Assignment 1
pdf
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Ottawa *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
2390
Subject
Astronomy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
3
Uploaded by BarristerLapwing168
Assignment 1 questions:
Chapter 1
Review Questions 4
Why is it difficult to detect planets orbiting other stars?
It is difficult to detect planets when they are orbiting other stars because of:
-
Instrument limitations
-
Exoplanet proximity to star; hard to separate exoplanet signals from star’s light
-
Window of observation: if it is not within the earth's line of sight, it can't be seen
-
Large distance from exoplanet system
Review Question 5
What does the size of the star image in a photograph tell you?
The size of a star's image in a photograph primarily reflects the characteristics of the imaging
system and the conditions during the observation, not about the star itself.
Review Question 8
How does astronomy help to answer the question”What are we?”
Astronomy has helped to answer the question”What are we?” because it developed ideas that can
describe our position in space and time. It provides us with insight into our cosmic origins, the
formation of elements necessary for life and a perspective on our place in the vast cosmos.
Learning to Look 3
Chapter 2 Part 1
Review Questions 3
How did the magnitude system originate in a classification of stars by brightness? (ref Page.19)
The concept of classifying stars by their brightness can be attributed to the Greek astronomer
Hipparchus. The observers at his time thought the brightness was related to angular size. It was
later found in the 19th century that the classification of stars by brightness has nothing to do with
size but instead is a measure of light intensity.
Review Question6
If Earth did not rotate, could you define the celestial poles and celestial equator? (ref: Page 22)
No, you wouldnt be able to define the celestial poles and celestial equator if the earth didnt rotate
because the celestial poles are defined by the pivot points on the planet and the equator is the
middle point of the celestial poles. If the Earth didnt rorate there would be no “pivot point”.
Review Question 9
If Earth did not rotate could you still define the ecliptic? Why or why not? (ref: page25)
Yes, there would still be an ecliptic if the Earth didn't spin because the ecliptic is primarily
defined by the path of the Sun around the sky, not the planet's rotation. This path would be
different since the planet is stationary but that path would exist nonetheless
Review Question 12
What phase would Earth be in if you were on the Moon when it was full? At first quarter? At
waning crescent? Some other phase?(ref:page 30)
The Earth would be at phase “New”.
Learning to Look 1
This photo shows the constellation Orion. Please explain why this looks odd to residents of the
northern hemisphere. (ref:page18)
The Orion Constellation is only visible in the southern hemisphere wintern sky. So from the
northern perspective you dont see that same shape as its described/pictured in the south.
Learning to Look 2.
The photo shows the annular eclipse of May 30, 1984. How is it different from the total eclipse
shown in figure 2.10? Why do you suppose it's different?
Figure 2.10 depicts a tatal solar eclipse where the moon completely covers the sun whereas the
eclipse in May 30, 1984 was not a total eclipse since the outer ring of the sun is observable. I
supposed it was different since the question defines one solar eclipse as “annular” and the other
as “total”.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help