Basic Astronomy Test

Which early model stated that the sun was the center of the solar system?

• Geocentric

• Heliocentric

• Big Bang

• Epicycle

Which early model states that the sun, planets, and moons revolved around the earth?

• Geocentric

• Heliocentric

• Ecliptic

• Perihelion

How long does it take a star to return to the same position in the sky it was the night before?

• 24 hours exactly

• 24 hours and 4 minutes

• 23 hours 30 minutes

• 23 hours 56 minutes

What is the Sun's path through the celestial sphere called?

• meridian

• declination

• ecliptic

• right ascension

What is the name of the constellations that the ecliptic passes through?

• Pisces

• Andromeda

• Zenith

• Zodiac

Which of the following best describes a solstice.

• Either the longest or shortest day of the year for a hemisphere

• December 21 or 22

• June 21 or 22

• All of the above

Why is the Equator regularly the warmest place on Earth?

• Because it is closest to the sun.

• Because it receives the most direct sunlight

• Because no clouds form here.

• Because it is near Africa

What is the longest day of the year in terms of sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere?

• winter solstice

• summer solstice

• fall equinox

• spring equinox

What does the prefix 'equ-' mean?

• equity

• equal

• equator

• ecliptic

Visible stars that form a pattern in the sky are called...

• galaxies

• constellations

• meteors

• star clusters