Answer the following questions and submit via Brightspace in the correct file format as outlined in the syllabus. No other formats will be accepted.
Chapter 21 Origins of Modern Astronomy
1. Retrograde Motion (3pts)
Describe what produces the apparent retrograde motion of Mars. What geometric arrangements did Ptolemy use to explain true retrograde motion?
2. Early Astronomers (3pts)
Explain how our understanding of planetary motion changed from Kepler to Galileo to Newton. Provide specific contributions that each astronomer made to our understanding.
3. Astronomy vs. Astrology (3pts)
How are Astrology and Astronomy related and how are they different (be specific). Why do you think people often confuse the terms Astrology and Astronomy and the meaning behind them? Would you consider them both a science? Why or why not?
Night Sky Observing and Preparation
4. Night Sky Observation (6pts)
Go out and view the night sky! Please remember that the weather is sometimes unpredictable, so if it is clear, go out and observe! Once during the week step outside and observe the night sky. More specifically observe the Moon and either Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn. You should have good visibility of Mars in the evening, and Jupiter and Saturn should be visible a few hours before the Sun rises.
Review the following links before you head outside. These sites will give you rise and set times and show your where to look in the night sky. Make sure you put in your location:
http://www.astronomy.com/observing/tonights-sky
https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/night/
https://www.theplanetstoday.com/geocentric_orrery.html
Answer the following:
A. What is your location (City and State)? (0.5pt)
B. What time did you observe? What is your time zone? (0.5pt)
C. What night did you observe? Give date and day of the week. (0.5pt)
D. Describe the observing conditions. (clouds, visibility, light pollution) (0.5pt)
E. For the Moon: (1.5pts)
a. What direction were you facing to view the Moon?
b. Describe the phase (waxing, waning, crescent, gibbous, percent visible).
F. For Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn: (1.5pts)
a. What was the rise and set time?
b. What direction were you facing to view the planet?
G. Other Questions: (1pt)
a. What time was sunset on the night of your observations?
Chapter 22 Touring Our Solar System
5. Classifying Planets (2pts)
What criteria are used to classify planets as either Terrestrial or Jovian? Identify the Terrestrial and Jovian planets.
6. Impact Craters (3pts)
Why are impact craters more common on the moon than on Earth, even though the Moon is a much smaller target and has a weaker gravitational field? How can we use those craters for relative dating of the Moon surface?
7. Meteoroids, Meteors, and Meteorites (2pts)
Differentiate between the following solar bodies: meteoroid, meteor, and meteorite.
8. Water on Mars (2pts)
What physical evidence (visually or other) on Mars suggests that Mars may have had an active hydrologic cycle in the past?
9. Earth Science & Astronomy Working Together (1pt)
Now that you have learned more about the planets in our Solar System, take a moment to think about the specific ways in which our knowledge of Earth Science has aided scientists in learning about the planets in our Solar System. In fact, this is the focus of the Final Essay Project.
Read through the Final Essay Assignment, including the rubric. Briefly skim through and pick one of the articles for your essay. As acknowledgement that you have done this:
Which article are you going to use for your essay?
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