What do we call our current theory about how the universe began?
The Big Bang.
Earth, the Sun, and billions of stars are contained within
a. a single constellation
b. the Milky Way
c. the solar system
d. a giant cloud of gas
the Milky Way
What is the name of the model where the Sun, other stars, and the moon revolve around Earth?
geocentric
Approximately how long does it take the moon to revolve around Earth?
one month
How do you calculate the eccentricity of a planet's orbit?
The distance between the foci divided by the length of the major axis.
The red shift of light from most galaxies is evidence that most galaxies are moving how?
Away from us and each other.
What force causes clouds of dust and gas to form a protostar?
gravity
Accurate diagrams of the solar system represent what model?
The heliocentric model with the Sun at the center
What is the moon's orbital eccentricity?
0.017
Compared to the terrestrial planets, the Jovian planets are
larger and less dense
What is one word you could use to describe what we mean by the word universe?
"everything"
Which property primarily determines whether a giant star or a supergiant star will form?
mass/size
Many meteors are believed to be fragments of celestial objects normally found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. These objects are called
asteroids
What are the two types of ellipses and how do they differ?
Solar - sun is covered by new moon
Lunar - Moon is covered by Earth's shadow
List the Jovian planets in order of increasing mass.
Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter
Please explain the different between the words "galaxy" and "universe".
The universe contains all of the galaxies. Galaxies are smaller that the universe. Galaxies are groups of billions of stars. The universe is all of the galaxies and everything between and in the galaxies.
Which process generates the energy that is released by stars?
Nuclear Fusion
Asteroids are located between what two planets
Mars and Jupiter
What are the two types of tides and when do they occur.
Spring - more extreme, full and new
Neap - less extreme, quarter moons
Why is Earth's orbital velocity slowest on July 5th?
Earth's distance from the sun is greatest.
The theory that the universe is expanding is supported by what two pieces of evidence?
1. Red shifted light from galaxies
2. Background Radiation
What is the relationship between temperature and luminosity of stars on the Main Sequence. Use your reference tables on page 15.
As temperature increases, luminosity increases.
What is the relationship between a planet's distance from the Sun and the Sun's gravitational attraction to the planet?
Indirect
How long does the moon wax, how long does it wane?
15 days each.
Which planet has the least distance between the two foci of its elliptical orbit?
Venus