(Chapters: 0,1,2 and 6)
The purpose of this guide is to point out key terms, concepts, and principles
that you should know. It is by no means a replacement for you notes or text
book. This guide is not all inclusive. It should help you, however, review and
prepare for test #1. Your test will consist of 50 or more multiple choice
question (100%) and a bonus part (+10%) that will have brief statements,
explanations, and simple calculations.
General Advice:
1. Be able to define key terms at the end of each chapter.
2. Be able to state the major contribution of astronomers, scientists, etc in every chapter.
3. Be able to answer all the end of the chapter multiple choice self-test questions.
4. Be able to repeat sample problems done in class and similar end of chapter numerical problems and thought questions.
5. Visit the textbook website and play the animations relevant to this section.
6. Visit the textbook website and take the Practice Quizzes for the chapters covered in this section.
Be able to define the terms astronomical unit and light year.
Be able to list in order increasing or decreasing of size and distance our planet, our galaxy, the local group, local super cluster, and the universe. (See Fig P.10, page 13)
Be able to list the planets in order of increasing distance from the sun
Be able list rank the planets based on size. Largest to smallest or vice versa.
Be able to calculate the time light takes to reach us from the sun.
Be able to define the following key terms:
Constellation Circumpolar Constellations The Signs of the Zodiac
Astrology Ecliptic Circle Ellipse Epicycle Deferent
Solar Eclipse Lunar Eclipse Geocentric Model
Ptolemaic System Heliocentric Model Copernican System Vernal Equinoxes Autumnal Equinox Summer Solstice Winter Solstice Model Parallax Retrograde Motion Kelpler's Laws Al Magest
Be able to explain retrograde motion using both the geocentric model (Ptolemaic System) and Heliocentric model (Copernican system)
Given a star chart: Be able to list and locate some examples of circumpolar constellations see fig. E!.5, page 64), the signs of the Zodiac see page 29), and prominent object such as Venus, Sirius, Orion , Scorpio( see page 16) etc..
Be able to state or list the accomplishments of the following
astronomers, scientist and/or philosophers:
Thales Anaxagorus Plato Pythagorus Aristotle Aristarchus Hipparchus Eratosthenes Ptolemy Copernicus Brahe Kepler Galileo Newton Einstein Bessel
Be able to state Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion Clearly
Be able to calculate using Kepler's 3rd law the period of a planet when its average distance from the sun is given and vice versa.
Be able to define the following key terms:
Acceleration Speed Velocity Inertia Mass Force
1 Newton 1 dyne 1 Slug Escape Velocity Centripetal Force.
What is the significance of the constants g, G, and c.
Be able to state Newton's three laws of motion clearly.
Be able to state how the first law relates to the importance of wearing seat belts and the definition of force and inertia.
Be able to use the second law to define the units: 1 Newton, 1 dyne, 1 lb.
Be able to show that the first law is a special case of the second laws.
Be able to list examples that illustrate the third law of motion.
Be able to do simple calculations using Newton's Gravitational Law.
Be able to define the key terms: craters, Maria, regolith, highlands, tides, lunar eclipse, solar eclipse, annular eclipse, corona, earth shine.
Be able to explain why we do not see eclipses once or even twice a month.
Be able to explain why we see two tides and not one in 24 hrs.
Be able to describe the following models or hypotheses for the origin of the moon.
I. Fission II. Capture III. Accretion (Simultaneous or twin ) and IV. Impact-Triggered (violent birth) hypothesis.
You should read Essays: 1. Backyard Astronomy 4. Keeping Time
After reading the Essays and your notes, You should know the difference between the following calendars: Babylonian, Egyptian, Julian, and Gregorian
These essays are not given the same emphasis as the chapters but they are interesting.
E1(page61) will give some idea on how to look up from your backyard and locate common constellations.
E2 (page 178) deals with time keeping. The discussion about the calendar is important.
After reading E2 you should know: