The Sky Above
What term describes the apparent path of the Sun across the sky over the course of a day?
Solar Ecliptic
Who is often credited with developing the first heliocentric model of the solar system?
Nicolas Copernicus
Who formulated the law of universal gravitation, which explained the motion of celestial objects?
Isaac Newton
During which season does the Northern Hemisphere experience the longest day and shortest night?
Summer
What is the term for the phase of the Moon when it is completely illuminated from Earth's perspective?
Full Moon
What is the term for the phenomenon where the Sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in equal day and night?
Equinox
What ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician is known for his geocentric model of the universe?
Ptolemy
What concept, proposed by Copernicus, suggests that the Earth is not the center of the universe?
Heliocentrism
In the Southern Hemisphere, which season corresponds to the Northern Hemisphere's summer?
Winter
What causes the Moon to go through its phases?
The changing angle between the Sun, Moon, and Earth
In which direction does Earth rotate on its axis when viewed from above the North Pole?
Counterclockwise
The first fairly accurate determination of Earth’s diameter was made in about 200 BCE by this Greek mathematician.
Eratosthenes
Who is often referred to as the "father of modern observational astronomy" and made significant observations of the Moon and planets using a telescope?
Galileo Galilei
What is the term for the two days of the year when the Sun is directly above the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn?
Solstices
What type of eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon?
Lunar Eclipse
What is the term for the "connect the dots" patterns that stars make in the sky?
Asterism
The Ancient Celts (or Druids) are responsible for building this structure with astronomical significance.
Stonehenge
In the early 17th century, what scientist proposed the three laws of planetary motion?
Johannes Kepler
What is the main reason for the seasons?
Tilt of the Earth's axis
(results in areas receiving direct or indirect sunlight)
What phenomenon occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance?
Supermoon
Where is the only location you can be on Earth to be able to view the entire night sky?
Equator
In ancient astronomy, what term was used to describe the apparent westward motion of planets against the background stars?
Retrograde Motion
What event in 1572 marked the beginning of the modern era of astronomy and challenged the notion of unchanging celestial spheres?
The Supernova of 1572 (Tycho's Supernova)
What term describes the point in Earth's orbit where it is closest to the Sun?
Perihelion
The Moon rotates on its axis in exactly the same time that it takes to revolve about Earth. As a consequence, the Moon always keeps the same face turned toward Earth. What is this called?
Synchronous Rotation