Download Astronomy 12 - Charting the Sky

Astronomy 12 - Charting the Sky
Astronomer: _______________________________
Quiz #1
Instructions: Provide answers to the each question in the space below. You may use the back side
of the paper.
213-4 Estimate distance and size.
Insufficient
0
Developing
2
Proficient
4
Exemplary
5
Knowledge/Comprehension
1. Name 5 celestial objects or collection of celestial objects that have been discussed in class. Order
these objects from smallest to largest.
Application/Analysis
2. Deneb is a star that is 1400 light-years away. If Deneb were to go ‘supernova’ at this very
moment, how long would it take for the light to reach the Earth.
Synthesis/Evaluation
3. A friend and you are in a group researching cosmic distances. Your friend is in charge of
compiling a list of distances from our Sun to various objects. This list includes planets, other stars
and galaxies. All of the distances are given in kilometres. You look at the list and immediately are
not impressed with your friend’s research. Though the numbers are correct, you are annoyed. Why
would you feel that expressing cosmic distances in kilometres is inappropriate? What units of
measurement would be more appropriate (and for which objects would they be more appropriate)?
333-2 Identify and compare various components of the universe.
Insufficient
0
Developing
2
Proficient
4
Exemplary
5
Knowledge/Comprehension
1. Define the following terms: moon, star and planet.
2. What do astronomers mean when they say that the universe is ‘expanding’?
Application/Analysis
3. Give two examples of rotation in the universe. Give two examples of revolution in the universe.
Synthesis/Evaluation
5. The Milky Way Galaxy has a diameter of approximately 100,000 light-years; the Triangulum
Galaxy has a diameter of about 50,000 light-years. The distance between the two galaxies is about 3
million light-years.
a. Using a scale on which 1 centimeter represents 100,000 light-years, draw a sketch
showing both galaxies and the distance between them. Use the back of this page.
b. How does the separation between galaxies compare to the separation between stars?
Based on your answer, discuss the likelihood of galactic collisions in comparison to the
likelihood of stellar collisions.
214-6 Examine various cultural interpretations of the constellations.
Insufficient
0
Developing
2
Proficient
4
Exemplary
5
Knowledge/Comprehension
1. Label the parts of the celestial sphere by indicating the correct letter:
___ North celestial pole
___ Celestial equator
___ Equator
___ Celestial sphere
___ Polaris
Application/Analysis
2. You ask an astronomer friend to give you the location of the star Deneb. He gives you the
following information:
RA 20h 41m 25.9s
dec +45° 16' 49"
Explain how you would use this information to find Deneb on the celestial sphere.
Synthesis/Evaluation
3. Compare the use of a protractor and astrolabe (to find azimuth and altitude) to the use of right
ascension and declination. What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages?