2. Observing the Sky Flashcards
Select the best answer.
Astronomers today use the names of constellations to
** A.) refer to groups of stars first identified by the ancient Greeks**
** B.) identify asterisms**
** C.) identify a specific area of the sky**
** D.) refer to only the brightest star in a constellation**
The answer is C.) identify a specific area of the sky.
Select the best answer.
The principal reason ancient civilizations gave names to groups of stars in the sky was probably to
** A.) predict the seasons**
** B.) provide a common reference among different cultures**
** C.) develop a calendar**
** D.) honor gods, heroes, and animals**
The answer is D.) honor gods, heroes, and animals.
Select the best answer.
When the cosmos is described in terms of the celestial sphere, Earth is located
** A.) at the center of the sphere**
** B.) one-third degree from the edge of the sphere**
** C.) beyond the limits of the sphere and in orbit around it**
** D.) equidistant from the edge of the sphere and the Sun**
The answer is A.) at the center of the sphere.
Select the best answer.
Many of the brightest stars in the sky have names that were derived from ancient
** A.) Latin**
** B.) Greek**
** C.) Arabic**
** D.) the Romance Languages**
The answer is C.) Arabic.
Select the best answer.
The great circle that divides the celestial sphere into two equal hemispheres is called
** A.) horizon**
** B.) celestial meridian**
** C.) lines of magnitude**
** D.) celestial equator**
The answer is D.) celestial equator.
Select the best answer.
As Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun, its axis slowly wobbles and traces a cone in space. This motion is called
** A.) oscillation of the axis**
** B.) precession**
** C.) angular motion**
** D.) revolution of the axis**
The answer is B.) precession.
