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Astronomy 101: Test 1
Charles Thompson-Trident Technical College
41
Astronomy
Undergraduate 1
04/30/2011

Additional Astronomy Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
List the steps of science. How does it differ from theology?
Definition

1) Take Data

2) Make a model (usually mathematical)

3) Compare with reality

 

(When we're wrong we're happy.)

Term
DEFINE: Ecliptic
Definition
The path of the sun through the stars
Term
DEFINE: Elliptical
Definition
A path with two foci
Term
Using the Apollo mission as an example, explain least energy orbit.
Definition
[image]
Term
DEFINE: Launch Constraint
Definition
A condition that must exist for a successful shuttle launch.
Term
List at least four launch constraints for the Apollo mission.
Definition
1) Moon in correct position
2) Need shadows
3) LOS at Burn #2
4) Direct LOS after landing on target
(5) Land at TV primetime
Term
DEFINE:
MASCON
Definition
Mass concentration of the moon
Term
DEFINE:
Resolution
Definition
How big something must be to excite a pixel
Term
List the three types of probes.
Definition

1) Fly-by: Best payload, not wasting fuel for burn #2&3; one look resolution varies

2) Orbiter: Medium payload; lower resolution; many looks

3) Lander: small payload; best resolution

Term
Give Newton's laws AND what they mean.
Definition

1) An object remains at rest or in constant motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. How we see a force.

2) F = MA. How we measure a force.

3) For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. How we build rockets.

Term
Discuss S & P waves. What do they tell us? Draw a diagram.
Definition
[image]
Term
Discuss the accepted theory of Earth/Moon formation.
Definition
A large mass about the size of Mars struck the forming Earth. This give equal ages & explains density.
Term
Discuss the Foucault Pendulum. What does it prove?
Definition
It is a pendulum that shows that the Earth rotates. It proves the heliocentric theory.
Term
DEFINE: Heliocentric.
Definition
A sun centered orbit.
Term
DEFINE: Geocentric.
Definition
An Earth centered orbit. (Epicycles.)
Term
DEFINE: Retrograde Motion
Definition
The apparent backwards movement of planets.
Term
Draw a diagram & show the heliocentric theory for retrograde motion. Why was it initially accepted?
Definition
[image]
Term
Occam's Razor
Definition
Given several possibilities the least complex will be correct.
Term
List the types of continental drift and something associated with each.
Definition

1) Rift: split apart --> Pillow Lava

2) Subduction: one plate slips under another --> Plume Volcano

3) Collision: hit --> mountains

4) Fault: slips past another --> earthquakes

5) Hotspot: Higher density lava

Term
Annalemma
Definition
The position of the sun at the same time each day.
Term
Discuss why the Earth should have a magnetic field.
Definition

1) Need a spinning object --> Foucault Pendulum

2) Production of free electrons --> from S & P waves

 

Term
Lorentz Force Law
Definition
[image]
Term
Draw a diagram and discuss the Van Allen Belts
Definition
[image]
Term
DEFINE:
Ionizing Radiation
Definition
High speed charged particles.
Term
Discuss how we see long & short term pole shifts.
Definition
[image]
Term
DEFINE: Neap tide
Definition
When the moon & sun are perpendicular to the Earth. Lowest possible tides.
Term
DEFINE:
Spring tide.
Definition
When the moon & sun line up with the Earth. Highest possible tides.
Term
Discuss why tides happen & what is the long-term effect.
Definition
Since the water is closer to the sun/moon & the Earth is (semi) rigid, we see water lifting toward the sun/moon. Since the continents stop the water, it slows the Earth's rotation.
Term
Give the optical law, draw the light path, & give the advantage/disadvantage of a reflecting telescope.
Definition
[image]
Term
DEFINE:
Diffraction
Definition
Scattering of light by a surface.
Term
DEFINE:
Chromatic Abberation
Definition
The scattering of light into colors.
Term
Discuss meteors.
Definition

1) ≈90% are silicon based.

2) ≈10% are iron

3) They have water on them

4) Orbits Vary

5) Many seem to organize in the asteroid belt.

Term
Draw a crater on the moon & give major elements.
Definition
[image]
Term
DEFINE:
Ejecta
Definition
Material ejected by a major impact.
Term
Derive Keplar's 3rd Law for the circular case.
Definition
[image]
Term
Discuss how you find latitude & longitude.
Definition
1) Latitude = Angle of North Star
2) Longitude = need good charts & clocks
Term
What's the three types of solar eclipse.
Definition

1) Total: At node & perigee

2) Annular: At node but not perigee

3) Partial: Near node 

Term
DEFINE:
Node
Definition
The intersection of two orbits.
Term
Perigee
Definition

The point at which a planetary body is closest to the earth.

[Perilously (PERI) close to the earth (GEO).]

Term
Perihelion
Definition

The point at which a planetary body is closest to the sun.

[Perilously (PERI) close to the helion(hell-->sun).]

Term

Give the optical law, draw the light path, & give the advantage/disadvantage of a refracting telescope.

Definition
[image]
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