Astronomy 101 Study Guide
Exam 2
The exam will be a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and an essay question that will require a
somewhat longer answer (a paragraph or two).
Remember to bring a Scantron card
Topics you should focus on:

Formation of solar system—nebular model
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Terrestrial planets—general characteristics
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Jovian planets—general characteristics
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Dynamo theory of magnetic field generation
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Earth—composition of interior, plate tectonics, origin of atmosphere, magnetic field
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Moon—giant impact hypothesis, lowlands vs highlands
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Mercury—old surface, high density
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Venus—dense atmosphere, greenhouse effect, major differences between Earth/Venus
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Mars—thin atmosphere, large surface features, evidence for past liquid water
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Jupiter—atmosphere, Great Red Spot, interior structure, Galilean moons
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Saturn—ring system, moon system, Titan
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Uranus—axis of rotation, ring system, relatively featureless
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Neptune—method of discovery, large moon (Triton), severe weather
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Pluto and other large Kuiper Belt objects—neither terrestrial or Jovian; more like large comets

Meteors and meteorites—origin, meteor showers
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Asteroids—general characteristics and location in solar system

Comets—general characteristics and location in solar system
This exam will cover material from:
Chapters: 6, 7, 8, and 9
The tutorials and practice quizzes from MasteringAstronomy assigned in the syllabus