the summer solstice.
Both the Northern and Southern hemispheres receive the same amount of sunlight on the equinoxes.
Whether the telescope's primary optical instrument is reflecting or refracting there is a lens called an eyepiece that does what? Spread the light out for better observing. Bring the light to focus at a particular point. Redirect the light back out to space. Separate the spectrum of light for a particular wavelength.
Bring the light to focus at a particular point.
You are using your friend's telescope to view a comet passing by the Earth. You recognize that you have to look from underneath the primary mirror. This telescope uses what focusing arrangement? Cassegrain focus Newtonian focus Galilean focus prime focus
Cassegrain focus
Who proposed the idea that the Sun is at the center of the Solar System? Kepler Tycho Brahe Copernicus Galileo
Copernicus
Why do stars rise and set from our viewing in Athens over the course of the night? Due to the orbital period of the Earth. Due to the rotation of the Earth. Due to the revolution of the Earth. Due to the rotation of the celestial sphere.
Due to the rotation of the Earth.
The ecliptic and the celestial equator have a point in which the imaginary lines are separated by a maximum of 23.5 degrees. Why does the value equal 23.5 degrees? Due to the tilt of the Earth's axis on its orbital plane. Due to the orientation of how the planets align at various points in the year. Due to the tilt of the Sun on its axis. Due to the pull of the Moon on the Earth.
Due to the tilt of the Earth's axis on its orbital plane.
Who was prosecuted twice by the Catholic Church nominally for his astronomical beliefs? Newton Galileo Copernicus Kepler
Galileo
The prime meridian (where longitude equals zero) passes through: Paris. Beijing. New York. Greenwich.
Greenwich.
Which astronomers created a star catalog which defined a system of stellar brightness. Copernicus Hipparcus Galileo Galilei Ptolemy
Hipparcus
How does the Space Shuttle take off? Hot gas shoots out from the rocket and by conservation of momentum the shuttle moves in the opposite direction. Its rocket engines push against the launch pad propelling the shuttle upwards. It converts mass-energy to kinetic energy. It achieves lift from its wings in the same way that airplanes do.
Hot gas shoots out from the rocket and by conservation of momentum the shuttle moves in the opposite direction.
Which of these is NOT a natural satellite? The Moon. Hubble. Ceres Asteroid. The Earth.
Hubble.
What is unique about observing radio waves on Earth? The telescopes are easily moveable. It can be done during the day. It is the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum that can enter the atmosphere. The detectors are faster than at other wavelengths.
It can be done during the day.
Why is an absorption spectrum especially useful for astronomers? An absorption spectrum is not useful at all. It has dark lines in it that allow astronomers to determine what elements are in the star It has bright lines in it that allow astronomers to determine how bright a star is It shows that thestars are transparent; we can see right through them
It has dark lines in it that allow astronomers to determine what elements are in the star
Which of the following statements about lunar phases is true? The full Moon sometimes rises around midnight The time between new Moons is two weeks. It is possible to have two full Moons during January but not usually during February. It is possible to have two full Moons during November but not during December.
It is possible to have two full Moons during January but not usually during February.
Oxygen has atomic number 8. How many times must an oxygen atom be ionizes to create an O+5 ion and how many electrons will the ion have? It must be ionized five times; it now has five electrons. It must be ionized five times; it now has three electrons. It doesn't have to be ionized; it already has only three electrons. It doesn't have to be ionized; it just needs to gain five protons.
It must be ionized five times; it now has three electrons.
Which of the following statements does not use the term light-year in an appropriate way? It's about 4 light-years from here to Alpha Centauri. It will take me light-years to complete this homework assignment. A light-year is about 10 trillion kilometers. The Milky Way Galaxy is about 100000 light-years in diameter.
It will take me light-years to complete this homework assignment.
The scientist who worked out the mathematics of the connections between electricity and magnetism and light in the 19th century was: Issac Newton James Clerk Maxwell Ludwig Boltzmann Albert Einstein
James Clerk Maxwell
What do astronomers mean by light pollution? Light pollution refers to light used for human activities that brightens the sky and hinders astronomical observations. Light pollution is another name for sunlight which makes it impossible to see stars in the daytime. Light pollution refers to harmful gases emitted by common street lights. Light pollution refers to pollution caused by light industry as opposed to heavy industry.
Light pollution refers to light used for human activities that brightens the sky and hinders astronomical observations.
Astronomers observe a supernova explosion that is 100 lightyears away and they deduce that the star exploded 100 years ago. What principle of light guides this knowledge? Light travels at a constant speed. Light is composed of different wavelengths. Light is always visible. Light is instantaneous everywhere.
Light travels at a constant speed.
Which step of the scientific method must occur first? Make an observation Create a hypothesis Test the hypothesis Ask for other scientists' feedback
Make an observation
Which planet other than the Earth has visible water ice on it? Venus Mars the Moon Mercury
Mars
The most metal-rich planet is Mars Venus Mercury Earth
Mercury
Which planet is closest to the Sun? Question 19 options: Mars Earth Mercury Venus
Mercury
Which of the following planets are known as interior planets? Mercury and Mars Venus and Earth Mars and Jupiter Mercury and Venus
Mercury and Venus
According to the geocentric view, everything in the heavens had to go around the Earth, which was the center of the universe. What objects did Galileo discover with his telescope that clearly didn't go around the Earth? Stars in the Milky Way that just kept going in a straight line. Pluto. Moons around the planet Jupiter. The Earth's Moon.
Moons around the planet Jupiter.
Which of the following statements is not an observed pattern of motion in our solar system? All planets orbit the Sun in the same direction. Most planets rotate in the same direction in which they orbit. Most planets orbit at the same speed. Most planetary orbits lie nearly in the same plane.
Most planets orbit at the same speed.
