Astronomy Assessment 2.0

What would most likely happen if Earth rotated faster?

• Summer would last longer.

• The year would be shorter.

• The Moon would orbit faster.

• A day would be shorter.

A student gathered the information in the chart on four different planets. Which planet was most likely Earth?

• W

• X

• Y

• Z

The diagram represents Earth revolving around the sun. Which position represents summer in the Northern Hemisphere?

• A

• B

• C

• D

A group of students drew the model to represent the solar system. Which of the objects in the picture has a rocky surface?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Which of the following best explains why the Sun sets in the west?

• Earth rotates from west to east which makes the Sun appear to move below the horizon.

• Earth rotates from east to west which makes the Sun appear to move below the horizon.

• The Sun revolves around the Earth which makes it appear to move below the horizon.

• Earth revolves around the Sun which makes the sun appear to move below the horizon.

This instrument is used for navigation. Why is this instrument so important to navigation?

• Because the needle spins it can be used to measure wind speed.

• Because the needle spins it can be used to predict the time of sunrise.

• Because the magnetic needle always points North it can be used to find latitude.

• Because the magnetic needle always points North it can be used to find direction.

Which object is most likely a star?

• A

• B

• C

• D

he star called Polaris is also called the North Star. Navigators once used it to find directions at night because it does not seem to move. Most other stars and constellations move across the sky at night. Ursa Minor and Ursa Major seem to spin around Polaris during the night.

Why does Polaris not seem to move during the night?

• Because it is located directly above the North pole.

• Because it is fixed in the sky.

• Because Ursa Minor does not move.

• Because it revolves around the Sun with Earth.

Here is a model of the Earth and Sun system. Which of the following explains what is happening on Earth using this model?

• Daylight hours are shorter in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Daylight hours are shorter in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Days are cooler in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Days are warmer in the Southern Hemisphere.

The picture below shows the same tree at different times of day. Picture “A” shows the shadow cast at nine o’clock in the morning. Picture “B” shows the same tree at noon.

Which of the following best explains why the shadow of the tree is different at noon?

• Earth rotates until the Sun is almost directly over the tree at noon.

• Earth rotates which makes shadows shorter throughout the day.

• The Sun revolves throughout the day which makes the shadow smaller.

• The Sun revolves until the Sun points directly at the tree at noon.