Ess 1.2

The diagram shows different types of galaxies (T-W). Which galaxy is most similar to the Milky Way, and why?

• Galaxy T; it has a spiral shape.

• Galaxy T; it has an elliptical shape.

• Galaxy U; it has a spiral shape.

• Galaxy U; it has an elliptical shape.

Answer explanation

Galaxy T is most similar to the Milky Way because it has a spiral shape, which is characteristic of spiral galaxies. The Milky Way itself is a spiral galaxy, making Galaxy T the correct choice.

The diagram shows the location of the Sun in the Milky Way galaxy with the spiral arms labeled. Based on the diagram, which statement correctly explains the position of Earth within the Milky Way?

• Earth is located in the Orion arm.

• Earth is located in the Cygnus arm.

• Earth is located between the Carina and Orion arms.

• Earth is located between the Cygnus and Perseus arms.

Answer explanation

Earth is located in the Orion arm of the Milky Way galaxy, which is a well-known spiral arm. This distinguishes it from the other options, which incorrectly place Earth in different arms or between them.

The diagram shows the shapes of different galaxies. Which statement correctly compares the shapes of the galaxies?

• Both Andromeda and the Milky Way are spiral galaxies.

• Both Centaurus A and the Milky Way are elliptical galaxies.

• The Milky Way, Andromeda, and Centaurus A are lenticular galaxies.

• Centaurus A, Andromeda, and Large Magellanic Cloud are irregular galaxies.

Answer explanation

Both Andromeda and the Milky Way are classified as spiral galaxies, characterized by their distinct spiral arms. The other statements incorrectly categorize the shapes of the galaxies.

Based on the diagram, where is our solar system located in the Milky Way galaxy?

• Our solar system is in the center of the galaxy.

• Our solar system is halfway between two spiral arms moving around the center of the galaxy.

• Our solar system is on the spiral arm farthest from the center of the galaxy.

• Our solar system is about two-thirds of the way outward from the center of the galaxy.

Answer explanation

Our solar system is located about two-thirds of the way outward from the center of the Milky Way galaxy, specifically in the Orion Arm, which is between the center and the outer edges of the galaxy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

List the steps of the scientific method

d

e

f

c

b

a

Form a hypothesis

Draw conclusions

Ask a question

Analyze results

Communicate results

Conduct experiment

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Which image correctly places a star to show the location of our solar system within the Milky Way galaxy?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

Choice B correctly shows the location of our solar system in the Milky Way galaxy, positioned in the Orion Arm, which is a well-established representation of our solar system's location.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Use the data to compare the Milky Way galaxy to other galaxies. Which three statements make correct comparisons?

• The Milky Way galaxy is larger than Andromeda and NGC 908.

• The Milky Way galaxy is smaller than Andromeda and Malin 1.

• The Milky Way galaxy is the same size as Malin 1.

• The Milky Way galaxy is larger than NGC 908.

• The Milky Way galaxy is smaller than Centaurus A.

Answer explanation

The Milky Way is smaller than Andromeda and Malin 1, which are both larger galaxies. It is larger than NGC 908, but smaller than Centaurus A, confirming the correct comparisons.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

The table lists the characteristics of two galaxies, X and Y. Based on the table, which statement correctly describes Galaxy X and Galaxy Y?

• Galaxy X is lenticular, and Galaxy Y is spiral.

• Galaxy X is spiral, and Galaxy Y is elliptical.

• Galaxy X is spiral, and Galaxy Y is irregular.

• Galaxy X is elliptical, and Galaxy Y is irregular.

Answer explanation

Galaxy X is identified as spiral due to its structure, while Galaxy Y is classified as elliptical based on its shape. This matches the correct answer choice: 'Galaxy X is spiral, and Galaxy Y is elliptical.'

The image shows a galaxy like the Milky Way. What type of galaxy does the image show?

• elliptical

• irregular

• lenticular

• spiral

Answer explanation

The image depicts a galaxy similar to the Milky Way, which is classified as a spiral galaxy. Spiral galaxies are characterized by their distinct arms and a central bulge, making 'spiral' the correct choice.

The data table lists information about five galaxies. Which statement is correct about the Milky Way galaxy?

• The Milky Way galaxy is larger in size than the Triangulum galaxy.

• The Milky Way galaxy has more stars than the Andromeda galaxy.

• The Milky Way galaxy is larger than the IC 1101 galaxy.

• The Milky Way galaxy has fewer stars than the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy.

Answer explanation

The Milky Way galaxy is indeed larger in size than the Triangulum galaxy, making the first statement correct. The other statements are inaccurate regarding the relative sizes and star counts of the mentioned galaxies.