Which planet was discovered using mathematics before it was seen in a telescope? Neptune Saturn Jupiter Uranus
Neptune
The idea that atoms radiate energy only when their electrons move from higher to lower energy levels was first advanced by Ernest Rutherford Albert Einstein J. J. Thomson Niels Bohr
Niels Bohr
Which planet in the solar system has not been examined by spacecraft instruments that have either flown by or orbited them? Saturn Planet X Earth Venus
Planet X
Which of these is not one of the laws of planetary motion formulated by Johannes Kepler? Planets are gravitationally bound to the Sun. Planets move faster in orbit when closer to the Sun and slower when further away. Planetary orbits have a simple relationship between the orbital period and the semimajor axis. Planets orbit the Sun in ellipses.
Planets are gravitationally bound to the Sun.
The first trans-Neptunian object astronomers found (in 1930) is called Eris Pluto Uranus Ceres
Pluto
Who created the best possible geocentric model of the Universe? Aristarchus Ptolemy Eratosthenes Aristotle
Ptolemy
Which color of the stars listed is the hottest? Alpha Centauri (yellow-orange) Betelgeuse(red) Arcturus (orange) Sirius (blue)
Sirius (blue)
Which of the following statements best describes the two principal advantages of telescopes over eyes? Telescopes have much more magnification and better angular resolution. Telescopes can collect far more light with far greater magnification. Telescopes collect more light and are unaffected by twinkling. Telescopes can collect far more light with far better angular resolution.
Telescopes can collect far more light with far better angular resolution.
Why are lunar eclipses more commonly seen than solar eclipses? Lunar eclipses occur at night and are easier to see. The Moon goes around the Earth faster than the Earth goes around the Sun. The tilt of the Moon's axis is smaller than the Earth's. The Earth casts a bigger shadow than the Moon.
The Earth casts a bigger shadow than the Moon.
What is our nearest astronomical neighbor? Andromeda galaxy The Moon Proxima Centauri The Sun
The Moon
Recently social media has encouraged people to observe every Supermoon when possible. There is not necessarily anything overly interesting about a Supermoon and astronomers usually deem these events a Perigee Moon. What does perigee mean? The Moon's appearance to be much larger and closer on the horizon than when it is directly overhead. The Moon is at its closest point in its orbit around the Earth. The Moon is in front of the Sun from our perspective. The Moon is at its furthest point in its orbit around the Earth.
The Moon is at its closest point in its orbit around the Earth.
In addition to the conditions required for any solar eclipse what must also be true in order for you to observe a total solar eclipse? The Moon's umbra must touch the area where you are located. Earth must be near aphelion in its orbit of the Sun. Earth must lie completely within the Moon's prenumbra. Earth must lie completely within the Moon's umbra.
The Moon's umbra must touch the area where you are located.
Which of these is the largest? Question 15 options: The Universe. The Milky Way Galaxy. Earth. The Solar System.
The Universe.
Which one of these is the main cause of the seasons on Earth? The location of the Earth in its orbit around the Sun. Daily rise and set of the Sun The Earth's proximity to the Sun The angle of the tilt of the Earth on its axis.
The angle of the tilt of the Earth on its axis.
Why does the Moon show phases in the course of a month? Clouds get in the way of the Moon's light and cover up parts of it. The Moon glows from the inside and its various continents glow different amounts. The angle the Moon makes with the Sun changes and we see differing amounts of reflected sunlight. The Earth's shadow falls on the Moon to different degrees as the Moon goes around.
The angle the Moon makes with the Sun changes and we see differing amounts of reflected sunlight.
Which of the following statements about the celestial sphere is NOT true? The celestial sphere does not exist physically. From any location on Earth we can see only half the celestial sphere at any one time. Earth is placed at the center of the celestial sphere. The celestial sphere is just another name for our universe. When we look in the sky the stars all appear to be located on the celestial sphere.
The celestial sphere is just another name for our universe.
Which of the following statements about stellar parallax is true? The amount of parallax we see depends on how fast a star is moving relative to us. The closer a star is to us the more parallax it exhibits. It takes at least 10 years of observations to measure a star's parallax. Stellar parallax was first observed by ancient Greek astronomers.
The closer a star is to us the more parallax it exhibits.
Which of these statements is NOT true about the force of gravity? The force of gravity acts between two objects. The force of gravity causes objects to accelerate. The force of gravity is an attractive force. The force of gravity always points down.
The force of gravity always points down.
What is the primary reason why a Pluto flyby mission would be cheaper than a Pluto orbiter? The flyby is easier to design than the orbiter. The fuel needed for an orbiter to slow down when it reaches Pluto is very expensive in and of itself. The fuel needed for an orbiter to slow down when it reaches Pluto adds a lot of weight to the spacecraft. The flyby can use less expensive cameras than the orbiter.
The fuel needed for an orbiter to slow down when it reaches Pluto adds a lot of weight to the spacecraft.
In addition to having the phase of the Moon be full what is the other condition that must be fulfilled to have a lunar eclipse? The Sun must be at the vernal equinox. The Sun must be at the summer solstice. The vernal equinox must be on the ecliptic. The line of nodes must be pointing towards the Sun.
The line of nodes must be pointing towards the Sun.
Is the actual size of the universe larger than 14 billion light years? The observable universe is 14 billion light years in each direction so the actual universe is greater than 14 billion light years across. We do not have enough information to know this. The universe must be exactly equal in size to its age so it must not be larger than 14 billion light years across in size. It is only 14 billion light years across to us; to an observer 10 billion light years away it is smaller.
The observable universe is 14 billion light years in each direction so the actual universe is greater than 14 billion light years across.
What happens during the apparent retrograde motion of a planet? The planet rises in the west and sets in the east. The planet moves backward through the sky over the course of a night. The planet appears to move westward with respect to the stars over a period of many nights. The planet moves backward in its orbit around the Sun.
