THE SEASONS PART I: THE EARTH S ORBIT & THE SEASONS

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "THE SEASONS PART I: THE EARTH S ORBIT & THE SEASONS"

Transcription

1 THE SEASONS To observers on earth, it appears that the earth stands still and everything else moves around it. Thus, in trying to imagine how the universe works, it made good sense to people in ancient times to start with those apparent truths. The ancient Greek thinkers, particularly Aristotle, set a pattern that was to last for about, years; a large, stationary earth at the center of the universe, or geocentric solar system. Positioned around the earth were the sun, moon, planets, and tiny stars arrayed in a perfect sphere. Shortly after the discovery of the Americas, a Polish astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus, proposed a different model to the universe. Discarding the premise of a stationary earth, he showed that if the earth and planets all circled the sun, or heliocentric solar system, the motion of the planets could be predicted more accurately than an earth-centered model. His model violated the prevailing common-sense notions in that it required the apparently immobile earth to spin completely around on its axis once-a-day and that, worst of all, the earth losing its place as the center of the universe and taking its place around the sun orbiting with the other known planets. As astronomical measurements continued to become more precise, it became clear that a refinement of Copernicus model was required. A German astronomer, Johannes Kepler, who lived during the same time as Galileo, developed a mathematical model of planetary motion that discarded the notion of a circular motion of the planets. He postulated three laws, the most revolutionary of which was that planets move in elliptical orbits at predictable but varying speeds. Although Kepler s Three Laws of Motion turned out to be correct, Kepler offered no explanation why the planets would move in this way. In this laboratory we will make use of computer simulations in order to stand outside of the earth to visualize the motions of the earth about the sun to account for the changing seasons. PART I: THE EARTH S ORBIT & THE SEASONS Open the laboratory webpage located at the University of Nebraska. Before you start the animation read the following descriptors of the panels. There are three main panels on the screen: LEFT PANEL: Orbit View. This panel shows the perspective of the positions of the Earth and Sun as the Earth moves along its yearly orbit around the Sun. Click and drag the earth. This changes the location of the Earth in its orbit. Notice that the date changes (lower panel) as well as the direction of the sunlight hitting the Earth s surface. Click and drag the orbit. This changes the perspective, so you can look straight down on the Earth and Sun, or look at them head on. This shows the earth as it orbits the sun. As it goes through its orbit, the date and seasons display in text below the action. Note the date and the location of the Earth relative to the Sun on those days. Note: = Summer Solstice WS = Winter Solstice VE = Vernal Equinox AE = Autumnal Equinox Seasons 1

2 UPPER RIGHT PANEL: View from the Sun. This view shows the earth as seen from the sun. It illustrates how the light rays hit the surface of the earth depending upon the latitude of the observer and the time of year. Click and drag the observer. Change the latitude to above and below the equator and note the change in orientation of the light rays with respect to the earth. Click and drag the date. Change the date on the lower panel to observe the seasonal effects on the angle at which the light rays strike the earth s surface. LOWER RIGHT PANEL: Sunlight Angle. This view shows the angle with which rays of sunlight are striking the earth. It lists the noon sun s angle with respect to the horizon (its altitude). Use the diagrams at the end of the laboratory to illustrate the position of the earth and sun to meet the following conditions: Verify that when the observer is at a latitude within the tropic, at some date during the year the rays of the sun are directly overhead making an angle of 9 o with the ground. Step 1: Rotate the earth so that it corresponds to the Vernal Equinox. Place the observer at the equator. Complete the illustration. Step : Rotate the earth so that it corresponds to the Summer Solstice. Place the observer at the Tropic of Cancer. Complete the illustration. Step 3: Rotate the earth so that it corresponds to the Winter Solstice. Place the observer at the Tropic of Capricorn. Complete the illustration. Verify that an observer in Providence does not observe the sun directly overhead at the Summer Solstice. Step : Rotate the earth so that it corresponds to the Summer Solstice and place the observer at o N latitude (Providence). Complete the illustration. Verify that an observer above the Arctic Circle experiences a polar day during the summer and a polar night during the winter. Complete the illustration. Step 5: Rotate the earth so that it corresponds to the Summer Solstice and place the observer at 7 o N latitude (Arctic Circle). Complete the illustration. Verify the expression: Latitude of observer + Altitude of the equinox = 9 o Complete the illustration. Step : Place an observer at any latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. Is this relationship true for Step 1 above as well? Seasons

3 PART II: KEPLER S SECOND LAW: DISTANCE VS SPEED The dates of the equinoxes and solstices are given in the table below. Determine the number of days for each season during the 1 17 calendar year Spring begins, March, 1 Spring begins, March, 17 Summer begins, June 1, 1 Summer begins, June 1, 17 Autumn begins, September, 1 Autumn begins, September 3, 17 Winter begins, December 1, 1 Winter begins, December 1, 17 March, 1 June 1, 1 June 1, 1 September, 1 Number of days: Number of days: September, 1 December 1, 1 December 1, 1 March, 17 Number of days: Number of days: Which season has the greatest number of days? What does this imply about the speed of the earth as it orbits the sun at this location? Which season has the fewest number of days? What does this imply about the speed of the earth as it orbits the sun at this location? It is the gravitational attraction between the sun and the earth that keeps the earth in its orbit. Remember Newton s Second Law of Motion, it states that in order to accelerate a mass a force must be applied to it. What can you say about the relationship between the magnitude of this force and the distance the earth is from the sun? Construct a statement (or series of statements) that illustrates the relationship between the duration of winter and summer, the distance from the sun, and speed of the earth as it orbits the sun. Most people would expect that the earth is closer to the sun during the summer and farther from the sun in the winter. As you have seen this is not true. What factor is responsible for the degree of heating the earth s surface as the earth orbits the sun? Seasons 3

