Astronomy Fundamentals

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Why do space telescopes, like the Hubble Space Telescope, provide clearer images compared to optical telescopes on Earth?

Space telescopes are closer to the objects they observe.
Space telescopes use stronger lenses than Earth-based telescopes.
Space telescopes avoid atmospheric interference. (correct)
Space telescopes can detect a wider range of electromagnetic radiation.

All artificial satellites orbit stars.

False (B)

What force is primarily responsible for the formation of a protostar from a nebula?

Gravity

A _______ is a mixture of frozen gases, ice, dust, and rock that moves in an elliptical orbit around the Sun.

comet Signup and view all the answers

Match the following planets with their classification:

Mars = Terrestrial Planet Jupiter = Gas Giant Venus = Terrestrial Planet Uranus = Gas Giant Signup and view all the answers

A star that is much more massive than our sun is most likely to end its life as a:

Black hole (A) Signup and view all the answers

Constellations are defined as planets which appear to form patterns and are used for navigation.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the Big Bang Theory?

Observation that galaxies are moving away from each other. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why does Earth maintain a consistent orbit around the Sun?

The balance between gravity and inertia keeps Earth in orbit, gravity pulls Earth towards the Sun, while inertia keeps Earth moving in a straight line. (D) Signup and view all the answers

The Earth's axial tilt is the primary cause of varying day lengths throughout the year, while the revolution around the sun is less important.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Describe how Earth's rotation affects our daily lives.

Earth's rotation causes day and night, influencing our sleep patterns and daily activities. Signup and view all the answers

A solar eclipse can only occur during a ______ moon, when it passes directly between Earth and the Sun.

new Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their corresponding definitions:

Revolution = One complete trip around the Sun. Rotation = One complete spin on the axis. Gravity = The force of attraction between two objects Inertia = The tendency of an object to keep moving in a straight line Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Moon have extreme temperature variations compared to Earth?

The Moon lacks an atmosphere to regulate temperature. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Spring tides are weaker than neap tides due to the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon during the first and last quarter moon phases.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the tilt of Earth's axis and its orbit around the Sun cause seasons.

The tilt of Earth's axis causes different parts of Earth to receive varying amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year as it orbits the Sun, resulting in seasons. Signup and view all the answers

Gravity

The force of attraction between any two objects; depends on mass and distance.

Orbit

The curved path one object takes around another object in space.