Astronomy Final Exam Study Guide
Astronomy 1, Fall 2015 Name: Date:
Your final exam will consist of short and long answer questions that ask you to demonstrate your knowledge about planetary concept and naked eye observations. Below you will find a list of key ideas that the test will cover. Approach each considering, What do I know about this? What is the scientific support behind this? What are some specific details or evidence that I can provide to explain this? You may bring in a half of an 8.5 x 11 inch page (one side) of your own handwritten notes to use on the test.
Part 1: Solar System
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Solar Nebula hypothesis
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Conditions on the planets o Select one terrestrial planet and provide information on and reasons behind the following:
 Four stages of planetary development
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Atmosphere
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Magnetic Field
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Surface Features (including volcanism) o Select one gas giant planet and provide information on and reasons behind the following:
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Composition (and the multiple phases of the gases involved)
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Atmosphere/weather
 Formation and maintenance of rings
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Moons (Europa, Enceladus, and Titan only) o Potential for life and why o Surface features and cause
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Asteroids, Meteorites, Comets, Kuiper Belt Objects o Composition o Origin o Orbital behavior
Part 2: Naked Eye Observations
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Explain astronomically what a constellation is and how an ecliptic constellation appears to move throughout a night and a year, and why.
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Describe and diagram the cause of moon phases
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Understand the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun for solar and lunar eclipses.