Download Earth Science Study Guide Astronomy Test 4/29

Astronomy Test Study Guide Answers
Heliocentric: Idea that the sun is at the center of the solar system
Geocentric: Idea that the earth is at the center of the solar system
Universe: The totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; cosmos
Solar System: The sun, eight planets and all objects
Galaxy: A family of stars; Local Group includes Milky Way & Andromeda; Virgo Supercluster;
Terrestrial: Name for Inner plants located closest to sun
Inertia: The tendency of an object in motion to remain in motion or at rest,unless acted upon by an outside force
Gravity: A force that attracts objects to one another
Big Bang: The great explosion that is thought to have caused the formation of the universe
Asteroid: Large space rock in solar system
Meteor: space rock that burns up in atmosphere
Meteoroid: space rock that travels through space
Meteorite: space rock that reaches the Earth’s surface
Comet: an object in solar system made of ice, dust, rock and gas that develops a tail when it approaches the sun
S6E1a: Describe the historical scientific models that can explain the formation of the solar system. Describe how the Big Bang theory accounts for
the formation of the universe.
Short Answer
1. What is the heliocentric view of the Universe? The Sun is the center of the Universe
2. Which scientist held to the heliocentric view? Copernicus
3. Describe the evidence observers used to support he heliocentric theory? Telescopes; rising and set of sun
in the same place; phases of Venus; objects going around the sun
4. What is the geocentric view of the Universe? The Earth is the center of the Universe
5. Which scientist held to the geocentric view? Ptolemy
6. Describe the evidence observers may have used to support the geocentric theory. The sun rise and sun
set
7. Using the following words, place them in order (1-8) staring with the USA.
_5__Milky Way _3___Earth _7___Virgo __1__USA _2___North America
_4__ Solar System _8__Big Bang _6__Local Group 7 Super Cluster
S6E1.b Describe the relationship between gravity, position, and formation of heavenly bodies. Compare and contrast the characteristics of
the planets in our solar system.
8. List the eight planets in order of their distance from the sun.(hint: MY VERY EXCELLENT MOTHER
JUST SERVED US NACHOS.) Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
9. What two forces keep the solar system in its current formation? Why? Gravity & inertia; Balance of
gravity & inertia keep the planets in orbit around the sun
10. What factors affect Gravitational force and how? Distance and mass; the closer the object is to a planet,
sun, or moon or the bigger the planet is the stronger the gravitational force
11. List planet from smallest to largest in size. Mercury, Mars, Venus, Earth, Neptune, Uranus, Saturn
Jupiter
12. What are two other names for the outer planets? Gas Giants & Jovian
13. How does planet distance from the sun affect the period of revolution? Closer the planet, the faster the
period of revolution and shorter orbit
14. Which planet is called Earth’s sister? Give two reasons why? Venus, similar size & features.
15. What characteristic do the inner planets all have in common? Rocky composition
16. Design a chart which gives details for each of the eight planets about their atmospheres or terrains, rings,
storms, and one other feature which makes the planets unique).
S6E1.f: Analyze other objects in the solar system and explain their importance and impact.
17. What is the main difference between an asteroid and a comet? Asteroids are small, rocky bodies that
revolve around the sun & comets are “dirty snow balls” made of ice, rock and dust
18. What is the difference in a meteor, meteoroid and a meteorite? Meteoroids are small pieces of an
asteroid that travel through space; meteors are rocky bodies that burn up in Earth’s atmosphere;
meteorites strike the surface of Earth
19. What are the two main locations of asteroids and other debris from the origins of the universe?
Mars & Jupiter
20. What are two likely reasons why more meteorites and dust debris collide with the other planets and
moons than they do with Earth? Because of the strong gravitational pull of the moon.
Asteroids
Travels slow across the sky
Size from 1000 km to the size of a pebble
Orbit sun in slightly elliptical orbits
Rocky, metallic objects; reflect sunlight
Asteroid Belt is between Mars & Jupiter
Meteors
Piece of stone-like or metal like debris
Meteoroids travel in space
Meteors burn out in our atmosphere
Meteorites reach the Earth’s surface, without burning up
Smaller than asteroids
Meteoroids are smaller and move quicker than an asteroid which is bigger.
Comets
Clumps of ice and dust
Highly elliptical orbits
A few km in diameter
3 Parts: Nucleus (center), Coma (head), Tail
Asteroid
orbit
Comet Orbit