SC Sun's Path

Front

What causes the apparent path of the Sun through the sky?

Back

Earth's rotation on its axis

Answer explanation

The apparent path of the Sun through the sky is primarily due to Earth's rotation on its axis, which causes the Sun to appear to move across the sky from east to west throughout the day.

Front

The model below shows the apparent path of the Sun as seen by an observer in New York State on the first day of one of the four seasons. This apparent path of the Sun was observed on the first day of Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Back

Winter

Answer explanation

The Sun's path is lowest in the sky during Winter, indicating shorter days and lower solar elevation. This pattern is characteristic of the Winter solstice, making Winter the correct choice for the first day of the season observed.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

Front

The model shows the Sun's apparent path across the sky for an observer in New York State. On which day of the year was this path observed? Options: March 21, June 21, September 21, December 21.

Back

December 21

Answer explanation

The Sun's path is lowest in the sky on December 21, the winter solstice, resulting in shorter daylight hours. This path indicates the Sun's position during this time, confirming the observation date as December 21.

Front

In which direction will sunrise occur on June 21 for an observer at 42° N latitude?

Back

north of due east

Answer explanation

On June 21, the Sun rises at its northernmost point in the sky. For an observer at 42° N latitude, this means sunrise occurs north of due east, as the Sun's path shifts higher in the sky during summer.

Front

On June 21, where will the Sun appear to rise for an observer located in New York State?

Back

north of due east

Answer explanation

On June 21, the Sun rises north of due east in New York State due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and its position in orbit. This is the summer solstice, when the Sun's path is at its highest and most northerly.

Front

In New York, which day has the shortest duration of insolation?

Back

December 21

Answer explanation

In New York, December 21 is the winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year with the least insolation. This is when the sun's path is lowest in the sky, resulting in minimal sunlight.

Front

How many degrees does the Sun appear to move across the sky in four hours?

Back

60°

Answer explanation

The Sun appears to move 15° per hour across the sky. In four hours, it moves 15° x 4 = 60°. Therefore, the correct answer is 60°.

Front

On which day of the year would the intensity of insolation at Kingston, New York, most likely be greatest?

Back

June 21

Answer explanation

The intensity of insolation is greatest on June 21, the summer solstice, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky for locations in the Northern Hemisphere, including Kingston, New York.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Front

State the day represented by Sun's Path Z.

Back

June 21

Answer explanation

Sun's Path Z represents the summer solstice, which occurs on June 21. This day has the longest daylight hours and marks the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, making it the correct choice.

Front

Which term describes when the Earth spins on its axis?

Back

Rotation

Answer explanation

The term that describes when the Earth spins on its axis is 'Rotation'. This is distinct from 'Revolution', which refers to the Earth's orbit around the Sun.