The planet appears to move westward with respect to the stars over a period of many nights.
Which statement about the Moon's solar month and sidereal month is correct? The solar month is the same length as the sidereal month. The solar month is more than two days longer than the sidereal month. The solar month is more than two days shorter than the sidereal month. The solar month is used in our calendars during the summer season while the sidereal month is used only during the winter season.
The solar month is more than two days longer than the sidereal month.
Someone who observes the sky every clear night in Boston for many years will NEVER get to see: The north circumpolar zone. The north celestial pole. The observer's zenith point. The south circumpolar zone.
The south circumpolar zone.
If we observe one edge of a star to be redshifted and the opposite edge to be blueshifted what can we conclude about the star? The star is actually two bodies with one moving toward us and one moving away from us. The star is in the process of falling apart. The star is in the process of formation. The star is rotating.
The star is rotating.
Which of the following is NOT a result of the Earth's precession. Where the Earth's axis points in the sky changes over the centuries and millennia. Polaris will no longer be the North Star in several thousand years. The signs of the zodiac most astrologers use are no longer in accord with the constellations in which the Sun is currently found over the course of the year. The stars twinkle when seen from the surface of planet Earth. The Earth wobbles (like a spinning top) with a period of 26
The stars twinkle when seen from the surface of planet Earth.
Suppose the angular separation of two stars is smaller than the angular resolution of your eyes. How will the stars appear to your eyes? The two stars will appear to be touching and look like a dumbbell. You will see two distinct stars. You will not be able to see these two stars at all. The two stars will look like a single point of light.
The two stars will look like a single point of light.
Which of these was not an observation that Galileo Galilei first made with his telescope? Four moons of Jupiter. The phases of Venus. Lunar craters and mountains and valleys. There are eight planets in our Solar System.
There are eight planets in our Solar System.
Which of the following observations indicates that conditions on Mars may have been suitable for life in the past? There is a very deep and long canyon that extends across Mars. Mars has polar caps made of dry ice. There are very large extinct volcanoes on Mars. There is liquid water as well as a significant number of dried-up riverbeds on Mars.
There is liquid water as well as a significant number of dried-up riverbeds on Mars.
Which of the following is not a characteristic of the outer planets? They are all large balls of gas. They are primarily made of hydrogen and helium. They have very few satellites. They all have rings.
They have very few satellites.
He was the first to prove that comets lie beyond Earth's atmosphere. Kepler Copernicus Tycho Brahe Ptolemy
Tycho Brahe
The 17th century astronomer who kept a roughly 20 year continuous record of the positions of the Sun Galileo Galilei Tycho Brahe Nicolaus Copernicus Issac Newton
Tycho Brahe
Who did Kepler work for? Copernicus Galileo Kepler Tycho Brahe
Tycho Brahe
Of the following which do NOT have satellites? Venus Mars Jupiter Earth
Venus
On Earth the starting point of longitude is Greenwich, England. On the celestial sphere, what is the starting point of the right ascension? Autumnal Equinox Vernal Equinox Summer solstice Winter solstice
Vernal Equinox
If the Moon was twice as far away from the Earth as it is currently what would happen to total solar eclipses? We would have more total solar eclipses. Nothing would change. We would have no total solar eclipses. We would have a total solar eclipse every two years.
We would have no total solar eclipses.
Which of these statements is FALSE? Your mass changes if you were to stand on another planet with a density different from Earth. Your weight changes if you were to stand on another planet with a density different from Earth. The value of the surface gravity of a planet changes depending on the density of the planet. The surface gravity of a planet describes the rate at which all objects will fall close to the surface of the planet.
Your mass changes if you were to stand on another planet with a density different from Earth.
An idealized object that does not reflect or scatter any radiation that hit it but simply absorbs every bit of radiation that falls on it is called: a Doppler surface an electromagnetic radiator a spectrum a blackbody
a blackbody
Which of the following is farthest from the Sun? an asteroid in the asteroid belt Pluto Neptune a comet in the Kuiper belt
a comet in the Kuiper belt
Which of the following has the greatest density? a cubic meter of astronomy textbooks (printed versions a cubic meter of lead a cubic meter of air a cubic meter of snow
a cubic meter of lead
What is meant by a scientific paradigm? a conundrum or unexplained set of facts a radical change in scientific thought a generally well-established scientific theory or set of theories a historical theory that has been proved inaccurate
a generally well-established scientific theory or set of theories
Which of the following objects is not a close approximation of a thermal emitter? a planet a hot thin gas a star you a filament in a light bulb
a hot thin gas
The primary optical instrument in a refracting telescope is a lens a mirror a spectrum an eyepiece
a lens
Suppose you live on the Moon. How long is a day (i.e. from sunrise to sunrise)? 24 hours a lunar month 23 hours 56 minutes a year
a lunar month
The largest visible-light telescopes in the world today use what device as the primary collection of light? a lens a mirror a CCD a spectroscope
a mirror
What happens as an electron falls from a higher level to a lower level in an atom? a photon is given off a photon is absorbed another electron from the lower level takes its place the color of the wave involved shifts to the red
a photon is given off
Which of the following is not a detector of radiation that astronomers have used? a charge-coupled device a photographic plate a piece of photographic film a refracting telescope
a refracting telescope
Which of the following best describes the modern definition of a constellation? a pattern of bright stars in the sky a Greek mythological figure a collection of stars that are near one another in space a region of the celestial sphere
a region of the celestial sphere
Wein's Law describes a tool for estimating the magnetic field due to a star. a relationship between temperature and distance of an object. a relationship between the rotation of a spinning object as a function of wavelength. a relationship between temperature and the peak wavelength of the spectrum.
a relationship between temperature and the peak wavelength of the spectrum.