4 PART III: EFFECTS OF LATITUDE ON DAYLIGHT HOURS In the thriller Insomnia, Al Pacino plays a Los Angeles detective whose murder investigation takes him to northern Alaska in the summer. As the arctic Sun never sets, he finds himself unable to sleep, and he is gradually driven to madness by the pressures of the investigation and the unrelenting sunshine. Is it true that there is endless daylight in the arctic summer? What happens in the winter? In this section you will investigate seasonal changes for several locations on Earth Use the Latitude slider to set the latitude for Providence, RI.. The graph shows how many hours of daylight throughout the entire year. Record the data from the graph for the number of daylight hours in Providence at the beginning of each season. Adjust the latitude at each of the other locations, recording the hours of daylight for the entire year. Hours of Daylight Location Latitude Vernal Equinox Summer Solstice Autumnal Equinox Winter Solstice Yearly Average Barrow, AK 71. o N Fairbanks, AK 5. o N Providence, RI 1.5 o N Atlanta, GA 33. o N Honolulu, HI 1. o N Buenos Aires Argentina 33. o S Examine the data for locations in the northern hemisphere, how does changing the latitude of the location effect the number of hours of daylight at the equinox? Does Fairbanks experience a polar day or night? Use the data to support your answer. Does Barrow experience a polar day or night? Why is this answer different for Barrow than for Fairbanks? Construct a general statement that describes the changes in the hours of daylight at the Winter and Summer Solstices as the latitude increases (more northerly). Compare the data for Atlanta and Buenos Aires. What s similar about their hours of daylight during the year, and how does the data differ? Seasons

5 Fairbanks, AK Latitude: Providence, RI Latitude: Miami, FL Latitude: Seasons 5

6 Atlanta, GA Latitude: Honolulu, HI Latitude: Equinox Daylight: hrs Buenos Aires, Brazil Latitude: Seasons

7 Step 1: Observer at the Equator at the Vernal Equinox Step : Observer at Tropic of Cancer at the Summer Solstice Step 3: Observer at Tropic of Capricorn at the Winter Solstice Seasons 7

8 Step : Observer at Providence at the Summer Solstice Step 5: Observer at Arctic Circle at the Summer Solstice Step : Observer at any latitude at the Vernal Equinox Seasons

THE SEASONS PART I: THE EARTH S ORBIT & THE SEASONS

THE SEASONS PART I: THE EARTH S ORBIT & THE SEASONS THE SEASONS To observers on earth, it appears that the earth stands still and everything else moves around it. Thus, in trying to imagine how the universe works, it made good sense to people in ancient

More information

Planet Earth. Part 2

Planet Earth. Part 2 Planet Earth Part 2 Sun, Earth and Moon Motions The Solar System revolves around the Milky Way galaxy center. The Sun rotates on its own axis. Earth revolves around the Sun (1 year) and rotates on its

More information

Daylight Data: Days and Nights Around the World

Daylight Data: Days and Nights Around the World Days & Nights 1 Name Daylight Data: Days and Nights Around the World Purpose: To investigate the number of hours of daylight received by countries at different latitudes. Materials: Daylight data sheet

More information

Practice Seasons Moon Quiz

Practice Seasons Moon Quiz 1. Which diagram represents the tilt of Earth's axis relative to the Sun's rays on December 15? A) B) C) D) 2. The diagram below represents Earth in space on the first day of a season. 5. Base your answer

More information

Reasons for the seasons - Rebecca Kaplan

Reasons for the seasons - Rebecca Kaplan Reasons for the seasons - Rebecca Kaplan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd_8jm5ptlk https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunearth.html https://www.time.gov/ https://www.space.com/33790-harvest-moon-guide.html

More information

L.O: EARTH'S 23.5 DEGREE TILT ON ITS AXIS GIVES EARTH ITS SEASONS March 21 (SPRING), June 21(SUMMER), Sept 22 (AUTUMN) & Dec 21(WINTER)

L.O: EARTH'S 23.5 DEGREE TILT ON ITS AXIS GIVES EARTH ITS SEASONS March 21 (SPRING), June 21(SUMMER), Sept 22 (AUTUMN) & Dec 21(WINTER) L.O: EARTH'S 23.5 DEGREE TILT ON ITS AXIS GIVES EARTH ITS SEASONS March 21 (SPRING), June 21(SUMMER), Sept 22 (AUTUMN) & Dec 21(WINTER) 1. The apparent daily path of the Sun changes with the seasons because

More information

UNIT 3: EARTH S MOTIONS

UNIT 3: EARTH S MOTIONS UNIT 3: EARTH S MOTIONS After Unit 3 you should be able to: o Differentiate between rotation and revolution of the Earth o Apply the rates of rotation and revolution to basic problems o Recall the evidence

More information

James T. Shipman Jerry D. Wilson Charles A. Higgins, Jr. Chapter 15 Place and Time

James T. Shipman Jerry D. Wilson Charles A. Higgins, Jr. Chapter 15 Place and Time James T. Shipman Jerry D. Wilson Charles A. Higgins, Jr. Chapter 15 Place and Time Place & Time Read sections 15.5 and 15.6, but ignore the math. Concentrate on those sections that help explain the slides.

