Astronomy Quiz #2 - HS Earth

What is a key characteristic of the Heliocentric model as described in the text?

• The Earth is at the center of the solar system

• The sun is at one of the foci of a planet's orbital ellipse

• Planets move in perfect circles

• The moon is at the center of the solar system

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

What is the Astronomical Unit (AU) defined as?

• The average distance from Earth to the Moon

• The average distance from Earth to the Sun

• The length of Earth's orbit around the Sun

• The distance from the Sun to the outer edges of the solar system

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What does the term "eccentricity" in an orbital context refer to?

• The tilt of the orbital plane relative to the solar equator

• The shape of the orbit in relation to a perfect circle

• The speed at which a planet travels in its orbit

• The rotation period of a planet around its axis

According to Kepler's second law, how do planets move in their orbits?

• Planets move at a constant speed throughout their orbit

• Planets move faster when they are closer to the sun

• Planets move slower when they are closer to the sun

• Planets' speed is not related to their position in the orbit

Which scientist used a telescope to observe and support Kepler's laws and the heliocentric model?

• Johannes Kepler

• Galileo Galilei

• Isaac Newton

• Albert Einstein

Which planet is known as the closest to the Sun?

• Venus

• Earth

• Mars

• Mercury

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

How many moons does Mercury have?

• One

• Two

• Three

• None

What is the primary reason Venus is considered the hottest planet in our solar system?

• Its proximity to the Sun

• Its very thick atmosphere and high levels of CO2

• Its retrograde rotation

• Its surface covered with volcanic lava flows

What unique feature does Earth have that distinguishes it from other planets in the solar system?

• It has a very thick atmosphere

• It is the only planet with active plate tectonics

• It has the highest average temperature

• It has a retrograde rotation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Why is Mars referred to as "The Red Planet"?

• Because of its high atmospheric pressure

• Because it is the fourth planet from the sun

• Because its iron-rich rocks oxidize (rust) on the surface

• Because it has two moons