The chapter discusses that light sometimes acts like a photon. What is a photon? a kind of magnetic substance found in reflective minerals a kind of sound that is too high frequency for the human ear to hear a self-contained packet of electromagnetic energy a charged particle in the nucleus of every atom
a self-contained packet of electromagnetic energy
What is a circumpolar star? a star that makes a daily circle around the celestial sphere a star that always remains above your horizon and appears to rotate around the celestial pole a star that is close to the north celestial pole a star that is close to the south celestial pole
a star that always remains above your horizon and appears to rotate around the celestial pole
How long is a leap year in the Gregorian calendar? a year of exactly 365 days a year of exactly 360 days a year that is skipped in the Julian calendar a year of exactly 366 days
a year of exactly 366 days
While standing at the North Pole on the Earth, what will be different about the sky compared to the sky at your home in the continental U.S.? b) The celestial equator is on the horizon. a) and b) would be the same from your home in the States. a) and b) would be different from your home in the States. a) The celestial pole is overheard.
a) and b) would be different from your home in the States.
Radioactive dating techniques have revealed that our Earth and Moon are approximately how old? about 6 about 100 million years about 2 million years about 4.5 billion years
about 4.5 billion years
To go from a lower level in an atom to a higher level an electron must give off a photon of energy lose its electric charge absorb a photon of energy wait until the atom has changed into another atom with more protons
absorb a photon of energy
If a material is highly opaque, then it transmits most light reflects most light absorbs most light refracts most light
absorbs most light
The main purpose of using a telescope is to get astronomers closer to the objects they are observing. make the objects in space appear larger so that we can distinguish objects. shift all the electromagnetic radiation from space to the visible region. act as a bucket to collect light.
act as a bucket to collect light.
Which of these terms cannot be used to describe part of a wave? wavelength crest aether frequency
aether
Besides the Earth which of these planets was known to ancient people? all of the above Jupiter Venus Mars Mercury none of the above
all of the above
Which of these objects have we sent a probe to land on the surface of? all of the above Venus Mars the Moon none of the above
all of the above
Astronomers measure the apparent separation of objects in the sky using arcminutes. none of the above. all of the above.. degrees. arcseconds.
all of the above..
When white light passes through a cool cloud of gas, we see thermal radiation visible light an absorption line spectrum an emission line spectrum infrared light
an absorption line spectrum
Astronomers observe a typical star using a telescope and a spectrometer. They will see: an emission spectrum an absorption spectrum a continuous spectrum more than one of the above
an absorption spectrum
What is meant by a hypothesis? a natural phenomenon that requires explanation an explanation for a phenomenon that makes a prediction a tentative understanding of a natural phenomenon a historical theory that has been proved inaccurate
an explanation for a phenomenon that makes a prediction
The size of the device that collects electromagnetic radiation is called a telescope's: aperture magnification focal width resolution
aperture
While stargazing and pointing out constellations to your friends you explain that all the stars we see are contained in a dome surrounding the Earth. are a part of the Milky Way galaxy. are spread throughout the entire Universe. are in the space between the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxy.
are a part of the Milky Way galaxy.
Using the scientific method, scientists develop new theories that... are published and cannot be altered or overturned. are immediately taught to young children in school. are further investigated and questioned by other scientists. are reviewed by citizens without any formal scientific training.
are further investigated and questioned by other scientists.
The smaller objects in the solar system made of rock and metal are called: satellites comets asteroids silicates
asteroids
The belief that the position of the stars among the zodiac and the planets influence events in our lives is called copernican. astronomy. astrobiology. astrology.
astrology.
A perfect blackbody emits radiation at all wavelengths. none of the above. only in the infrared. only in the invisible wavelengths.
at all wavelengths.
If you could see the new moon, at roughly what time of day would it rise? at midnight at sunrise at sunset at about noon
at sunrise
In a reflecting telescope the primary mirror is located at the top of the telescope tube. at the bottom of the telescope tube. on the side of the telescope. suspended close to the top of the telescope tube.
at the bottom of the telescope tube.
An eccentric billionaire wants to build a mansion in a location on Earth where the effect of the seasons is least pronounced. Where should his personal astronomer advise him to build? at the North Pole New Jersey at the Tropic of Cancer at the equator
at the equator
Where does the celestial equator intersect the ecliptic? Question 32 options: at the zenith at the southern horizon at the summer solstice at the equinoxes
at the equinoxes
How fast do electromagnetic waves travel? at the speed of light at different speeds depending on the temperature of the atoms that produce them at the speed of sound at the speed of charge
at the speed of light
Why is there a 4-minute difference between the solar day and the sidereal day? because the Earth's rotation is variable due to the pull of the Moon. because the Earth's axis is tilted by about 23 degrees. because the Earth is going around the Sun in the course of a year. because the stars slowly change their orientations in the galaxy.
because the Earth is going around the Sun in the course of a year.
Why would an astro-photographer want to have a good motorized mount to set their telescope upon? because all objects in the sky vary in brightness very quickly because astronomers typically have to look at many object in the sky in a few minutes because the Earth is rotating with the telescope attached to it because the telescope can then be moved out from under the clouds to where it is clear
because the Earth is rotating with the telescope attached to it
What causes stars to twinkle? It is intrinsic to the stars - their brightness varies as they expand and contract. bending of light rays by turbulent layers in the atmosphere variable absorption by interstellar gas along the line of sight to the star variations in the absorption of the atmosphere
bending of light rays by turbulent layers in the atmosphere
The projection of the Earth's equator on to the celestial sphere is known as the celestial equator. celestial ecliptic. zenith. celestial meridian.
celestial equator.
A new technique called adaptive optics allows astronomers to: change the region of the electromagnetic spectrum in which their telescope is able to detect radiation change the eyepieces of their telescopes much more quickly than ever before compensate for changes in the Earth's atmosphere and achieve better resolution increase the aperture of their telescopes by connecting several telescopes
compensate for changes in the Earth's atmosphere and achieve better resolution
The 88 sectors into which astronomers today divide the celestial sphere are called: celestial states. the zodiacs. constellations. epicycles.
constellations.