More information

Seasons. What causes the seasons?

Seasons. What causes the seasons? Questions: Seasons What causes the seasons? How do we mark the progression of the seasons? What is the seasonal motion of the sun in the sky? What could cause the seasonal motion of the sun to change over

More information

L.O: THE ANGLE OF INSOLATION ANGLE INSOLATION: THE ANGLE SUNLIGHT HITS THE EARTH

L.O: THE ANGLE OF INSOLATION ANGLE INSOLATION: THE ANGLE SUNLIGHT HITS THE EARTH L.O: THE ANGLE OF INSOLATION ANGLE INSOLATION: THE ANGLE SUNLIGHT HITS THE EARTH 1. The graph below shows air temperatures on a clear summer day from 7 a.m. to 12 noon at two locations, one in Florida

More information

Aim: What causes Seasons?

Aim: What causes Seasons? Notepack 28 Aim: What causes Seasons? Do Now: What is the difference between revolution and rotation? Earth s rotation The Earth rotates on its axis (imaginary vertical line around which Earth spins) every

More information

Seasons and Ecliptic Simulator

Seasons and Ecliptic Simulator Overview: In this lesson, students access an online simulator to aid in understanding the relationship between seasons and Earth s tilt and the day/night cycle caused by Earth s rotation. Objectives: The

More information

PHYS 160 Astronomy Test #1 Fall 2017 Version B

PHYS 160 Astronomy Test #1 Fall 2017 Version B PHYS 160 Astronomy Test #1 Fall 2017 Version B 1 I. True/False (1 point each) Circle the T if the statement is true, or F if the statement is false on your answer sheet. 1. An object has the same weight,

More information

Day, Night, Year, and Seasons

Day, Night, Year, and Seasons Welcome Astronomers to the Sun, Moon, and Earth! The relationship between the Sun, Moon, and Earth is very important to the existence of life on Earth. Our quest is to find out how their relationships

More information

(1) How does the annual average sun angle at solar noon (that is, the sun angle at noon averaged over a full year) depend on latitude?

(1) How does the annual average sun angle at solar noon (that is, the sun angle at noon averaged over a full year) depend on latitude? (1) How does the annual average sun angle at solar noon (that is, the sun angle at noon averaged over a full year) depend on latitude? (A) * As latitude increases, average sun angle at solar noon decreases.

More information

Exploring more with seasons Name: Block

Exploring more with seasons Name: Block Exploring more with seasons Name: Block Understanding Latitude of the Noon Sun The position of the Sun in the sky changes during the year as Earth orbits the Sun on its tilted axis. This causes a change

More information

The Earth-Moon-Sun System

The Earth-Moon-Sun System chapter 7 The Earth-Moon-Sun System section 2 Time and Seasons What You ll Learn how to calculate time and date in different time zones how to distinguish rotation and revolution what causes seasons Before

More information

Viewed from Earth's north pole, the rotation of Earth and its moon are counter-clockwise.!

Viewed from Earth's north pole, the rotation of Earth and its moon are counter-clockwise.! The Earth rotates around once in 24 hours The time it takes for the Earth to rotate completely around once is what we call a day. It's Earth's rotation that gives us night and day. Viewed from Earth's

More information

Geography Class 6 Chapters 3 and

Geography Class 6 Chapters 3 and CHAPTER 3 MOTIONS OF THE EARTH The Earth is always travelling in Space. That makes each person on Earth, a Space Traveller. No one feels the movement of the Earth because humans are too tiny when compared

More information

Astronomy 122 Section 1 TR Outline. The Earth is Rotating. Question Digital Computer Laboratory

Astronomy 122 Section 1 TR Outline. The Earth is Rotating. Question Digital Computer Laboratory Astronomy 122 Section 1 TR 1300-1350 Outline 1320 Digital Computer Laboratory Leslie Looney Phone: 244-3615 Email: lwlw@wuiucw. wedu Office: Astro Building #218 Office Hours: T 10:30-11:30 a.m. or by appointment

More information

The following terms are some of the vocabulary that students should be familiar with in order to fully master this lesson.

The following terms are some of the vocabulary that students should be familiar with in order to fully master this lesson. Lesson 211: EARTH'S SEASONS Students learn the complex geometry and planetary motions that cause Earth to have four distinct seasons. Fundamental Questions Attempting to give thorough and reasonable answers

More information

Appearance of the Sky Orientation Motion of sky Seasons Precession (?)

Appearance of the Sky Orientation Motion of sky Seasons Precession (?) Today Appearance of the Sky Orientation Motion of sky Seasons Precession (?) The Celestial Sphere Stars at different distances all appear to lie on the celestial sphere. The ecliptic is the Sun s apparent

More information

3) During retrograde motion a planet appears to be A) dimmer than usual. B) the same brightness as usual C) brighter than usual.

