PSC 203 – Elementary Astronomy
Spring 2007
Study Guide for Exam 1:
Exam scheduled for February 22
The following is a rough idea of the topics that will be on the exam grouped by the
lecture in which material was presented.
Sun-Earth-Moon (SEM) System Overview:
Recognize the relative sizes of the Sun, earth, and Moon
Recognize the relative sizes of the orbits for the Sun-earth and earth-moon
Define an astronomical unit
Know the tilts of objects and orbits in the SEM
Understand the synchronous orbit of the moon
Know how long each motion takes in the SEM
Phases of the moon:
Match names for phases and % illuminated
Match names for phases and pictures from earth
Match view from earth to geometry in space
Figure out when each phase is visible
Seasons:
Recognize the correct explanation for the seasons
Understand how changing Earth’s tilt would affect seasons
Know how angle affects the heating efficiency
Explain why misconception about the seasons cannot be correct
Recognize the relationship between seasons and hemisphere
Recognize the geometry of the Earth during different seasons
Eclipses:
Define solar and lunar eclipses
Define partial, total, and annular eclipses
Recognize a visual example of the solar eclipse types
Know the phases of the moon when eclipses can occur
Recognize the geometry for solar and lunar eclipses
Explain why eclipses are so rare
Define umbra and penumbra
Explain how umbra and penumbra are related to solar eclipse types
Additional topics listed on back
