Module 03: Questions:Planets – THE STAR AND PLANET LOCATOR
.
1. Use the illustration 4a of the back of the pocket in module 3 to determine what constellation Mars
was in on March 2011.
a) Aquarius
b) Ursa Major (Big Dipper)
c) Gemini
2. Look at
the Star &
on?
a)
b)
c)
d)
the numbered list of constellations on the back of the pocket. Find these on the wheel of
Planet Locator. Which of the circles below are most of these constellations found in or
horizon
celestial equator
ecliptic
meridian
3. Assume you were outside on a clear midnight on January 27, 2010. You see a bright planet high in
the sky above the Southern horizon. Use Figure 4a and your own Star & Planet Locator to identify
this planet. Note the time, date and year carefully! Turn the disk of your Locator to this time and
date, find the constellation(s) high in the sky toward the south, then go to the Figure 4a table and see
which planet is in that constellation.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
4. Use the Figure 4a from the Star & Planet Locator to determine if Saturn was probably visible at
Midnight on January 27, 2010? Carefully note the date, time, and year! If so, where in the sky?
a) Near the North horizon.
b) Near to but above the South horizon.
c) Near but possibly above the Eastern horizon.
d) Near but possibly above the Western horizon.
e) Certainly not visible.
5.
Because Venus’ orbit is smaller than Earth, on the Star & Planet Finder there is a dash ( - )
when it is in the same direction as the Sun. This can happen when Venus is
a) between the Earth and the Sun
b) on the other side of the Sun from Earth
c) at either answer a or answer b.
6.
Because Mars’ orbit is larger than Earth, on the Star & Planet Finder there is a dash ( - ) when
it is in the same direction as the Sun. This can happen when Mars is
a) between the Earth and the Sun
b) on the other side of the Sun from Earth
c) at either answer a or answer b.
7.
Because Mars’ orbit is larger than Earth, it can be overhead at midnight when it is
a) between the Earth and the Sun
b) on the other side of the Sun from Earth
c) opposite the Sun in the sky..
8.
Take the angle of greatest elongation for Venus to be 47 degrees and taking its orbit to be a
circle. Calculate Venus’ orbit radius and pick the best answer below using your calculator.
a) 0.4 Au
b) 0.7 AU
c) 1.0 AU
d) 1.4 AU
9.
Taking the angle of greatest elongation for Mercury to be 24 degrees and taking its orbit to be a
circle, Calculate Mercury’s orbit radius and pick the best answer below using your calculator.
a) 0.4 Au
b) 0.7 AU
c) 1.0 AU
d) 1.4 AU
10. At which of the Earth-Mars orbital positions does retrograde motion occur?
a) Mars approximately at western quadrature with Earth approaching it
b) Mars at opposition with Earth passing it.
c) Mars approximately at eastern quadrature with Earth receeding from it.
d) Mars at conjunction.