Which of these is a way to date a planetary surface? measuring the height of the tallest mountain measuring the thickness of the atmosphere measuring the amount of ices counting the craters
counting the craters
If it is midnight in New York, it is? daytime in Sydney Australia midnight everywhere midnight in Sydney Australia midnight in Los Angeles
daytime in Sydney Australia
Ptolemy was important in the history of astronomy because he developed a model of the solar system that made sufficiently accurate predictions of planetary positions to remain in use for many centuries. developed a scientifically accurate model of the universe. was the first to believe in an Earth-centered universe. was the first to believe that all orbits are perfect circles.
developed a model of the solar system that made sufficiently accurate predictions of planetary positions to remain in use for many centuries.
According to Kepler's third law, there is a relationship between the time a planet takes to revolve around the Sun and its size. distance from the Sun. period of rotation. eccentricity.
distance from the Sun.
Parallax is the apparent displacement of a nearby star that results from the motion of Earth around the Sun and can be used as a measure of the distance to a nearby star brightness of a nearby star possibility for that star to have planets the color of a nearby star
distance to a nearby star
Which of the following is an example in which you are traveling at a constant speed but not at constant velocity? rolling freely down a hill in a cart traveling in a straight line driving backward at exactly 50 kilometers per hour driving around in a circle at exactly 100 kilometers per hour jumping up and down with a period of exactly 60 hops per minute
driving around in a circle at exactly 100 kilometers per hour
Approximately how many minutes does it take light to travel from the Sun to the Earth? one two four eight
eight
Which of these is not contained in a nucleus? neutrons electrons they are all contained in a nucleus protons
electrons
The allowed shapes for orbits under the force of gravity are ellipses and parabolas ellipses only. ellipses and spirals. ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas
ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas
Which of these does NOT describe what astronomers mean by the term radiation? waves that radiate outward from a source heat such as from the Sun part or all of the electromagnetic spectrum energetic particles released by radioactive materials
energetic particles released by radioactive materials
Ptolemy's model of planetary motion explained the retrograde motion of some of the planets using precession. epicycles. retrograde motion. ecliptic motion
epicycles.
Detectors operating at this wavelength must be cooled to observe faint astronomical objects. extreme infrared visible X-ray radio
extreme infrared
Order the following in order of increasing efficiency of detecting photons of visible light. eye; photographic film; CCD photographic film; CCD; eye CCD; photographic film; eye CCD; eye; photographic film
eye; photographic film; CCD
According to Kepler's 2nd Law, comets (which have eccentric orbits) should spend a lot more of their time: increasing the rate at which they spin. far from the Sun. close to the planets. close to the Sun.
far from the Sun.
Which of these is not an issue in building a refracting telescope? building a large enough housing for the large lens with a long focal length making a very large piece of glass without bubbles or defects chromatic aberration finding an eyepiece that will work with the lens
finding an eyepiece that will work with the lens
One piece of evidence that can help astronomers sort out how the planets in our solar system formed is counting the number of moons around each planet in our solar system finding circumstellar disks of material around nearby stars discovering other galaxies of stars beyond the Milky Way counting the craters on the surface of Jupiter and Saturn
finding circumstellar disks of material around nearby stars
A Hertz is a unit of frequency wavelength intensity of sound velocity
frequency
What phase of the Moon must it be to have a lunar eclipse? full moon first quarter new moon third quarter
full moon
Which of the following has the highest frequency? gamma rays radio waves ultraviolet waves visible light
gamma rays
In radioactive dating, the measure scientists use to note how long (on average) a particular radioactive nucleus will take to decay is called its parent-daughter criterion geological activity half-life radioactive ratio
half-life
Which of these does NOT describe gamma rays? has the lowest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum highest energy photons has the shortest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum discovered coming from radioactive atoms
has the lowest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum
Spectra from neutral atoms compared with spectra from ionized atoms of the same element are slightly blueshifted. have different sets of spectral lines. are the same. are slightly redshifted.
have different sets of spectral lines.
The spectra of most galaxies show redshifts. This means that their spectral lines always are in the red part of the visible spectrum. have wavelengths that are longer than normal. have wavelengths that are shorter than normal. have a higher intensity in the red part of the spectrum.
have wavelengths that are longer than normal.
Copernicus developed the idea and simplified the understanding of planetary motion by creating a Sun-centered model, also known as lunacentric arescentric heliocentric. geocentric
heliocentric.
Typically, astronomers express the right ascension of a star on the sky in what units? lightyears kilometers hours and minutes and seconds quarters
hours and minutes and seconds
If you were to look at the four giant planets the most common element you would find would be: hydrogen oxygen iron silicon
hydrogen
If a solar eclipse occurs today when might you have a chance to see a lunar eclipse? in 27 days in 11 days in 21 days in 15 days
in 15 days
On a cosmic calendar in which the history of the universe is compressed into 1 year when did the dinosaurs become extinct? in late December in late November in late October in late September
in late December
The idea that objects (in the absence of an outside force) tend to continue doing what they are already doing is called the law of action-reaction. angular momentum. eccentricity. inertia.
inertia.
You are alone in a dark auditorium on Earth. What kind of telescope should I use from the other side of the auditorium to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by your body? infrared visible light ultraviolet black light
infrared
According to the universal law of gravitation the force due to gravity is Question 42 options: directly proportional to the square of the distance between objects. inversely proportional to the square of the distance between objects. directly proportional to the distance between objects. inversely proportional to the distance between objects.
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between objects.
