Exam 2: A User S Guide to the Sky

Within the Northern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox marks the start of ____.

Astronomers describe the brightness of stars using the brilliance scale.

Figure 2-1 Examine the accompanying figure (Figure 2-1) . Which term would be the correct scientific designation for Polaris in Ursa Minoris?

Why is the term "arc" used to describe units of measure for angular distance?

Betelgeuse is the brightest star of which constellation?

In ancient times, constellation boundaries were well defined.

Because Earth's axis of rotation is inclined 23.4 degrees from vertical, the Sun moves into the northern sky in the spring and into the southern sky in the fall.

Figure 2-4 Review the accompanying figure  (Figure 2-4) and identify point A.

If star A is 14.5 times brighter than star B, then what is their magnitude difference?

Why can someone in the United States almost always be able to observe the constellations such as Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, and Perseus?

Figure 2-4 Review the accompanying figure (Figure 2-4) and identify point C.

The constellations are an ancient heritage handed down for thousands of years as ways to tell stories of mythical heroes and monsters.

What is the cause for the slow movement of reference marks, such as the celestial poles and equator, to move across the sky?

What is the apparent path of the Sun against the background of stars?

Which is a unit used to measure angular distance?

Describe the process of precession.

Astronomers use the _______________ alphabet to identify the bright stars in a constellation in approximate order of brightness.

During which event does the Sun reach its most southern point in the celestial sphere within the Northern hemisphere?

Which is an asterism of Pegasus?

Figure 2-4 Review the accompanying figure  (Figure 2-4) and identify point B.