Mr. Gord
Astronomy
Unit 2 Test – Earth’s Motions and Seasons Objectives
Learning Objectives -- Be able to do the following:
Key terms to know:
1. Describe Copernican model of universe.
2. Describe Ptolemaic model of universe.
3. Distinguish between geocentric and heliocentric
4. Identify Evidence of Earth’s Rotation
5. Explain Evidence for an elliptical orbit
Copernicus, Ptolemy,
6. Explain differences between rotation, revolution (period of, effects of)
Calendar Year, Leap
7. Know direction of Earth’s rotation
Year, Polaris,
8. Calculate/compare the rotational speed of various latitudes on Earth
Synodic, Sidereal,
9. Calculate/compare the rotational speeds/patterns of various planets.
Aphelion, perihelion,
10. Know direction of Earth’s revolution
ellipse, focus,
11. Explain precession
solstices, equinoxes,
12. Explain why we have a leap year
vernal, autumnal,
13. Calculate Earth’s speed of revolution
local meridian, upper
14. Calculate/compare the revolutionary speeds/patterns of various planets
transit, direct/vertical
15. Identify differences in Earth’s orbital speed.
ray, angle of
16. Diagram Earth’s orbit
declination, Apparent
17. Explain the reasons for seasons – Why is it cold in winter, warm in summer?
Size
18. List calendar days of the beginning of each season in both hemispheres
19. List the latitude that the direct rays of the sun hit on various days of the year
20. Calculate the angle of the noon sun at various latitudes at various times of the
year, using an analemma.