Question 1

In the Milankovitch theory, the elliptical shape of the Earth's orbit, its axis tilt, and axis precession vary with time. These combined at times to create ____ on Earth.

Accepted Answer

A) day and night 
B) seasonal temperature variations 
C) daily temperature variations 
D) ice ages 
E) the constellations

Question 2

A solar or lunar eclipse will occur

Accepted Answer

A) when the Sun is near the line of nodes of the Moon, and the Moon is new or full. 
B) any time the Moon is new or full. 
C) when the Sun is near the solstice, and the Moon is new or full. 
D) half-way through an eclipse year. 
E) when the Sun is near the equinox, and the Moon is new or full.

Question 3

A solar or lunar eclipse may occur when the line of nodes (The line connecting the points of the Moon's orbit that intersects the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun)

Accepted Answer

A) points at the Sun. 
B) is 90 degrees to the Sun's direction. 
C) Wrong! The line of intersection is irrelevant.

Question 4

Why can neither Venus nor Mercury remain visible throughout the night as the full Moon does

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why can neither Venus nor Mercury remain...

Question 5

The ____ Moon is visible above the eastern horizon a couple of hours before sunrise.

Accepted Answer

A) waning gibbous 
B) waxing gibbous 
C) waxing crescent 
D) waning crescent 
E) new

Question 6

In the following picture, Sagittarius and Scorpius are above the southern horizon. Where is the ecliptic in the picture

Accepted Answer

A) below the horizon 
B) above Sagittarius and Scorpius and above the picture 
C) above Sagittarius and Scorpius but still in the picture 
D) through Sagittarius and Scorpius

Question 7

If the Earth's period of rotation were halved, but the period of revolution about the Sun stayed the same,

Accepted Answer

A) the night would be twice as long. 
B) the night would be half as long. 
C) the year would be half as long. 
D) The year would be half as long. 
E) the length of the day would be unchanged.

Question 8

Choose the correct word(s) that make the statement true. A (lunar, solar) eclipse occurs when the Moon is (new, quarter, gibbous, full) and the ordering of aligned celestial objects is always Sun, Earth, Moon.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Choose the correct word(s) that make the...

Question 9

If the plane of the Earth's equator were not tilted with respect to the ecliptic plane,

Accepted Answer

A) the daylight period of Earth would be the same year-round. 
B) there would be no seasonal changes. 
C) Earth's poles would not experience six-month-long nights. 
D) All of the above.

Question 10

If tonight is a full Moon then in about two weeks it will be a _______ Moon.

Accepted Answer

The answer of If tonight is a full Moon then...

Question 11

A(n) ____ is a set of beliefs that appears to be based on scientific ideas, but which fails to obey the most basic rules of science.

Accepted Answer

A) theory 
B) hypothesis 
C) pseudoscience 
D) allegory 
E) scientific model

Question 12

You are located at 40 degrees south latitude on Earth and the northern hemisphere is experiencing winter. Days for you are short whereas nights for you are long.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

Earth's projected orbit on the sky is called the _____________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Earth's projected orbit on the sky is...

Question 14

A total solar eclipse occurred in Wolf Point, Montana, on Feb. 26, 1979. When was (will) an eclipse like this eclipse next (be) visible again in Montana Hint: A Saros is 18 years and 11 1/3 days. Twice a Saros is 36 years 22 2/3 days. Three times a Saros is 56 years 34 days. So the best choice answer of these listed will be late ______.

Accepted Answer

A) August of 1979 
B) March of 2033 
C) March of 1997 
D) March of 1979 
E) January of 2000

Question 15

A dime is 1.8 cm in diameter. Earth's Moon is 3.844 × 1010 cm from Earth and has a diameter of 3.76 × 108 cm. At what distance from your eye would you have to hold a dime so that it has the same angular diameter as the full Moon

Accepted Answer

A) 200 cm 
B) 2 cm 
C) 0.2 cm 
D) 2 AU 
E) 2 LY

Question 16

Draw the aligned positions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during a lunar eclipse. Draw the umbra and penumbra. Label all.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Draw the aligned positions of the Sun,...

Question 17

Why does the Moon glow coppery red during a total lunar eclipse

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does the Moon glow coppery red...

Question 18

The ____ is 18 years and 11  days long.

Accepted Answer

A) sidereal period 
B) synodic period 
C) eclipse season 
D) Saros cycle 
E) eclipse year

Question 19

In China tonight the Moon phase is first quarter, so tonight for you the Moon phase is ______.

Accepted Answer

A) waxing gibbous 
B) first quarter 
C) new 
D) waxing crescent

Question 20

The ________ cycle of the phases of the Moon is due to the Moon's spherical shape and the ______ shining on it from different directions.

Accepted Answer

A) monthly; Earth 
B) yearly; Earth 
C) monthly; Sun 
D) yearly; Sun

Exam 3: Cycles of the Sun and Moon