Our Solar System and Beyond

The path that the Sun appears to make around the celestial sphere as the Earth moves along its orbit is known as the:

• Zenith

• Celestial Equator

• Horizon

• Ecliptic

• Equinox

Where does thermonuclear fusion (number 1 on diagram) occur in a star?

• In sunspots.

• In coronal mass ejections (CME's).

• In the radiative zone.

• The the core.

Solar systems usually form from gas and dust clouds that rotate (spin) called a _______________.

• nebula

• planetesimals

• asteroids

• meteoroids

The most massive stars end their lives as _________________.

• neutron stars

• white dwarfs

• planetary nebulae

• black holes

According to the nebular theory, did the planets start forming before or after the Sun ignited?

• The planets started forming during the time the Sun ignited.

• The planets started forming before the Sun ignited.

• The planets started forming after the Sun ignited.

What happens to the amount of the Sun's mass as it "burns"?

• The mass of the Sun is constant.

• It is converted into kinetic energy of the Sun.

• It is converted into radiant energy.

• It is converted into gravitational energy.

What is the pressure on Venus compared to Earth?

• 2.1 times the pressure

• 17.3 times the pressure

• 53.7 times the pressure

• 92.0 times the pressure

Venus's atmosphere is made primarily of 

• Nitrogen
• Sulfuric acid
• Carbon dioxide
• Heat

What is the sister planet to Venus

• Uranus

• Shrek

• Mercury

• Earth

Which gas makes up the largest component of Earth's atmosphere?

• oxygen
• nitrogen
• argon
• carbon dioxide