Question | Answer |
We observe that the angular diameter of the moon is about same as the angular diameter of the sun (about 1/2 degree). We also know that the AU is about 390 times the average Earth-moon distance. What can we conclude? | The linear diameter of the sun is about 390 times the linear diameter of the moon. |
How does one cycle of the moon's motion relative to the stars compare to one cycle of the moon's motion relative to the sun? | The cycle relative to the stars is shorter than the cycle relative to the sun. |
What variation in the seasons allows for the advance of glaciers? | Cooler northern summers. |
Which type of eclipse may be visible to all the people on one side of Earth? | A total lunar eclipse. |
The third quarter phase moon rises at about: | midnight |
When it is autumn in Asia, what season is it in Antarctica? | spring |
If you could see the sun and stars during the daytime for several weeks, you would notice that the sun: | moves slowly eastward relative to the stars. |
Compare the range in angular size for the sun and moon shown in this figure. From these ranges we can conclude that: | Earth's orbit around the sun is less elliptical than the moon's orbit around Earth. |
What evidence matches the results of Milankovitch's solar heating calculations? | Global ocean water temperatures deduced from sea floor sediments. |
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon is: | both a and b above. |
If the moon reaches full phase on May 6, it is at ________ phase on May 17. | waning crescent |
The time for one cycle of lunar phases is: | the same as the time for one cycle of the moon relative to the sun. |
The Milankovitch hypothesis proposes that the ice ages on Earth are due to long-term changes in the amount of seasonal solar heating at high latitudes brought about by: | all of the above |
What part of the sun is visible during the peak of a total solar eclipse? | Both b and c above. |
Why is the amount of solar heating less at northern latitudes on a clear day in January than on a clear day in July? | Both a and c above. |
During a total lunar eclipse, the moon is: | both b and c above. |
Suppose that the inclination of Earth's equator with its orbital plane increases from 23.5 degrees to 90 degrees. What effect would such an increase have on the seasons? | Winter would be colder and summer hotter. |
The five naked eye planets and three telescopic planets that wander among the stars in the sky are always near the: | ecliptic. |
Based on this figure, in what constellation is the sun on July 1 each year? | Gemini |
Why does the sun move relative to the stars as described in the previous question? | t is due to Earth revolving around the sun. |
Which of the following is true for an observer located at the tip of the umbra in this figure? | The angular size of the tack is the same as the angular size of the light source.
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In one cycle of lunar phases, each crescent and gibbous phase (waxing or waning) has a duration of about one: | week. |
If the moon is at one of its nodes, it must be: | on the ecliptic. |
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon is: | both b and c above. |
What is the present relationship between the variation of the Earth-sun distance from the average, and the seasons? | Earth is 1.7% closer to the sun during northern winters. |
Of the six total lunar eclipses listed in this table, which two definitely cannot be observed by someone under clear skies located in Greenwich, England? | Earth is 1.7% closer to the sun during northern winters. |
How does the moon's motion relative to the stars compare to the sun's motion relative to the stars? | The moon moves faster than the sun and in the same direction. |
Which statement below best describes the motion of the moon relative to the stars? | The moon moves eastward relative to the stars about 13 degrees per day. |
Which planet is the most difficult to observe, as it is always close to the sun in our sky? | Mercury |
Which of the following is true about the umbra of the moon's shadow? | Choices a and c above. |