midterm 1

Question 1

what are the two dimensions of the equatorial coordinate system?

Answer 1

right ascension, declination

Question 2

What is the imaginary sphere of stars around the earth called?

Answer 2

Celestial sphere

Question 3

what is the declination of the North Celestial Pole?

Answer 3

90deg N

Question 4

What are the units of declination

Answer 4

degrees

Question 5

What are the units of right ascension

Answer 5

hours/minutes

Question 6

Define Zenith

Answer 6

Point directly overhead

Question 7

Define Nadir

Answer 7

Point directly underneath

Question 8

Define the observer’s meridian

Answer 8

The arc that runs from the north point of the horizon through the zenith and down to the south point

Question 9

Name the two angles of coordinates in the horizon coordinate system

Answer 9

Azimuth, altitude

Question 10

Define Azimuth

Answer 10

Compass direction of star in degrees

Question 11

Define altitude

Answer 11

angle that the object is above the horizon

Question 12

Define Ecliptic

Answer 12

The apparent motion of the sun around the celestial sphere

Question 13

Name the four equinoxes

Answer 13

Vernal, Summer, Autumnal, Winter

Question 14

List the four dates of the equinoxes

Answer 14

Mar 21, Jun 21, Sep 21, Dec 21

Question 15

name the 3 types of teliscopes

Answer 15

refractor, reflector, catadioptric

Question 16

name the advantages of a refractor telescope

Answer 16

long focal length=large image,

Question 17

describe the disadvanges of a refractor telescope

Answer 17

need a counterweight, require large domes, lens have a limiting size, chromatic aberration

Question 18

Name the two focal arrangements of reflector telescopes

Answer 18

Newtonian, Cassegrain

Question 19

name advantages of reflector telescopes

Answer 19

no chromatic abberation, no size limit, shorter tubes

Question 20

what does a catadioptric use to focus light?

Answer 20

mirrors, and lens

Question 21

define resolving power

Answer 21

the ability to separate fine detail and distiguish objects

Question 22

what is the resolving power proportional too

Answer 22

The aperature

Question 23

define aperature

Answer 23

the diameter of the objective

Question 24

define light gathering power

Answer 24

amount light collected