3) During retrograde motion a planet appears to be A) dimmer than usual. B) the same brightness as usual C) brighter than usual. Descriptive Astronomy (ASTR 108) Exam 1 B February 17, 2010 Name: In each of the following multiple choice questions, select the best possible answer. In the line on the scan sheet corresponding to the

More information

1) Kepler's third law allows us to find the average distance to a planet from observing its period of rotation on its axis.

1) Kepler's third law allows us to find the average distance to a planet from observing its period of rotation on its axis. Descriptive Astronomy (ASTR 108) Exam 1 A February 17, 2010 Name: In each of the following multiple choice questions, select the best possible answer. In the line on the scan sheet corresponding to the

More information

Appearance of the Sky Orientation Motion of sky Seasons Precession (?)

Appearance of the Sky Orientation Motion of sky Seasons Precession (?) Today Appearance of the Sky Orientation Motion of sky Seasons Precession (?) The Celestial Sphere Stars at different distances all appear to lie on the celestial sphere. The ecliptic is the Sun s apparent

More information

The Earth, Moon, and Sky. Lecture 5 1/31/2017

The Earth, Moon, and Sky. Lecture 5 1/31/2017 The Earth, Moon, and Sky Lecture 5 1/31/2017 From Last Time: Stable Orbits The type of orbit depends on the initial speed of the object Stable orbits are either circular or elliptical. Too slow and gravity

More information

SUBJECT : GEOGRAPHY ROTATION AND REVOLUTION This paper consists of 5 printed pages.

SUBJECT : GEOGRAPHY ROTATION AND REVOLUTION This paper consists of 5 printed pages. SUBJECT : GEOGRAPHY ROTATION AND REVOLUTION 2017-2018 This paper consists of 5 printed pages. 1. Name the motions of the earth. A. They are Rotation and Revolution. 2. What is Rotation? A. Rotation is

More information

Orbital Mechanics. CTLA Earth & Environmental Science

Orbital Mechanics. CTLA Earth & Environmental Science Orbital Mechanics CTLA Earth & Environmental Science The Earth Spherical body that is flattened near the poles due to centrifugal force (rotation of the Earth) 40,074 KM across at the Equator 40,0007 KM

More information

What causes Earth to have seasons?

What causes Earth to have seasons? Seasons What causes Earth to have seasons? The distance to Earth does NOT cause seasons seasons are caused by : 1. the tilt of the earth on its axis (23.5 degrees) 2.revolution of earth around the sun

More information

Motions of the Earth

Motions of the Earth Motions of the Earth Our goals for learning: What are the main motions of the Earth in space? How do we see these motions on the ground? How does it affect our lives? How does the orientation of Earth's

More information

For most observers on Earth, the sun rises in the eastern

For most observers on Earth, the sun rises in the eastern 632 CHAPTER 25: EARTH, SUN, AND SEASONS WHAT IS THE SUN S APPARENT PATH ACROSS THE SKY? For most observers on Earth, the sun rises in the eastern part of the sky. The sun reaches its greatest angular altitude

More information

Student Exploration: Seasons in 3D

Student Exploration: Seasons in 3D Name: Date: Student Exploration: Seasons in 3D Vocabulary: axis, equinox, latitude, Northern Hemisphere, revolve, rotate, solar energy, solar intensity, Southern Hemisphere, summer solstice, winter solstice

More information

Discovering the Night Sky

Discovering the Night Sky Discovering the Night Sky Guiding Questions 1. What role did astronomy play in ancient civilizations? 2. Are the stars that make up a constellation actually close to one another? 3. Are the same stars

More information

Discovering the Night Sky

Discovering the Night Sky Guiding Questions Discovering the Night Sky 1. What role did astronomy play in ancient civilizations? 2. Are the stars that make up a constellation actually close to one another? 3. Are the same stars

More information

Knowing the Heavens. Chapter Two. Guiding Questions. Naked-eye (unaided-eye) astronomy had an important place in ancient civilizations

Knowing the Heavens. Chapter Two. Guiding Questions. Naked-eye (unaided-eye) astronomy had an important place in ancient civilizations Knowing the Heavens Chapter Two Guiding Questions 1. What role did astronomy play in ancient civilizations? 2. Are the stars that make up a constellation actually close to one another? 3. Are the same

More information

Student Exploration: Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun

Student Exploration: Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun Name: Date: Student Exploration: Seasons: Earth, Moon, and Sun Vocabulary: altitude, axis, azimuth, equinox, horizon, latitude, revolution, rotation, solstice Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE

More information

Practice Test DeAnza College Astronomy 04 Test 1 Spring Quarter 2009

Practice Test DeAnza College Astronomy 04 Test 1 Spring Quarter 2009 Practice Test DeAnza College Astronomy 04 Test 1 Spring Quarter 2009 Multiple Choice Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. Mark answer on Scantron.

More information

The Ecliptic on the Celestial. Sphere. The Celestial Sphere. Astronomy 210. Section 1 MWF Astronomy Building. celestial equator are not

The Ecliptic on the Celestial. Sphere. The Celestial Sphere. Astronomy 210. Section 1 MWF Astronomy Building. celestial equator are not Astronomy 210 Section 1 MWF 1500-1550 134 Astronomy Building This Class (Lecture 3): Lunar Phases Check Planetarium Schedule Next Class: HW1 Due Friday! Early Cosmology Music: We only Come out at Night

More information

Fall equinox means 12 hours of sunlight for everyone, everywhere

Fall equinox means 12 hours of sunlight for everyone, everywhere Fall equinox means 12 hours of sunlight for everyone, everywhere By Washington Post, adapted by Newsela staff on 09.28.17 Word Count 738 Level 1130L Sunset over the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean.

