3/14 Astronomy Check In

The figure shows the path of a planet orbiting the Sun. The three areas shaded in gray have equal areas.

According to Kepler’s second law, which conclusion is supported by the data?

• The time intervals from A to B, C to D, and E to F are all equal.

• The time interval from A to B is twice the interval from E to F.

• The time intervals from A to B, C to D, and E to F combine to be equal to one half of a full orbit.

• The time intervals from C to D and from E to F combine to be equal to the time interval from A to B.

A new planet is discovered orbiting a single star. The planet has one moon.

According to Kepler’s first law, what do scientists know about the orbit of the planet around the star?

• The orbit is circular with the star at the center of the circle.

• The orbit is elliptical with the star at one focus of the ellipse.

• The planet takes 12 times longer to orbit the star than the moon takes to orbit the planet.

• The planet orbits the star in a direction opposite to the direction of the moon’s orbit of the planet.

What does the Big Bang Theory explain about our Universe?

• The universe is condensing.

• The universe is getting warmer.

• The universe is expanding.

• The universe is retracting.

Select the option that accurately lists the FOUR major planetary objects in our Solar System.

• Sun, Moon, Earth. and Stars

• Moon, Earth, Jovian Planets, and Terrestrial Planets

• Sun, Stars, Jovian Planets, and Gas Giant Planets

• Sun, Satellites, Jovian Planets, and Terrestrial Planets

Nutation causes...

• No change to gravitational pull

• No change to the Earth’s seasons

• Insignificant changes to the Earth’s tilt

• Significant changes to the Earth’s tilt

The form of evidence we have for the Big Bang is known as...?

• precession

• red shift

• alignment of planets

• doppler effect

Select the option that lists the astronomical hierarchy in the CORRECT order from largest to smallest!

• Galaxies, Stars, Universe

• Galaxies, Universe, Stars

• Universe, Galaxies, Stars

• Universe, Stars, Galaxies

True or False: Precession causes changes to the Earth's seasons.

• True

• False

Where would the barycenter between the Earth and Jupiter be located?

• Closer to the Earth because it is smaller.

• Closer to Mars because it is in between.

• Closer to Jupiter because it has more mass.

• Closer to the Sun because it is the largest star.

According to Kepler's Second Law, what is the relationship between Area A and Area B?

• Area A is 50% larger than Area B.

• Area A is the same size as Area B.

• Area A is 50% smaller than Area B.

• Area A is twice as big as Area B.