When an atom has lost one or more electrons it is said to be: excited red shifted in its ground state ionized
ionized
The loss of an electron from a neutral helium atom results in ionized deuterium neutral deuterium neutral hydrogen ionized helium ionized hydrogen
ionized helium
In studying the surfaces of solid bodies in the solar system, astronomers have learned that the number of craters (per unit area): is about the same on every world is greater as you get closer to the Sun follows no discernible rules or relationships at all is roughly proportional to the age of the surface we are examining
is roughly proportional to the age of the surface we are examining
Two versions of an element with different numbers of neutrons are called: isotopes molecules ions electron pairs
isotopes
A planet in orbit around the Sun experiences the perihelion point when Question 36 options: it is moving the slowest in its orbit around the Sun. it is closest to the Sun in its orbit. it is moving the fastest in its orbit around the Sun. it is farthest from the Sun in its orbit.
it is closest to the Sun in its orbit.
At the largest and most modern astronomical observatories on Earth today which of the following regularly happens to the image formed by the telescope? it is recorded on a piece of black and white film which is later developed it is recorded using an electronic detector like a CCD for later analysis it is viewed by a group of graduate students who then make a sketch of it to have a permanent record it is reflected by a special arrangement of mirrors back into the beam and up into the sky
it is recorded using an electronic detector like a CCD for later analysis
Grass appears green because it reflects green light and absorbs other colors it transmits green light and emits other colors it emits green light and absorbs other colors it absorbs green light andemits other colors
it reflects green light and absorbs other colors
The inner planets are made mostly of rock and metal because the Sun is made mostly of rock and metal and the inner planets are closest to the Sun Jupiter's gravity is so large it immediately attracted all the lighter materials it was hot where the inner planets formed that the lighter materials evaporated lighter materials cannot orbit the Sun; they would fall in
it was hot where the inner planets formed that the lighter materials evaporated
Theoretically without any friction or air drag acting on an artificial satellite that has been launched into a particular orbit of any height it will slowly fall back down to the surface of the Earth. it will immediately fall straight back down to Earth. there is no way of knowing what will happen over time. it will remain in its orbit forever.
it will remain in its orbit forever.
Which of the following ways that jovian (giant) planets differ from the terrestrial planets is NOT corret? jovians have more mass than the terrestrials jovians are further from the Sun than terrestrials jovians are made of lighter elements on average that terrestrials jovians have rings while terrestrials do not jovians rotate significantly more slowly than terrestrials
jovians rotate significantly more slowly than terrestrials
The SI unit of mass is kg lb kgm/s^2 g/cm^3
kg
The number of degrees of arc that your location is North or South of the Earth's equator is called your longitude. declination. meridian. latitude
latitude
We can describe a position on Earth's surface by stating its? altitude and direction altitude and azimuth latitude and longitude latitude and direction
latitude and longitude
In the Northern Hemisphere, the altitude (height in degrees) of the North Star is always roughly equal to the longitude of the observer. the tilt of the Earth's axis. latitude of the observer. altitude of the Sun.
latitude of the observer.
What is necessary for astronomers to make observations of the universe? gravity light spaceships telescopes
light
Astronomers use the right ascension of an object as one part of its position on the celestial sphere. The right ascension can be compared to these direction lines on the Earth: latitude. longitude. meridian. declination.
longitude.
An astronomer discovers a new star and wants to measure its temperature. She would typically do this by: measuring how much light the star reflects measuring the Doppler shift of its spectral lines measuring the intensity of radio waves the star gives off making a blackbody curve and finding the wavelength of the peak
making a blackbody curve and finding the wavelength of the peak
Momentum is defined as force times velocity mass times acceleration mass times velocity mass times speed
mass times velocity
The planet Neptune was discovered by means of: radio observations of its large magnetic field. careful observations of its motion by one astronomer in England. mathematical calculations of how it was perturbing the motion of a neighbor planet. observations of its motion performed over many years by astronomers all over the globe.
mathematical calculations of how it was perturbing the motion of a neighbor planet.
The mass of Jupiter can be calculated by measuring the orbital period and distance of one of Jupiter's moons. measuring the orbital speed of one of Jupiter's moons. knowing the Sun's mass and measuring the average distance of Jupiter from the Sun. measuring the orbital period and distance of Jupiter's orbit around the Sun.
measuring the orbital period and distance of one of Jupiter's moons.
An object that behaves like a blackbody at a very high temperature emits less light since the spectrum peaks strongly at shorter wavelengths. light that moves faster than at a cooler temperature. more power due to the atoms having more energy than a cooler temperature. more wavelengths and covers more of the spectrum than a cooler temperature.
more power due to the atoms having more energy than a cooler temperature.
If you represented each star by a grain of sand how much sand would it take to represent all the stars in the universe? all the sand in a typical playground sandlot all the sand on Miami beach all the sand on the beaches in the United States more than all the sand on all the beaches on Earth
more than all the sand on all the beaches on Earth
When white light passes from the air into a different medium such as glass it: more than one of the above. is refracted. is Doppler shifted. is reflected backwards. is dispersed into different colors.
more than one of the above.
A gas heated to millions of degrees would emit mostly ultraviolet light mostly X-rays mostly radio waves an equal amount of all wavelengths of light
mostly X-rays
During what phase of the Moon can you see the Moon in the early morning? third quarter new moon full moon first quarter
new moon
What phase of the Moon must it be to have a solar eclipse? first quarter full moon third quarter new moon
new moon
What do scientists mean by verifiable observations? observations that can be tested or proven to be true observations that can be interpreted in only one way statements that anyone would agree are obvious observations that support a scientific theory
observations that can be tested or proven to be true
You are standing on Earth's equator. Which way is Polaris the North star? the answer depends on whether its winter or summer 30 degrees up and due West directly overhead on the northern horizon
on the northern horizon
The Earth rotates 360 degrees on its axis twice a day such that the Sub rises in the West and sets in the East. once a day such that the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. twice a day such that the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West. once a day such that the Sun rises in the West and sets in the East.
once a day such that the Sun rises in the East and sets in the West.