More information

NAME; LAB # SEASONAL PATH OF THE SUN AND LATITUDE Hemisphere Model #3 at the Arctic Circle

NAME; LAB # SEASONAL PATH OF THE SUN AND LATITUDE Hemisphere Model #3 at the Arctic Circle NAME; PERIOD; DATE; LAB # SEASONAL PATH OF THE SUN AND LATITUDE Hemisphere Model #3 at the Arctic Circle 1 OBJECTIVE Explain how latitude affects the seasonal path of the Sun. I) Path of the Sun and Latitude.

More information

Astronomy 1010 Planetary Astronomy Sample Questions for Exam 1

Astronomy 1010 Planetary Astronomy Sample Questions for Exam 1 Astronomy 1010 Planetary Astronomy Sample Questions for Exam 1 Chapter 1 1. A scientific hypothesis is a) a wild, baseless guess about how something works. b) a collection of ideas that seems to explain

More information

Chapter 4 Earth, Moon, and Sky 107

Chapter 4 Earth, Moon, and Sky 107 Chapter 4 Earth, Moon, and Sky 107 planetariums around the world. Figure 4.4 Foucault s Pendulum. As Earth turns, the plane of oscillation of the Foucault pendulum shifts gradually so that over the course

More information

Position 3. None - it is always above the horizon. Agree with student 2; star B never crosses horizon plane, so it can t rise or set.

Position 3. None - it is always above the horizon. Agree with student 2; star B never crosses horizon plane, so it can t rise or set. Position 3 None - it is always above the horizon. N E W S Agree with student 2; star B never crosses horizon plane, so it can t rise or set. Imaginary plane No; the Earth blocks the view. Star A at position

More information

November 20, NOTES ES Rotation, Rev, Tilt.notebook. vertically. night. night. counterclockwise. counterclockwise. East. Foucault.

November 20, NOTES ES Rotation, Rev, Tilt.notebook. vertically. night. night. counterclockwise. counterclockwise. East. Foucault. NOTES ES, Rev,.notebook, and Rotates on an imaginary axis that runs from the to the South North Pole Pole vertically North The of the axis points to a point in space near day Pole Polaris night Responsible

More information

Chapter 2 Lecture. The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition. Discovering the Universe for Yourself

Chapter 2 Lecture. The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition. Discovering the Universe for Yourself Chapter 2 Lecture The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition Discovering the Universe for Yourself Discovering the Universe for Yourself 2.1 Patterns in the Night Sky Our goals for learning: What does the

More information

What Is the Relationship Between Earth s Tilt and the Seasons?

What Is the Relationship Between Earth s Tilt and the Seasons? Learning Set 2 Why Are There Differences in Temperature? Review Images and Graphics While reading about Earth s tilt and the seasons, pay particular attention to the graphics included. How do they help

More information

Astronomy 101 Lab: Seasons

Astronomy 101 Lab: Seasons Name: Astronomy 101 Lab: Seasons Pre-Lab Assignment: In class, we've talked about the cause of the seasons. In this lab, you will use globes to study the relative positions of Earth and the Sun during

More information

Practice Questions: Seasons #1

Practice Questions: Seasons #1 1. Seasonal changes on Earth are primarily caused by the A) parallelism of the Sun's axis as the Sun revolves around Earth B) changes in distance between Earth and the Sun C) elliptical shape of Earth's

More information

Physics 312 Introduction to Astrophysics Lecture 3

Physics 312 Introduction to Astrophysics Lecture 3 Physics 312 Introduction to Astrophysics Lecture 3 James Buckley buckley@wuphys.wustl.edu Lecture 3 Celestial Coordinates the Planets and more History Reason for the Seasons Summer Solstice: Northern Hemisphere

More information

astronomy A planet was viewed from Earth for several hours. The diagrams below represent the appearance of the planet at four different times.

astronomy A planet was viewed from Earth for several hours. The diagrams below represent the appearance of the planet at four different times. astronomy 2008 1. A planet was viewed from Earth for several hours. The diagrams below represent the appearance of the planet at four different times. 5. If the distance between the Earth and the Sun were

More information

Rotation and Revolution

Rotation and Revolution On Earth, each day begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. You see the Sun come up or rise in the morning and go down or set at night. When we use these phrases, what do you think they imply about the way

More information

This clementine orange is an oblate spheroid. Earth is more rounded than this clementine, but it is still an oblate spheroid.

This clementine orange is an oblate spheroid. Earth is more rounded than this clementine, but it is still an oblate spheroid. On Earth, each day begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. You see the Sun come up or rise in the morning and go down or set at night. When we use these phrases, what do you think they imply about the way

More information

(1) Over the course of a day, the sun angle at any particular place varies. Why?

