Earth and Space Science Quiz

The diagram below represents the Moon at one position in its orbit around Earth. At which numbered location would high tide be occurring when the Moon is in the location shown in the diagram?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Cosmic background radiation provides evidence of the

• Big Bang

• origin of the Sun

• radioactive decay in Earth’s core

• formation of the Milky Way Galaxy

Approximately how many degrees does Earth travel in its orbit in six months?

• 30°

• 90°

• 180°

• 360°

The constellation Orion is visible in New York State in the night sky during winter, but is not visible in New York State in the night sky during summer because

• Earth rotates on its axis

• Earth revolves around the Sun

• Orion rotates on its axis

• Orion revolves around the Sun

The diagram below represents a scientific instrument.

• spins on its axis

• is tilted on its axis

• has a spherical shape

• moves along an orbital path

The diagram below represents a flagpole and its shadow in New York State at solar noon.

• south

• north

• east

• west

Which term best describes the curving of Earth’s planetary winds and major surface ocean currents?

• El Niño

• orbital eccentricity

• Doppler effect

• Coriolis effect

Which landmass has at least one location where the Sun will be directly overhead at solar noon at some time during a year?

• Antarctica

• Australia

• Europe

• Greenland

What is the primary source of energy that causes all weather phenomena on Earth?

• volcanic eruptions

• residual heat from Earth’s formation

• convection currents in the hydrosphere

• incoming solar radiation

The dry-bulb temperature is 18°C and the wetbulb temperature is 8°C on a psychrometer. What is the dewpoint?

• –5°C

• 2°C

• 10°C

• 19°C