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ASTR 1101
Final Exam Study Guide
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1.1 Earth Occupies a Small Place in the Universe
 Identify your local cosmic address
 Understand the physical nature of each component of the cosmic address
 For example: The Laniakea supercluster is a vast collection of galactic clusters, with
each cluster containing hundreds of galaxies.
Earth ⟶ Solar System ⟶ Milky Way Galaxy ⟶ Local Group ⟶ Laniakea
Supercluster
Planet ⟶ 8 Planets ⟶ Billions of Stars ⟶ Dozens of Galaxies ⟶ 1000’s of Galaxies
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1.2 Science Is a Way of Viewing the Universe
 Understand the various steps of the scientific method
Observation ⟶ Hypothesis ⟶ Prediction ⟶ Experiment ⟶ Analyze Data
 Understand what criteria are used to create and reject scientific theories
Based on success rate of predictions
 Be able to know the cosmological principle
Cosmological Principle - The assumption that the physical laws that apply here and
now also apply everywhere and at all times
1.3 Astronomers Use Mathematics to Find Patterns
 Know how patterns are used by astronomers to understand the physical world around
us
Patterns are useful because they allow us to predict what’s coming next and better
understand why that pattern is happening
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2.1 Earth Spins on Its Axis
 Understand the Celestial Sphere
 Be able to identify on the Celestial Sphere the North Celestial Pole, the South
Celestial Pole, the Celestial Equator, and the Ecliptic
Celestial Sphere - an imaginary sphere with celestial objects on its inner surface and
Earth at its center
North Celestial Pole - the northward projection of Earth’s rotation axis onto the
celestial sphere
South Celestial Pole - the southward projection of Earth’s rotation axis onto the
celestial sphere
Celestial Equator - an imaginary circle that divides the sky into a northern half and a
southern half
Ecliptic - the path of the Sun in the sky throughout the year
Understand how the view of the night sky changes depending on the observer’s latitude
As you move away from the North Pole, your zenith moves away from the north
celestial pole causing your horizon to move, maintaining the sky’s shape

 Know the term circumpolar
 Know the term constellation
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2.2 Revolution about the Sun Leads to Changes during the Year
 Understand how the view of the night sky changes depending on the time of year
 Understand what causes the seasons particularly in terms of solar irradiation
 Know the terms Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Vernal Equinox, and Winter Solstice
and the times of year corresponding to each
Equinox – Day and night are equal lengths – March & September