(1) Over the course of a day, the sun angle at any particular place varies. Why? (1) Over the course of a day, the sun angle at any particular place varies. Why? (Note: Although all responses below are true statements, only one of them actually explains the observation!) (A)The sun

More information

Summary Sheet #1 for Astronomy Main Lesson

Summary Sheet #1 for Astronomy Main Lesson Summary Sheet #1 for Astronomy Main Lesson From our perspective on earth The earth appears flat. We can see half the celestial sphere at any time. The earth s axis is always perpendicular to the equator.

More information

1. Which continents are experiencing daytime? 2. Which continents are experiencing nighttime?

1. Which continents are experiencing daytime? 2. Which continents are experiencing nighttime? Name: Section: Astronomy 101: Seasons Lab Objective: When you have completed this lab, you will be able to describe the seasons of the year and explain the reasons for those seasons. Answer the questions

More information

[04] Seasons, Phases, and Eclipses (9/7/17)

[04] Seasons, Phases, and Eclipses (9/7/17) 1 [04] Seasons, Phases, and Eclipses (9/7/17) Upcoming Items Homework #2 due next lecture. Read Ch. 3.3 and do the self-study quizzes for next lecture, and skim 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, & 3.4. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/dh69il_u0aenivq.jpg:large

More information

Seasons Page 520. A. What Causes Seasons?

Seasons Page 520. A. What Causes Seasons? Seasons Page 520 A. What Causes Seasons? 1. Seasons are caused by the tilt of the earth s axis as it moves around the sun. 2. Seasons happen because the Earth is tilted on its axis at a 23.5 angle. 3.

More information

Time, Seasons, and Tides

Time, Seasons, and Tides Time, Seasons, and Tides Celestial Sphere Imagine the sky as a great, hollow, sphere surrounding the Earth. The stars are attached to this sphere--- some bigger and brighter than others--- which rotates

More information

The Sun-Earth-Moon System

The Sun-Earth-Moon System chapter 311 section 1 Earth The Sun-Earth-Moon System Before You Read What do you already know about Earth s shape, its size, and how it moves? Write what you know on the lines below. What You ll Learn

More information

Reasons for the Seasons

Reasons for the Seasons Regents Earth Science Name: Unit 6: Astronomy Date: Section: LAB # Reasons for the Seasons Introduction: The units of time that mankind has devised are all imaginary. We base them on seasonal changes and

More information

Chapter S1 Celestial Timekeeping and Navigation. How do we define the day, month, year, and planetary time periods?

Chapter S1 Celestial Timekeeping and Navigation. How do we define the day, month, year, and planetary time periods? Chapter S1 Celestial Timekeeping and Navigation S1.1 Astronomical Time Periods Our goals for learning:! How do we define the day, month, year, and planetary time periods?! How do we tell the time of day?!

More information

Seasonal & Diurnal Temp Variations. Earth-Sun Distance. Eccentricity 2/2/2010. ATS351 Lecture 3

Seasonal & Diurnal Temp Variations. Earth-Sun Distance. Eccentricity 2/2/2010. ATS351 Lecture 3 Seasonal & Diurnal Temp Variations ATS351 Lecture 3 Earth-Sun Distance Change in distance has only a minimal effect on seasonal temperature. Note that during the N. hemisphere winter, we are CLOSER to

More information

01) The Sun s rays strike the surface of the Earth at 90 degrees at the on December 22.

01) The Sun s rays strike the surface of the Earth at 90 degrees at the on December 22. Package Title: Testbank Course Title: Introducing Physical Geography 6e Chapter Number: 01 Question Type: Multiple Choice 01) The Sun s rays strike the surface of the Earth at 90 degrees at the on December

More information

What causes the seasons? 2/11/09

What causes the seasons? 2/11/09 2/11/09 We can recognize solstices and equinoxes by Sun s path across sky: Summer solstice: Highest path, rise and set at most extreme north of due east. Winter solstice: Lowest path, rise and set at most

More information

Fall equinox levels the sunlight playing field all around the world

Fall equinox levels the sunlight playing field all around the world Fall equinox levels the sunlight playing field all around the world By Washington Post, adapted by Newsela staff on 09.28.17 Word Count 719 Level 950L Sunset over the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean.

More information

Earth rotates on a tilted axis and orbits the Sun.

Earth rotates on a tilted axis and orbits the Sun. Page of 7 KY CONCPT arth rotates on a tilted axis and orbits the Sun. BFOR, you learned Stars seem to rise, cross the sky, and set because arth turns The Sun is very large and far from arth arth orbits

More information

Go to Click on the first animation: The north pole, observed from space

Go to  Click on the first animation: The north pole, observed from space IDS 102 The Seasons on a Planet like Earth As the Earth travels around the Sun, it moves in a giant circle 300 million kilometers across. (Well, it is actually a giant ellipse but the shape is so close

More information

C) the seasonal changes in constellations viewed in the night sky D) The duration of insolation will increase and the temperature will increase.

