Amplify Patterns of Earth and Sky

Which star in the diagram is the farthest from Earth?

• Mintaka

• Alniam

• Alnitak

• They are all the same distance from Earth

Answer explanation

Alniam is the farthest star from Earth among the options provided. While Mintaka and Alnitak are part of the Orion constellation, Alniam is located at a greater distance, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

How many stars are in out solar system?

• Zero

• One

• Two

• Three

Answer explanation

Our solar system contains only one star, which is the Sun. It is the central body around which all planets, including Earth, orbit.

Which of the following star(s) are in our solar system?

• The sun, Mintaka, Alnitak, and Alniam

• The sun and Alnitak

• The sun

• There are no stars in our solar system

Answer explanation

The only star in our solar system is the sun. Mintaka, Alnitak, and Alniam are part of the Orion constellation and are not located within our solar system.

Why does the sun look bigger and brighter than all other stars in the sky?

• The sun is closer to Earth than other stars.

• The sun is bigger than other stars.

• The sun is smaller than other stars.

• The sun is the farthest star from Earth.

Answer explanation

The sun appears bigger and brighter than other stars because it is much closer to Earth. While other stars are light-years away, the sun is only about 93 million miles away, making it the most prominent object in our sky.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Laylah and Brandon are doing an expirment to look at the size and distance of stars. Laylah is holding a tennis ball to represent the Dog Star and Brandon is holding a golfball to represent the Sun. Laylah takes the tennis ball and moves 15 steps backward away from the class, so that Brandon, holding the golfball, is closer to the class. Which answer describes a possible outcome for this demonstration?

• The tennis ball now appears bigger than it originally did because it moved farther away.

• The golf ball weighs more than the tennis ball.

• The tennis ball now appears smaller than it originally did because it moved farther away.

• The golf ball appears to be bigger than the tennis ball.

Answer explanation

As Laylah moves the tennis ball (Dog Star) 15 steps back, it appears smaller due to the increased distance, illustrating how objects appear smaller when they are farther away.

Why does the daytime section of the artifact show only the sun in the sky, but not other stars?

• The sun's brightness overwhelms the light from other stars, so that's why we can't see the other stars.

• Stars are not present in the sky during the day.

• The clouds blocks the view of stars during the day.

• The artifact is designed to only show the sun. and not other stars.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that the sun's brightness overwhelms the light from other stars, making them invisible during the day. This is why only the sun is visible in the daytime section of the artifact.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How long does it take for Earth to complete one rotation?

• One hour

• One day

• One month

• One year

Answer explanation

Earth takes approximately one day to complete one full rotation on its axis, which is why we experience day and night. The other options, such as one hour, one month, and one year, do not accurately represent this rotation period.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How long would it take for Earth to complete one full orbit around the sun?

• One hour

• One day

• One month

• One year

Answer explanation

Earth takes one year to complete its orbit around the sun. This is due to the gravitational pull of the sun and the distance Earth travels in its elliptical path, making 'one year' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

The picture shows the daytime side of Earth. Which of the following best describes why Earth has day and night?

• The Moon's Rotation

• The Earth's Rotation

• The Moon revolves around Earth

• The Earth's Orbit

Answer explanation

Earth has day and night due to its rotation on its axis. As it spins, different parts of the planet face the Sun, creating daytime, while the opposite side experiences night.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Scientists would see Constellation C in the sky on November 2024. When would you be able to see this constellation again?

• Every day of the year.

• Every 6 months.

• On the same day every year.

• Every 3 months

Answer explanation

Constellations appear in the same position in the sky on the same date each year due to Earth's orbit around the Sun. Therefore, if Constellation C is visible in November 2024, it will be visible again in November each subsequent year.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1