Study Guide for the Solar System and the Earth, Sun, Moon System
Fall 2009
1. Study information on the solar system crossword puzzle and phases of the moon handout.
2. You must list the planets in order from the sun. They must be spelled correctly.
3. You must draw an elliptical orbit and point out the perihelion and aphelion.
4. You must explain how a planet forms. Include planetoids and protoplanets.
5. Know why there are no lighter gases in the atmospheres of the inner planets.
6. You must understand the difference between the two theories on the origin of the solar system.
7. You must explain Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion.
8. You must understand the difference between rotation and revolution of bodies in space.
9. Know these definitions:
a. AU (astronomical unit)
b. Asteroid
c. Comet
d. Crater
e. Gravity
f.
Meteoroids
g. Meteors
h. Meteorites
i.
Meteor showers
j.
Moon
k. Perihelion
l.
Aphelion
m. Orbit
n. Planet
o. Protoplanet
p. Apogee
q. Perigee
r.
Solar day
s. Sidereal day
10. You must list two of these features on the moon’s surface and know how they are formed:
a. Craters
b. Regolith
c. Highlands
d. Marias
11. You must identify the leading theory on how our moon formed.
12. You must be able to identify all 8 phases of the moon by image, position and description.
13. You must be able to diagram a solar and lunar eclipse with the correct positions of the Earth, moon, and sun.