C) the seasonal changes in constellations viewed in the night sky D) The duration of insolation will increase and the temperature will increase. 1. Which event is a direct result of Earth's revolution? A) the apparent deflection of winds B) the changing of the Moon phases C) the seasonal changes in constellations viewed in the night sky D) the

More information

NATS 101 Section 13: Lecture 7. The Seasons

NATS 101 Section 13: Lecture 7. The Seasons NATS 101 Section 13: Lecture 7 The Seasons The Importance of Seasons The seasons govern both natural and human patterns of behavior. Some big and small examples: Planting and harvesting of crops Migratory

More information

Latitude & Longitude Study Guide

Latitude & Longitude Study Guide Latitude & Longitude Study Guide Name: Date: Section: Label the important Latitude lines on the diagram below. Include the degree measurements The equator is located at zero degrees latitude. The equator

More information

2. Knowing the Heavens

2. Knowing the Heavens 2. Knowing the Heavens Ancient naked-eye astronomy Eighty-eight constellations The sky s ever-changing appearance The celestial sphere Celestial coordinates Seasons: Earth s axial tilt Precession of Earth

More information

Science : Introduction to Astronomy. Lecture 2 : Visual Astronomy -- Stars and Planets. Robert Fisher

Science : Introduction to Astronomy. Lecture 2 : Visual Astronomy -- Stars and Planets. Robert Fisher Science 3210 001 : Introduction to Astronomy Lecture 2 : Visual Astronomy -- Stars and Planets Robert Fisher Items Add/Drop Day Office Hours Vote 5 PM Tuesday 5 PM Thursday 12 Noon Friday Course Webpage

More information

Chapter 2 Lecture. The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition. Discovering the Universe for Yourself Pearson Education, Inc.

Chapter 2 Lecture. The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition. Discovering the Universe for Yourself Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 2 Lecture The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition Discovering the Universe for Yourself Discovering the Universe for Yourself 2.1 Patterns in the Night Sky Our goals for learning: What does the

More information

March 21. Observer located at 42 N. Horizon

March 21. Observer located at 42 N. Horizon March 21 Sun Observer located at 42 N Horizon 48 June 21 March 21 A 48 90 S 23.5 S 0 23.5 N 42 N 90 N Equator (June 21) C (March 21) B A 71.5 48 Horizon 24.5 Observer Sun 40 Observer Sun 22 Observer Sun

More information

Meteorology Pretest on Chapter 2

Meteorology Pretest on Chapter 2 Meteorology Pretest on Chapter 2 MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. The earth emits terrestrial radiation a) only at night b) all the time c) only during winter d) only over the continents 2. If an imbalance occurs between

More information

The History of Astronomy. Please pick up your assigned transmitter.

The History of Astronomy. Please pick up your assigned transmitter. The History of Astronomy Please pick up your assigned transmitter. When did mankind first become interested in the science of astronomy? 1. With the advent of modern computer technology (mid-20 th century)

More information

SC.8.E.5.9. Summer and Winter Gizmo

SC.8.E.5.9. Summer and Winter Gizmo 8 th Grade Science Quarter 1 Recovery Packet SC.8.E.5.9 DAYS/YEARS/SEASONS Go to www.explorelearning.com and search for the Summer and Winter Gizmo. Answer the following questions: Gizmo Warm-up Summer

More information

STANDARD. S6E1 d. Explain the motion of objects in the day/night sky in terms of relative position.

STANDARD. S6E1 d. Explain the motion of objects in the day/night sky in terms of relative position. STANDARD S6E1 d. Explain the motion of objects in the day/night sky in terms of relative position. S6E2 b. Explain the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun during solar and lunar eclipses. c. Relate the

More information

Seasonal Path of the Sun and Latitude

Seasonal Path of the Sun and Latitude Seasonal Path of the Sun and Latitude Overview This lesson is a modification of what Dave Hess and I, Stan Skotnicki, use in our Earth Science classes at Cheektowaga Central High School. It is an extension

More information

Earth Motions Packet 14

Earth Motions Packet 14 Earth Motions Packet 14 Your Name Group Members Score Minutes Standard 4 Key Idea 1 Performance Indicator 1.1 Explain complex phenomena, such as tides, variations in day length, solar insolation, apparent

More information

Astronomy 100 Section 2 MWF Greg Hall

Astronomy 100 Section 2 MWF Greg Hall Astronomy 100 Section 2 MWF 1200-1300 100 Greg Hall Leslie Looney Phone: 217-244-3615 Email: lwl @ uiuc. edu Office: Astro Building #218 Office Hours: MTF 10:30-11:30 a.m. or by appointment Class Web Page

More information

Intro to Astronomy. Looking at Our Space Neighborhood

Intro to Astronomy. Looking at Our Space Neighborhood Intro to Astronomy Looking at Our Space Neighborhood Astronomy: The Original Science Ancient cultures used the movement of stars, planets and the moon to mark time Astronomy: the study of the universe

More information

Chapter 2 Discovering the Universe for Yourself. What does the universe look like from Earth? Constellations. 2.1 Patterns in the Night Sky

Chapter 2 Discovering the Universe for Yourself. What does the universe look like from Earth? Constellations. 2.1 Patterns in the Night Sky Chapter 2 Discovering the Universe for Yourself 2.1 Patterns in the Night Sky Our goals for learning: What does the universe look like from Earth? Why do stars rise and set? Why do the constellations we

More information

How Astronomers Learnt that The Heavens Are Not Perfect

How Astronomers Learnt that The Heavens Are Not Perfect 1 How Astronomers Learnt that The Heavens Are Not Perfect Introduction In this packet, you will read about the discoveries and theories which changed the way astronomers understood the Universe. I have

