Astronomy Unit Exam

Front

What position of Earth corresponds to winter in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

Position 4 in its orbit around the Sun.

Front

What is the next phase of the moon after the first quarter?

Back

Waxing gibbous.

Front

How long does it take for Earth to orbit the sun once?

Back

It takes approximately 365.25 days.

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

Seasons are caused by the tilt of Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun, not by the distance from the Sun.

Front

What type of galaxy is the Milky Way?

Back

The Milky Way Galaxy is a spiral galaxy.

Front

What is the significance of Earth's axial tilt?

Back

Earth's axial tilt is responsible for the changing seasons as it orbits the Sun.

Front

What phase comes after waxing gibbous?

Back

Full moon.

Front

What is the difference between a solar and lunar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight; a lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.

Front

What is the approximate distance from Earth to the Sun?

Back

About 93 million miles (150 million kilometers).

Front

What are the four main types of galaxies?

Back

Spiral, elliptical, irregular, and lenticular.