Questions and Answers
Why is it called the angle of right ascension?
It is the distance eastward which refers to the right.
What are the two basic types of telescopes? Is there a third? What does it do?
Where is the horizon?
How many constellations are there?
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Which of the following lies on the celestial sphere directly over Earth's equator?
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The length of time it takes Earth to orbit the Sun is...?
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What is another name for the Sun's annual path?
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How are constellations useful to astronomers?
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What is the celestial sphere, and why is this ancient concept still useful today?
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What is the celestial equator, and how is it related to Earth's equator?
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What is the ecliptic, and why is it tilted with respect to the celestial equator?
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By about how many degrees does the Sun move along the ecliptic each day?
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Through how many constellations does the Sun move every day?
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Through how many constellations does the Sun move every year?
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Why does the tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit cause the seasons as Earth revolves around the Sun?
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What are the vernal and autumnal equinoxes?
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Study Notes
Angle of Right Ascension
- Refers to the eastward distance on the celestial sphere.
- Indicates the rising to a higher level in an easterly direction.
Types of Telescopes
- Two primary types: Refractive and Reflective.
- A third type, Optical, utilizes both refraction and reflection.
Horizon Definition
- Defined as the boundary between the Earth and the sky.
Constellations Count
- The celestial sky is divided into 88 unequal constellational areas.
Celestial Sphere and Earth's Equator
- The celestial equator is directly above Earth's equator.
- Celestial sphere concept aids in star mapping.
Length of Earth's Orbit
- Earth takes one year to complete its orbit around the Sun.
Sun's Annual Path
- Known as the ecliptic, outlining the Sun's yearly trajectory across the sky.
Astronomical Utility of Constellations
- Constellations help astronomers describe celestial anomalies based on fixed star positions.
Celestial Sphere Concept
- Map of Earth showing key astronomical features such as equator and celestial poles.
- Useful for mapping constellations and measuring distances between celestial objects.
Relationship of Celestial and Earth's Equators
- Celestial equator extends Earth's equator into the celestial sphere, dividing it into hemispheres.
- North and South celestial poles are projections of Earth's rotational axis into space.
Ecliptic Orientation
- The ecliptic, the Sun's path, is tilted at 23.5° relative to the celestial equator.
- This tilt relates to Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun.
Sun's Daily Movement
- Sun appears to move less than 1° along the ecliptic each day.
Constellational Movement of the Sun
- Sun moves through approximately one constellation daily.
- Annually traverses 13 constellations, collectively known as the Zodiac.
Seasonal Changes
- Earth's axial tilt causes varying sunlight exposure, creating distinct seasons.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, longer days occur when tilted towards the Sun, opposite in the Southern Hemisphere.
Equinoxes and Solstices
- Winter solstice marks the lowest noon Sun height and the shortest daylight in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Summer solstice is its counterpart, with the longest daylight hours.
- Vernal equinox signifies Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Autumnal equinox reflects the opposite seasonal transition.
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Description
Prepare for your Astronomy Test 1 with these flashcards. Each card provides essential definitions and concepts such as right ascension and types of telescopes. Enhance your understanding of astronomical terminology and important topics covered in class.