More information

Chapter 2 Discovering the Universe for Yourself

Chapter 2 Discovering the Universe for Yourself Chapter 2 Discovering the Universe for Yourself 2.1 Patterns in the Night Sky Our goals for learning: What does the universe look like from Earth? Why do stars rise and set? Why do the constellations we

More information

10-20 billion years old

10-20 billion years old Universe : 10-20 billion years old Big Bang Theory * the universe started at a single point * that point was extremely dense * it became unstable and expanded outward * The universe is still expanding

More information

Reasons for the Seasons Model-Evidence Link Diagram (MEL)

Reasons for the Seasons Model-Evidence Link Diagram (MEL) A C o n t e n t S e c o n d a r y S c i e n c e N e w s l e t t e r f r o m t h e Southo u t h ern r n Nevada e v a d a R egional g i o n a l Professional r o f e s s i o n a l Development e v e l o p

More information

Lesson 20: The Earth in its Orbit

Lesson 20: The Earth in its Orbit 291 Lesson 20: The Earth in its Orbit Recall that the Earth s orbit around the un is an ellipse which is almost a perfect circle. The average distance from the un to the Earth is 152,100,000 km (to the

More information

Earth in Space Chapter 1

Earth in Space Chapter 1 Earth in Space Chapter 1 Section 1 Earth in Space How does Earth move in space? What causes the cycle of seasons on Earth? How the Earth Moves The study of the moon, stars, and other objects in space is

More information

Name Homeroom. Science Quiz Day/Night, Sun s Energy, Seasons September 24, 2012

Name Homeroom. Science Quiz Day/Night, Sun s Energy, Seasons September 24, 2012 Name Homeroom Science Quiz Day/Night, Sun s Energy, Seasons September 24, 2012 1. The winter solstice occurs on either December 21 or 22, depending on the year. Which of the following statements best explains

More information

THE EARTH AND ITS REPRESENTATION

THE EARTH AND ITS REPRESENTATION UNIT 7 THE EARTH AND ITS REPRESENTATION TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 THE EARTH AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM... 2 2 THE EARTH S MOVEMENTS... 2 2.1 Rotation.... 2 2.2 The revolution of the Earth: seasons of the year....

More information

Chapter 1: Discovering the Night Sky. The sky is divided into 88 unequal areas that we call constellations.

Chapter 1: Discovering the Night Sky. The sky is divided into 88 unequal areas that we call constellations. Chapter 1: Discovering the Night Sky Constellations: Recognizable patterns of the brighter stars that have been derived from ancient legends. Different cultures have associated the patterns with their

More information

S CIENCE O VERVIEW. 59 Lesson Plan. Standards Benchmarks. Science Overview. Lesson Overview. Answer Key. Resources. My Angle on Cooling ME S S EN G ER

S CIENCE O VERVIEW. 59 Lesson Plan. Standards Benchmarks. Science Overview. Lesson Overview. Answer Key. Resources. My Angle on Cooling ME S S EN G ER S CIENCE O VERVIEW There are many different ways to cope with being in the presence of a hot object. A familiar one is to move away from it so that you do not feel its heat as strongly. Another is to change

More information

LAB: What Events Mark the Beginning of Each Season?

LAB: What Events Mark the Beginning of Each Season? Name: Date: LAB: What Events Mark the Beginning of Each Season? The relationship between the Sun and Earth have been used since antiquity to measure time. The day is measured by the passage of the Sun

More information

The Celestial Sphere. GEK1506 Heavenly Mathematics: Cultural Astronomy

The Celestial Sphere. GEK1506 Heavenly Mathematics: Cultural Astronomy The Celestial Sphere GEK1506 Heavenly Mathematics: Cultural Astronomy Helmer Aslaksen Department of Mathematics National University of Singapore aslaksen@math.nus.edu.sg www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/ The

More information

2.2 The Reason for Seasons

2.2 The Reason for Seasons 2.2 The Reason for Seasons Our goals for learning: What causes the seasons? How does the orientation of Earth's axis change with time? Thought Question TRUE OR FALSE? Earth is closer to the Sun in summer

More information

CHAPTER 2 A USER'S GUIDE TO THE SKY

CHAPTER 2 A USER'S GUIDE TO THE SKY CHAPTER 2 A USER'S GUIDE TO THE SKY MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. In one way of naming stars, a letter indicates its brightness relative to the other stars in the constellation. a. English b. Arabic c. Greek d. Cyrillic

More information

Introduction To Modern Astronomy I: Solar System

Introduction To Modern Astronomy I: Solar System ASTR 111 003 Fall 2007 Lecture 02 Sep. 10, 2007 Introduction To Modern Astronomy I: Solar System Introducing Astronomy (chap. 1-6) Planets and Moons (chap. 7-15) Chap. 16: Our Sun Chap. 28: Search for

More information

Discovering the Universe for Yourself

Discovering the Universe for Yourself Constellations: region in the sky with well defined borders; the familiar patterns of stars merely help us locate these constellations. 88 names were chosen by the International Astronomical Union. Every

More information

Astronomy 115 Section 4 Week 2. Adam Fries SF State

Astronomy 115 Section 4 Week 2. Adam Fries SF State Astronomy 115 Section 4 Week 2 Adam Fries SF State afries@sfsu.edu Important Notes: Homework #1 is Due at the beginning of class next time. Attendance Sheet is going around one last time! Homework Questions?

More information