5 - Astronomy

Question 1

What is the difference between a galaxy and a solar system?

Answer 1

A galaxy is a large collection of stars, planets, and other matter, while a solar system is the system of planets and objects orbiting a single star, like our Sun.

Question 2

Which five planets are visible to the naked eye in the Southern Hemisphere?

Answer 2

Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury.

Question 3

How can you use the Southern Cross to determine the direction of true south?

Answer 3

Extend the long axis of the Southern Cross 4.5 times, and where this line meets the horizon is true south.

Question 4

What is a waxing moon?

Answer 4

A waxing moon is when the visible part of the moon is increasing, moving from new moon to full moon.

Question 5

What causes a lunar eclipse?

Answer 5

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon.