(Chapter 6.2) Investigating the Universe

Question 1

Define constellation

Answer 1

An area on the celestial sphere in which a group of visible stars forms a perceived pattern or outline, typically representing an animal, mythological subject, or inanimate object

Question 2

Identify the role of constellations for navigators

Answer 2

Constellations show the direction a vehicle is traveling at night

Question 3

Recall the elongated term CCD

Answer 3

Charge-coupled devices

Question 4

Define charge-coupled device

Answer 4

Sensitive detectors of photons and electromagnetic radiation that can be used in telescopes instead of film or photographic plates to produce images

Question 5

Explain how advancements in optics advanced the field of astronomy

Answer 5

Advanced in our understanding of optics resulted in telescopes, enabling humanity to peer further into space

Question 6

Explain how advancements in robotics advanced the field of astronomy

Answer 6

Advancements in robotics enabled humanity to send robot explorers onto objects in space, viewing the terrain

Question 7

Outline why further space travel is a necessity

Answer 7

Further space travel is necessary to preserve humanity. Our planet is threatened with extinction, in both the short-term and long-term. In the short-term, the irreversible damages humanity has caused to the planet is evident through the growing concerns of climate change and depletion of resources. In the long-term, it is inevitable that an asteroid will collide with Earth and at the end of the Sun’s lifespan, the star will expand, engulfing Earth and incinerating everything

Question 8

Identify the dangers of space travel

Answer 8

In space, astronauts are at risk of solar winds, lack of oxygen, and a loss of calcium

Question 9

Define solar winds

Answer 9

Streams of radiation and particles from the Sun

Question 10

Explain how astronauts’ bones will lose calcium

Answer 10

Prolonged periods in space and in turn, without gravity, weakens the calcium within the bones of astronauts

Question 11

Propose the advantages and disadvantages of colonising the moon for human civilisation

Answer 11

The advantages of the moon is that the distance between the moon and the Earth is relative small. Furthermore, it has already been identified that there are minerals and ice on the moon. However, the moon lacks an atmosphere, causing a significant variance in temperature. Furthermore the weak gravity of the moon is unable to trap gases. The ice on the moon is limited and unsustainable and the transport of water is a costly endeavour