Exam 2: A Users Guide to the Sky

Earth _______________ once a year around the Sun.

Figure 2-5 Examine the accompanying figure. Which term would be the correct scientific designation for Polaris in Ursa Minoris?

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

Describe the process of precession.

Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of _______________ degrees.

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

Which ancient astronomer recorded the magnitude of stars in his star catalog and was used successfully by astronomers for generations?

What date is the autumnal equinox for the Southern hemisphere?

The seasons are caused by Earth's orbit moving closer to or farther from the Sun.

Explain why we have seasons and compare/contrast the cycle of seasons for both hemispheres.

Most individual star names come from Latin and have been altered through passing centuries.

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

The eastward rotation of Earth causes the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars to move _______________ in the sky.

The Sky Around You - Page 18 (For the following questions) Review the accompanying figure. Where does the celestial equator always meet the horizon?

Earth spins completely upright like a giant top.

The Sky Around You - Page 19 In the above image, what is the observer measuring?

Due to the cycle of precession, in 12,000 years, which star will replace Polaris as the guiding North Star?

Earth's rotation is connected with a very slow celestial motion that can be detected only over _____

The ecliptic is often called the _______________ of Earth's orbit on the sky.

Which is a unit used to measure angular distance?