How many times brighter or fainter would a star appear if it were moved to twice its present distance? four times as bright one fourth as bright twice as bright one half as bright
one fourth as bright
All the planets (without exception) revolve around the Sun in the same direction have satellites orbiting around them have atmospheres much thicker than Earth's have solid surfaces rotate on their axes in the same direction that they revolve around the Sun
revolve around the Sun in the same direction
Suppose you built a scale-model atom in which the nucleus was the size of a tennis ball. About how far would the cloud of electrons extend? several kilometers a few tens of meters a few meters several centimeters
several kilometers
What is the term for the length of day measured by the rotational period of the Earth with respect to the stars? sidereal day lunar day apparent day solar day
sidereal day
Which of the following is the smallest? size of a typical planet 1 light-second 1 AU size of a typical star
size of a typical planet
The two regions of the electromagnetic spectrum where the Earth's atmosphere is transparent are visible light and: ultraviolet X-rays gamma rays some radio waves
some radio waves
When the Sun and Moon are lined up and pull together the tides they raise are called: low tides prolate tides spring tides neap tides
spring tides
The day on Earth for which people in the Northern hemisphere experience the longest amount of daylight compared to night. summer solstice winter solstice vernal equinox winter solstice
summer solstice
What is earthsine (aka Ashen light)? the sunlight that shines on the face of the Moon that we never see. the light from the Moon that illuminates Earth's surface at night. the light we see at dawn just before the Sun rises. sunlight reflected by Earth that illuminates the dark portion of the Moon.
sunlight reflected by Earth that illuminates the dark portion of the Moon.
The Stefan-Boltzmann Law relates the energy flux coming from a blackbody to its atomic ground state overall color wavelength where maximum energy is emitted temperature
temperature
Astronomers have decided that rather than being a planet Pluto is really just a large member of the Kuiper belt. an extrasolar planetary system. the Oort cloud. the moon system around Neptune. the asteroid belt.
the Kuiper belt.
Which of these is not part of our solar system? the Sun the Milky Way the asteroids the planets
the Milky Way
What is the ecliptic? the Sun's apparent path along the celestial sphere the constellations commonly used in astrology to predict the future the Moon's apparent path along the celestial sphere when the Moon passes in front of the Sun
the Sun's apparent path along the celestial sphere
The star that provides energy for life on Earth is... Vega. the Moon. Alpha Centauri. the Sun.
the Sun.
The Astronomical Unit (AU) as defined by astronomers is a distance of one light year. the distance the Earth travels in orbit in one day. the average distance between the Earth and the Sun. the time it takes for the Earth to orbit the Sun once.
the average distance between the Earth and the Sun.
One astronomical unit is the average distance of the Earth and the Sun. the average time it takes light to travel from the Sun to the Earth. the average distance to the edge of the Solar System. the average time it takes light to travel from the Sun to the edge of the Solar System.
the average distance of the Earth and the Sun.
A knowledgeable amateur astronomer tells you that she has a 14-inch telescope. What does the number 14 refer to? the diameter of the primary lens or mirror the length of the main telescope tube the number of times the image is magnified the focal length
the diameter of the primary lens or mirror
A lightyear is... the time it takes light to travel across the universe. another name for the speed of light. the distance between the Sun and the Earth. the distance that light travels in one year.
the distance that light travels in one year.
In an ellipse, the ratio of the distance between the foci and the length of the major axis is called the eccentricity Newton's ratio the semimajor axis perihelion
the eccentricity
The Sun's apparent path around the celestial sphere is called the celestial equator. the ecliptic. the circumpolar zone. the horizon.
the ecliptic.
The ground state of an atom is a place in the atom where the electric charge cancels out the electron orbit with the lowest possible amount of energy the energy level from which it is most easy foran electron to escape the state an electron is in when it has absorbed three or more different photons
the electron orbit with the lowest possible amount of energy
What is meant by Occam's Razor? a well-designed experiment that clearly shows the differences between two competing theories a poorly designed experiment that fails to show the difference between two competing theories the idea that scientists should prefer the simpler of two models that agree equally well with observations the fine line between science and pseudoscience
the idea that scientists should prefer the simpler of two models that agree equally well with observations
Astronomers refer to the idea that the apparent brightness of a source gets weaker with distance as the squared light law the repulsion of light law the propagation of light law the inverse square law
the inverse square law
Orion is visible on winter evenings in the northern hemisphere but not summer evengings because of the location of Earth in its orbit. the tilt of Earth's axis. the precession of Earth's axis. interference from the full Moon.
the location of Earth in its orbit.
Which of these would be considered the coldest location? Halley's comet when it is closest to the Earth in its orbit Earth's polar regions the moons of Neptune the deep atmosphere of Jupiter
the moons of Neptune
Which of the following statements about the nucleus of a typical atom (such as a carbon atom in your finger) is TRUE? the nucleus contains most of the mass of the atom the nucleus has no net (overall) charge the nucleus contains both protons and electrons the nucleus has an overall negative charge
the nucleus contains most of the mass of the atom
For scientists, an element (like gold) is defined by how many neutrons are orbiting its nucleus. none of the able. the number of protons in its nucleus. the number of molecules it can form.
the number of protons in its nucleus.
The frequency of a wave describes the number of peaks that pass by per second the number of wave cycles that pass by per second the number of troughs that pass by per second the number of seconds it takes to reach the amplitude
the number of wave cycles that pass by per second
Suppose we look at a photograph of many galaxies. Assuming that all galaxies formed at about the same time which galaxy in the picture is the youngest? the one that is farthest away the one that is reddest in color the one that is bluest in color the one that appears smallest in size
the one that is farthest away
When astronomers design where to build a new and larger telescope which of the following is not an important part of how astronomers select a location? the sky above the place must be dark (little light pollution) the place must be dry (low humidity) the place must have clear weather on as many nights as possible the place must be on a remote island or mountain
the place must be on a remote island or mountain
The celestial sphere turns once around each day because of the phases of the Moon. of precession. the Earth is going around the Sun. the planet on which we live is rotating.
the planet on which we live is rotating.
