Astronomy Test Review

The location of the solar system is illustrated in the diagram of the Milky Way galaxy.

Which conclusion can be reached based on the location of the solar system?

• The Sun is near the end of its star cycle.

• The Sun will be pushed away from the galaxy.

• The solar system has the only planets in the galaxy.

• The solar system is surrounded by newly formed stars.

Which characteristic below MOST likely accounts for our limited knowledge of galaxies?

• their tiny size

• their magnetic cores

• their inability to produce light

• their great distance from Earth

Which of these can be described as a system of stars, gases, dust, and other matter that orbits a common center of gravity?

• an asteroid

• a galaxy

• a nebula

• a comet

What do the Milky Way galaxy and other galaxies in the universe have in common?

• They are similar in shape

• They rotate in the same direction.

• They contain the same number of stars.

• They have similar elements.

Scientists have collected data about many galaxies, including the Milky Way galaxy. What makes the Milky Way galaxy difficult to observe from Earth?

• Earth is located inside the Milky Way galaxy.

• The Milky Way galaxy absorbs more light than it emits.

• The Milky Way galaxy is too distant for detailed observations.

• Earth is moving in the opposite direction of the Milky Way galaxy.

Which illustration BEST represents the shape of the galaxy that includes the Sun?

• 
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A type of solar eclipse called an annular eclipse does not show the corona of the Sun, as in a total solar eclipse. A ring of sunlight is seen during an annular eclipse.

What would cause an annular eclipse?

• Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.

• The Moon is closer to the Sun than to Earth

• Earth, the Sun, and the Moon are not in a straight line.

• The Moon is at the farthest point away from Earth on its orbit

Which natural phenomenon occurs as a result of Earth rotating on its axis?

• movement of tectonic plates

• deep ocean currents

• seasonal changes

• day and night

The height of an ocean tide is variable throughout the month, depending on the alignment of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth. The diagram shows some phases of the moon.

During which phase of the moon would Earth experience the highest tides at Point X?

• Phase 1

• Phase 2

• Phase 3

• Phase 4

Why has only one-half of the Moon ever been observed from Earth?

• The Moon does not rotate on its axis

• The Moon is not visible during the day.

• The Moon has phases that coincide with its rate of rotation.

• The Moon rotates at the same rate that it revolves around Earth.