Earth in Space and Time: SC.5.E.5.1

Marc notices that when he looks at the stars at night, some appear to be brighter than others. Which three factors affect how bright a star appears to an observer on Earth?

• the star's color, size, and distance from Earth
• the star's energy, size, and temperature
• the star's size, temperature, and distance from Earth
• the star's movement, distance from Earth, and gravity

Which of the following is true of the Sun?

• The Sun is the closest star to Earth.
• The Sun is the largest star in the Milky Way.
• The Sun is the largest planet in our Solar System.
• The Sun is an example of a galaxy that gives off light energy.

Which of the following consists of gas, dust, and many stars?

• the Earth's atmosphere
• a galaxy
• a solar system
• the Sun

Brandon has learned that many stars are actually larger than the Sun. If this is true, why do these stars appear like points of light in the sky?

• These stars are hotter than the Sun.
• These stars have less mass than the Sun.
• These stars are farther away from Earth than the Sun is.
• These stars are made of different chemicals than the Sun.

Latoya is studying the stars and she learns that Barnard's star is the third closest star to Earth, although it cannot be seen without a telescope. She also knows that the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, is much farther away but can be seen by the naked eye.
Which of the following explains why Sirius can be seen without a telescope?

• Barnard's star is much larger and hotter than Sirius.
• Sirius is much larger and hotter than Barnard's star.
• All stars are the same size, so Sirius must be hotter than Barnard's star.
• All stars are the same temperature, so Sirius must be larger than Barnard's star.

Which of the following is true regarding stars?

• All stars are the same size.
• All stars are the same distance from Earth.
• All stars emit energy and some of it is in the form of light.
• All stars can be seen without a telescope on a clear night.

Marcus has learned that the Sun is a star, but not the largest star in our galaxy. Which answer best explains why Earth receives more energy from the Sun than from any other star?

• The Sun is the closest star.
• The Sun is a very young star.
• The Sun is the hottest star in the galaxy.
• The Sun gives off more energy than any other star.

Which of the following best describes what makes up a galaxy?

• gas, dust, and many stars
• a star and planets orbiting the planet
• one planet and a moon orbiting the planet
• a group of several stars that make a shape in the sky

All stars in the sky, except the Sun, appear to be points of light. Which best explains why these stars appear to be so small?

• These stars are cooler than the Sun.
• These stars are smaller than the Sun.
• These stars are farther away than the Sun.
• These stars are made of different chemicals than the Sun.

Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. Which statement about Sirius is true?

• Sirius must be the closest star to Earth.
• Sirius must be the hottest star in the sky.
• Sirius must be larger and have more energy than any other star in the galaxy.
• Sirius must be very hot, very large, and close to Earth, compared to other stars