Astronomy Review

For which path is the altitude of the noon Sun 74°?

• A - A’

• B - B’

• C - C’

Answer explanation

The altitude of the noon Sun is highest at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) during the summer solstice. A latitude of 74° corresponds to a location where the Sun reaches this altitude, making A - A’ the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is the latitude of this location?

• 0°

• 23.5° N

• 66.5° N

• 90° N

Answer explanation

The latitude of 23.5° N corresponds to the Tropic of Cancer, marking the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead. This is a significant latitude for understanding Earth's solar exposure.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How many degrees does the altitude of the Sun change from December 21 to June 21?

• 43°

• 66°

• 74°

• 47°

Answer explanation

The altitude of the Sun at noon changes significantly between the winter solstice (December 21) and the summer solstice (June 21). It increases by 66°, from about 24° to 90°, making 66° the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which path of the Sun would result in the longest shadow of the vertical post at solar noon?

• A - A’

• B - B’

• C - C’

Answer explanation

The longest shadow occurs when the Sun is at its lowest angle in the sky. Path A' indicates the Sun is positioned further south, resulting in a longer shadow for the vertical post at solar noon compared to paths B' and C'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The length of time that daylight is received at a location during one day is called the location's

• intensity of insolation

• angle of insolation

• eccentricity of insolation

• duration of insolation

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'duration of insolation' as it specifically refers to the length of time daylight is received at a location during one day, distinguishing it from other terms related to sunlight intensity or angle.

Which diagram best represents a geocentric model of the solar system? [Diagrams are not drawn to scale.] KEY: E = Earth; P = Planet; S = Sun

• (Diagram a)

• (Diagram b)

• (Diagram c)

• (Diagram d)

Answer explanation

Diagram C best represents a geocentric model as it shows Earth (E) at the center with planets (P) orbiting around it, while the Sun (S) is also depicted in relation to the Earth, consistent with the geocentric perspective.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

As seen from New York State, the noon Sun is

• never directly overhead

• directly overhead every day

• directly overhead on the first day of spring and fall

• directly overhead only on the first day of summer

Answer explanation

In New York State, the noon Sun is never directly overhead due to its latitude. It is only directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer during the summer solstice, making 'directly overhead only on the first day of summer' also correct.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which statement best describes the geocentric model of our solar system?

• All planets revolve around the Sun.

• The Earth is located at the center of the model.

• All planets except the Earth revolve around the Sun.

• The Sun is located at the center of the model.

Answer explanation

The geocentric model posits that the Earth is at the center of the universe, with all celestial bodies, including the Sun, revolving around it. Therefore, the correct statement is that the Earth is located at the center of the model.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

In New York State, which day has the shortest period of daylight?

• December 21

• March 21

• September 21

• June 21

Answer explanation

In New York State, December 21 is the winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year with the least amount of daylight. Other dates like March 21, September 21, and June 21 have longer daylight periods.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

In New York State, which day has the longest period of daylight?

• December 21

• March 21

• September 21

• June 21

Answer explanation

June 21 is the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year in New York State, with the most hours of daylight. In contrast, December 21 has the shortest day.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1