Earth in Space

The study of the universe and its contents, including galaxies, stars, and planets, is known as

• astronomy

• geology

• physics

The path an object takes as it revolves around another object in space is called its

• rotation
• inertia
• orbit

The imaginary line that passes through the center of Earth is called its

• axis
• rotation
• orbit

What is the term for a system that organizes time by defining the start, duration, and segments of a year?

• chronometer

• calendar

• zodiac sign

The spinning motion of a planet on its axis is called

• orbiting
• rotation
• revolution

The two days in which the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marked by the longest and shortest days, are known as the

• vernal and autumnal equinoxes

• winter and summer solstices

What causes the alternation of day and night on Earth?

• the spinning (rotation) of Earth on its axis

• the tilt of Earth's axis

• the orbit of Earth around the sun

What is the cause of the seasons?

• the distance between the Earth and the sun
• the tilt of the Earth as it revolves around the sun
• the orbit of the moon around the Earth

Approximately how long does it take for the Earth to revolve around the sun?

• 1 day
• 365.25 days
• 1 month

Approximately how long does it take for the Earth to rotate on its axis?

• 24 hours
• 365.25 days
• 1 month