The zenith is the point in the sky directly overhead regardless of your location on Earth. the point in the sky directly below you regardless of your location on Earth. the line that runs North to South across the celestial sphere. the line where the sky appears to meet the ground from your perspective.
the point in the sky directly overhead regardless of your location on Earth.
Christian Doppler discovered what we now call the Doppler effect by measuring: the intensity of the red and bluelight from the same star the properties of sound waves coming from a group of musicians on a moving open railroad car the changes in the colors of a rainbow when the clouds were moving fast the wavelengths of the Balmer lines of hydrogen
the properties of sound waves coming from a group of musicians on a moving open railroad car
Which of the following statements about electromagnetic radiation is FALSE? the radiation consists of tiny charged particles given off by the nucleui of atoms it is typically produced when charged particles oscillate it is given off by all objects that are NOT at a temperature of absolute zero different waves of electromagnetic radiation differ in their wavelength or frequency it always travels at the speed of light
the radiation consists of tiny charged particles given off by the nucleui of atoms
Temperature can be defined as the number of atoms in an excited state. the random motions of atoms and molecules. the number we read off a barometer. the speed of the bulk motion of atoms throughout an object.
the random motions of atoms and molecules.
Which of the following is not an exception to the general patterns in the solar system? the large size of Earth's Moon the counterclockwise rotation of Venus the extreme axis tilt of Uranus the rings of Saturn
the rings of Saturn
The period of the Moon's rotation on its axis is much shorter than its revolution around the Earth. much longer than its revolution around the Earth. the same as its revolution around the Earth. longer or shorter depending on what part of the year we are in.
the same as its revolution around the Earth.
Which of the following could not be determined by an observation that uses only spectroscopy? the speed at which a distant galaxy is moving away from us the size of a distant galaxy the chemical composition of a distant star the surface temperature of a distant star
the size of a distant galaxy
Our best evidence and theoretical calculations indicate that the solar system began with a giant spinning system of gas and dust that scientists call: the asteroid belt the beltway a planetesimal the solar nebula
the solar nebula
The time of the year when the Sun is the highest in the sky for a person in the Northern Hemisphere and one of the points in which the celestial equator and eclptic are 23.5 degrees apart. the winter solstice. the autumnal equinox. the summer solstice. the vernal equinox.
the summer solstice.
What would you have to change about the Earth to stop our planet from having significantly different seasons? its diameter the orbit of the Moon around it the tilt of its axis its distance from the Sun
the tilt of its axis
In which of the following cases would you feel weightless? while walking on the Moon while falling from an airplane with your parachute open while falling from a roof while traveling through space in an accelerating rocket
while falling from a roof
The definition of the orbital period is the time it takes a planet to travel once around the Sun. the time it takes a planet to travel twice around the Sun. the distance that a planet travels once around the Sun. the distance that a planet travels twice around the Sun.
the time it takes a planet to travel once around the Sun.
In the absence of a strong magnetic field what is the chief factor that determines what type of electromagnetic radiation objects give off: their size their temperature their mass their distance from Earth
their temperature
The Cosmological Priciple can be summarized to say... there are universal laws of physics that govern the universe. there is a connection between the feelings of humans and the positions of the stars. our view of the universe is entirely dependent on our location. we are all made of star stuff.
there are universal laws of physics that govern the universe.
If the Moon is setting at noon the phase of the Moon must be? third quarter full moon new moon first quarter
third quarter
Which of these quantities is not considered when calculating angular momentum? time for one revolution mass velocity distance from the center of rotation
time for one revolution
What is the typical number of solar eclipses that occur during a year? one zero two four
two
To figure out what you weight on the surface of the Moon, you need to know Question 41 options: just the mass of the Moon. two of the above factors. just the size of the Moon's orbit around the Earth. just the distance from the Moon's center to its surface.
two of the above factors.
What is the best place to stand to view a total solar eclipse? prenumbra anywhere annular shadow umbra
umbra
In order to collect more light astronomers must modify their telescopes. Which of these is not a way to improve observations? put the telescope in orbit around the Earth build more sensitive detectors use a smaller eyepiece build larger optical devices
use a smaller eyepiece
In light waves, the distance between crests is called the amplitude wavelength velocity frequency
wavelength
The force of gravity is an inverse square law. This means that if you double the distance between two large masses the gravitational force between them weakens by a factor of 4. strengthens by a factor of 4. also doubles. weakens by a factor of 2.
weakens by a factor of 4.
Astronomers discover a new comet that orbits the Sun but has its aphelion beyond Neptune. Astronomers studying this comet have the right to expect that it will follow Newton's laws of motion. will move ahead in a straight line at a steady speed because of the law of inertia. will not obey Newton's universal law of gravitation. will not have an equal and opposite force in empty space.
will follow Newton's laws of motion.
The coldest temperatures for people in the Southern hemisphere are experienced during spring. fall. summer. winter.
winter.
Which of the following types of telescopes can be used ONLY above the Earth's atmosphere? x-ray telescope radio telescope reflector visible-light telescope
x-ray telescope
Which of the following has your address in the correct order? you; Earth; solar system; Local Group; Local Supercluster; Milky Way you; Earth; solar system; Milky Way; Local Group; Local Supercluster you; Earth; Local Group; Milky Way; Local Supercluster; solar system you; Earth; solar system; Local Group; Milky Way; Local Supercluster
you; Earth; solar system; Milky Way; Local Group; Local Supercluster