Unit 2

Question 1

Ecliptic

Answer 1

Path of the Sun through the stars on the celestial sphere (as we orbit the sun)

Question 2

Earth’s Tilt

Answer 2

23.5 degrees

Question 3

Tropic of Cancer

Answer 3

23.5 degrees North

Question 4

Tropic of Capricorn

Answer 4

23.5 degrees South

Question 5

How long is Earth’s orbit around the sun?

Answer 5

365 1/4 days

Question 6

definition of equinox

Answer 6

equal night, vernal equinox and autumnal equinox

Question 7

definition of solstice

Answer 7

sun appears to stop, summer and winter solstices

Question 8

When is the Northern hemispheres vernal equinox?

Answer 8

March 21

Question 9

When is the Northern hemisphere’s autumnal equinox?

Answer 9

September 21

Question 10

Where is the ecliptic during both the vernal and autumnal equinox?

Answer 10

The equator

Question 11

Perihelion

Answer 11

Perimeter, when Earth’s orbit is closest to the sun, around January 4th

Question 12

Aphelion

Answer 12

when Earth’s farthest from the sun in it’s orbit, around July 4th

Question 13

Equinox

Answer 13

Rises directly East and sets directly West

Question 14

Winter Solstice

Answer 14

Tropic of Capricorn, rises in the SE, arcs South, sets in SW

Question 15

Angle of solar noon during the winter solstice

Answer 15

24 degrees

Question 16

Summer Solstice

Answer 16

Tropic of Cancer, rises in NE, sets in NW

Question 17

Angle of solar noon during the Summer solstice

Answer 17

72 degrees

Question 18

Insolation

Answer 18

Amount of incoming solar radiation

Question 19

What causes the seasons?

Answer 19

Earth’s tilt

Question 20

Is the ecliptics tilt aligned with the equator?

Answer 20

No

Question 21

How many hours of sunlight does the Northern hemisphere get on March 21st?

Answer 21

12 hours

Question 22

How many hours of sunlight does the Northern hemisphere get on December 21st

Answer 22

9 hours

Question 23

How many hours of sunlight does Omaha get on June 21st?

Answer 23

15 hours