GEO111Homework1
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School
Stanly Community College *
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Course
111
Subject
Astronomy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by ChiefSalamanderMaster780
Christian Nelson
Mr. Jim Boomgarden
GEO-111
10, January 2024
Chapter 1 Homework
1. How did ancient astronomers distinguish between a planet and a star? How does a star
differ from a galaxy? Which does Photo A show?
- Astronomers could differentiate stars from planets by observing their movements over consecutive nights. Planets, like the sun and the full moon, would exhibit a rising, setting, and following a distinct celestial trajectory across the night sky.
A star is a celestial object primarily composed of hot, glowing gas that emits light and heat due to nuclear fusion reactions in its core.
Stars vary in size, with some being much larger or smaller than our Sun. A galaxy, on the other hand, is a massive system consisting of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter, all bound together by gravity. Galaxies can be enormous, containing billions or even trillions of stars. Photo A shows a galaxy, the Milky Way to be specific.
2. Explain the difference between the geocentric and heliocentric models of the Universe. Does
either give an accurate picture of how modern astronomers describe the Universe?
- The geocentric model posits that the Earth occupies the central position in the cosmos or universe, with the planets, sun, moon, and stars orbiting around it. In contrast, early heliocentric models propose the sun as the central point, with planets revolving around the sun. A large
majority of scholars prefer the heliocentric model as a more accurate picture of how the modern universe is. 3. How far does the Earth lie from the Sun? Why do astronomers use light-years to define
distances between stars?
- The earth lies 93 million miles away from the sun. The light emanating from galaxies situated at vast distances requires billions of years to reach us. This light embarked on its journey toward Earth during the early stages of the Universe. Consequently, we gauge immense distances in space by considering the time it takes for light to traverse the specified distance.
12. How and when did the Earth’s core form?
- Many scholars and people would say that the earth’s core was formed “a billion years ago and during that certain process, metal sank through the mantel and created the core.” However, there are also young earth scholars who believe that the Bible states in Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Their answer for “how” would be God, and their answer for “when” would be roughly 6,000 years ago. - 15. Up to what elevation can you live without carrying supplemental oxygen? At 100 km/h, how long would it take to drive a distance equal to the thickness of the breathable atmosphere?
- The highest elevation that humans can dwell without having to carry a supplemental oxygen mask is considered anywhere between 6,500-8,200 feet. It would take roughly 3.3 minutes to drive a distance equal to the thickness of the breathable air atmosphere.
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