Download Astronomy Chap 1

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Astronomy Review Sheet
(This is a study guide, not the only source of testable questions)
Be able to explain the difference between Astronomy and Astrology.
Identify some of the reasons why scientists wouldn’t consider Astrology a true science.
Chapter 1: The Daytime Sky
1. Describe the apparent daily motion of the Sun.
2. Describe how a shadow changes position and shape as the Sun moves across the
daytime sky.
3. Are celestial objects like stars and planets in the daytime sky?
4. What is the relationship between latitude and the angular height of the Sun?
5. Explain how angular height of the Sun in different parts of the country correlate with
sunburns. What is the critical angle?
6. Review the Solar Motion Demonstrator Activities.
Chapter 2: The Nighttime Sky
1. How would you describe the motion of the stars visible at night?
2. How would the motion of stars change if viewed from the equator, Michigan, the
North Pole? Draw a picture for each to help your answer.
3. If you watched these same stars night after night, what would change?
4. What factors ultimately explain the nightly and yearly star cycles we observe?
5. Describe a circumpolar star. What is another name for a circumpolar star? Give an
example.
6. Has Polaris always been our North Star? Why/why not?
7. What are constellations (two meanings)?
8. Explain the relationship between the stars in constellations.
9. Review Motions of the Constellations Activity.
10. Draw and name the different phases of the moon. What accounts for the different
phases?
11. Identify and describe the two main types of tides.
12. Be familiar with moon features (craters, maria, rills, regolith, etc).
13. Identify the 4 main moon formation hypotheses. Which one has the most support?
14. Describe/draw/label solar and lunar eclipses. Three types for each.
15. Draw/explain the relationship among the terms: zenith, horizon and altitude.
Chapter 3 on the back
Chapter 3: The Celestial Sphere: A Model of the Sky
1. What is the celestial sphere?
2. Why do we call the celestial sphere a model?
3. Draw a model of the celestial sphere. Make sure to label the North and South
Celestial Poles, Declination, and Right Ascension.
4. Define vernal equinox, autumnal equinox, summer solstice and winter solstice.
5. Draw and describe the path of the Sun viewed throughout the year from one spot.
6. How does this drawing help explain architectural features of solar homes?
7. Explain what factors are involved in causing the seasons.
8. Review the Reason for the Seasons Activity.