Astronomy Assessment Science 8

Most of the mass of the solar system is concentrated in the Sun which thus exerts the force called __________ that holds the system together.

• gravity

• fusion

• fission

• solar wind

An object composed mainly of ice and rock is orbiting the Sun in an elliptical path. This object is most likely __________.

• a planet

• an asteroid

• a meteor

• a comet

Which object has a GREATER force of gravity?

• Ball
• Earth

Which objects would have a STRONGER force of gravity?

• Objects with GREATER mass, like elephants

• Objects with LESS mass, like mice

Why can astronauts jump and float a little on the Moon?

• Because the Moon's gravity is NOT that STRONG.
• Because the Moon's gravity is VERY STRONG. 

Pluto is called a dwarf planet. It is smaller than the planets in the solar system. The size of each solar system planet is listed in the table below. Which planet is MOST likely closest to Pluto in size?  
 

• Mars
• Mercury
• Jupiter
• Neptune

Which set of planets is in order, from largest to smallest?

• Jupiter, Mars, Mercury
• Jupiter, Venus, Earth
• Uranus, Saturn, Mars
• Uranus, Mars, Venus

How do gas giants compare to the terrestrial planets?

• terrestrial planets are much larger
• terrestrial planets are much smaller
• gas giants are slightly larger
• gas giants are slightly smaller

The picture shows the position of the Sun, Earth, and the Moon on one night.  What moon phase did people on Earth see on this night?

• New Moon
• First Quarter
• Full Moon
• Third Quarter

Melinda learned that days in some seasons have more daylight hours than in other seasons. Which season receives the MOST hours of sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere?

• Fall
• Spring
• Summer
• Winter