Why We See Patterns in the Sky

Why do scientists and sky-watchers say that the changes in the sky follow a clear pattern?

• Because the sky looks random every day

• Because the changes happen in a regular and repeatable way

• Because the stars never move

• Because the sun never sets

What is one of the most important patterns we can observe on Earth according to the article?

• The movement of clouds

• The daily rhythm of morning, daytime, evening, and night

• The change of seasons

• The migration of birds

What causes the daily pattern of sunlight and darkness on Earth?

• Earth's rotation

• Earth's revolution around the Sun

• The Moon's orbit around Earth

• Changes in Earth's distance from the Sun

How long does it take for Earth to make one full turn on its axis?

• About 24 hours

• About 365 days

• About 7 days

• About 1 hour

Why does the sun seem to 'rise' and 'set' even though it is actually Earth that is moving?

• Because as Earth turns, different places move into and out of the sunlight, making it appear as if the sun rises and sets.

• Because the sun moves around the Earth every day, causing it to rise and set.

• Because clouds cover and uncover the sun, making it look like it rises and sets.

• Because the sun's brightness changes throughout the day, making it appear to rise and set.

What are constellations?

• Groups of stars that appear to make pictures in the sky.

• Planets that orbit around the sun.

• Comets that pass by Earth.

• Clouds that form shapes.

Earth's rotation affects the way we see stars and constellations in the sky by:

• causing stars and constellations to appear to move across the sky each night

• making stars and constellations appear brighter

• changing the color of stars and constellations

• causing stars and constellations to disappear during the day and night

Why might ancient people have paid close attention to the movement of the sun and stars?

• They liked looking at bright objects

• It helped them survive and plan activities

• They were trying to count stars for fun

• They thought the stars were made of gold

The article describes patterns as “regular and repeatable.” What does this suggest about how scientists think of nature?

• Nature is random and unpredictable

• Nature follows rules that can be studied

• Nature changes too quickly to observe

• Nature depends on luck and guessing

Why does the sun appear to move across the sky during the day?

• Because the sun is actually moving around Earth

• Because Earth spins on its axis

• Because the moon pushes it across

• Because the stars pull it westward