Sky Science Test Flashcards
Who was Nicholas Copernicus?
Nicholas Copernicus was a Polish scientist, that lived in the 1500’s. He discovered the Heliocentric Theory: The sun is the centre of the universe and all planets revolve around it.
What is Sputnick?
In 1957 the Soviet Union launched the very first artificial satellite into orbit.
What two measurements to astronomers use to measure distance and to measure?
Astronomers use AUs (Astronomical Units) to measure the distance from planets to the sun. Astronomers use light years to measure.
What are constellations?
Constellations are patterns in the sky.
Who named most of the constellations?
The Early Greeks named most of the constellations.
What are two other names for The North Star?
Pole Star and Polaris.
What are two constellations that can be seen from the Northern Hemisphere?
Queen Cassiopeia, Orion’s Belt, The Big Dipper, The Little Dipper.
What is an asterism?
The Big Dipper is an asterism. (Asterism means part of a larger constellation)
What does circumpolar mean?
Can be seen year round.
What is one constellation that is circumpolar?
The Big Dipper.
