(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.
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 Quizes
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 1-10)
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
Given a star chart: Be able to list some and locate examples of circumpolar constellations, the signs of the Zodiac, and some prominent object such as Venus, Sirius, Orion 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 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 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 calculate the period of a space station, such as sky lab or Mir, using Newton's Gravitational Law and/or Kepler's third law.
Be able to define the key terms: craters, Maria, regolith, highlands, rays riles, tides, lunar eclipse, solar eclipse, annular eclipse, annular eclipse, corona
Be able to explain why we do not see eclipses once or even twice a month.
Be able to describe the following models or hypotheses for the orcin 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
These essays are not as important as the chapters but they are interesting.
E1 will give some idea on how to look up from your backyard and locate common constellations.
E4 deals with time keeping. The discussion about the calendar is important.