Chptr 29 Flashcards
What is a round, three-dimensional object, the surface of which is the same distance from the center all the way around called?
sphere
What is an elongated, closed curve with two foci called?
ellipse
Is a Earth a perfect sphere?
No, the diameter (equator) is slightly further than pole to pole (42km difference).
What are three ancient observations that prove Earth is a sphere?
any object that falls, falls straight down
the Earth’s shadow on the moon is curved
people in different parts of the world see different stars
What are two factors that effect gravitational strength?
masses & distance
What does the magnetic field protect Earth from?
harmful radiation from the sun
Which hemisphere is the South magnetic pole located?
Northern Hemisphere
At what degree does Earth’s axis tilt?
11.7°
Can the magnetic poles change?
yes
What is the large- scale movement where the magnetic poles switch?
magnetic reversals
How often do the magnetic reversals occur?
~200,000 years
When were the last magnetic reversals?
780,000 years ago
Which part of Earth’s magnetic field deflects harmful radiation from the sun?
the magnetosphere
What are the two scientific names for the Northern and Southern lights?
Aurora Borealis (N) Aurora Australis (S)
How are the Auroras created?
electrical-charged particles collide w/ atoms in the atmosphere & emit light
When is Earth closest to the sun?
in early January, ~147 million km away
When is Earth farthest from the sun?
in early July, ~152 million km away
What is an area that is 15° wide in which the time is the same?
time zones
What is the spinning of Earth on its axis?
rotation
What is the motion of Earth in an elliptical orbit around the sun?
revolution
What is the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun called?
ecliptic
What occurs when Earth’s rotational axis is tilted directly toward or away from th esun?
solstice
Where is Earth’s rotational axis is perpendicular to a line drawn from the center of Earth to the center of the sun?
equinox
Who devised a method of timekeeping around 3000 B.C.?
Babylonians
What was the symbol for degree taken from?
the sun
How many degrees does the earth spin in one day?
360°
How many hours does it take the earth to make one full rotation?
23h 56m 4s
How many degrees does the earth spin in one hour?
15°
What direction does the sun rise?
East
What direction does the sun set?
West
Are all time zones the same size?
No, they’re modified to fit around cities, states, and country borders, and other key features
How many time zones are there in the world?
24