Introduction

Question 1

Biannual solstices

Answer 1

Point at which the sun is at its highest point or lowest point in the sky.

21st June - Tropic of Cancer (North)
21st of December (Tropic of Capricorn) - South

Question 2

Perihelion

Answer 2

January

Orbital velocity is highest

Earth is closest to the sun

Question 3

Aphelion

Answer 3

July

Orbital velocity is lowest

Sun is furthest away from the sun

Question 4

Equinox

Answer 4

Sun directly overhead the equator; equal day and night

March/September

Question 5

The Earth orbits around

Answer 5

The plane of ecliptic

Question 6

Angle of equator vs the plane of ecliptic

Answer 6

23. 5 degrees

- Causes seasons

Question 7

Greatest difference between Apparent Noon and Mean Noon

Answer 7

February and November.

17 minutes.

Question 8

Equation of Time

Answer 8

Mathematical relationship between Apparent and Mean sun.

Question 9

Shape of Earth

Answer 9

Oblique spheroid

Question 10

Ratio of ellipticity

Answer 10

1/298

0.3%

Question 11

Circumference of Equator

Answer 11

21.600nm

40,000km

Question 12

Diameter of the Earth

Answer 12

6875 nm

12732 km

Circumference (21,600/π)

Question 13

Radius of the Earth

Answer 13

3438 nm

6322 km

Diameter / 2