Take Home Test

You must answer at least two questions from each unit, and a total of 14 questions.  You may type if you wish, but this assignment is due tomorrow as a paper handout.  Work must be in your own words or labeled pictures.  If you are caught plagiarizing verbatim from a source, you will receive a ZERO.  .

UNIT 1

1.  Comment on the evolution of astrology to astronomy over the past 2000 years, using evidence from at least three astronomers.

2.  Explain the significance of the Zodiac, the 88 accepted constellations, and the polar stars to helping us in understanding of Earth's place in the universe

3. What is the connection between the Ecliptic , the sun, and the seasons?

UNIT 2

4. Why are the phases of the moon a type of time clock?  Give three examples of how this could benefit you in the wilderness if the moon wasn't new and wasn't full.

5. Why bother to study other planets magnetic fields, composition, and atmosphere in our solar system and beyond?

6. How does our Sun function and create energy for us to live?  What ramifications does that have for Earth and for the development of elements?

UNIT 3

7.  Why is Galileo's telescope and discoveries using it (the moon, the sun, and the moons of Jupiter) such a turning point for science, and what did he find with each discovery?

8.  What have large space telescopes (Chandra, Spitzer, Hubble, SOHO, GOES) told us, and what should be done about such telescopes in the future?

9.  What is the role of ground-based telescopes like SDSS and VLAO in the study of space?

UNIT 4

10.  Tell me about galaxies, various types, and how Cobe microwave signatures helped us to understand them OR tell me the significance of Hubble Deep Space and why it took so long.

11.  What is the role of mass in the life cycles of stars and how does that connect to the HR diagram?  Contrast at least two stars in your answer as evidence.

12. How did we use 21-cm radio hydgrogen signals to help determine the shape of our galaxy?

UNIT 5

13. How does the concept of spectral lines and red-shifting affectour understanding of planets, galaxies, and the universe as a whole?  Edwin Hubble must be included in your answer.

14. What is the likelihood of discovering alien life, based on our research towards finding new planets, our understanding of the Drake equation, and the interstellar missions we have undertaken?

15. Think of the contributions of Einstein:  E=mc^2, general relativity, special relativity, and the photoelectric effect, and suggest ways each has affect the study of astronomy.

UNIT 6

16. Space is honking big. So is the ability of human beings to understand it.  What critical thinking skills have you gained in this class to help you move forward in your future studies?  List three pieces of evidence to support this idea.

17.  Throughout this class, we have experienced the concept of science as a human endeavor, where fallible people do their best to help advance the cause of science, often with surprising benefits.  Skeptics still remain, and a manufactured conflict between some factions in religion and science remains.  What can you do about that as you move into your life as a literate science citizen?

18.  Explain your understanding of the Big Bang, gravity waves, the microwave signature found by Wilson and Penzias, and why we live around a second or third generation star, based on the evidence we have studied.