Ast. 100 Discussion Question Responses - Week 1, Units 5, 6, 8.
Instructions for Self-Assessment:
Compare your responses with these responses and
assess a score for your work, assigning up to 1 point per question.
Assign partial credit as appropriate to the nearest 1/2 point.
Make any notes you want on your responses - these are yours for use during the
remainder of the course. At the top of the front page of your
homework, next to your name, indicate the total points (out of a total possible of 3 this
week). For example, if your point total is 2.5, indicate your score as
2.5/3 at the top of the page. I will spot check your homework to get a feeling
for general level of comprehension, then record your score and return your
homework. If you have an unresolved question, write it at the
top of the first page for my attention. Turn in your self-assessed work
on the first day of week 2.
NOTE: NO FRILLY EDGES FROM SPIRAL NOTEBOOK PAGES ACCEPTED!
1. Name several constellations that are visible every night here in Bellingham, during all 12 months of the year.
The constellations you are looking for here are called "circumpolar." You can find this out several ways, such as Google or the unit in the book. I used my Planisphere (which you can purchase at the bookstore) and here are the constellations that never drop below the horizon as you rotate the device through the year: Ursa Minor, Camelopardalis, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, Draco, Ursa Major, Lynx, and parts of a few other constellations. NOTE: the answer will be different for observers at other latitudes; in Hawaii, there will be fewer circumpolar constellations.
2. Explain why and how the Earth has seasons.
The seasons on Earth are caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the Sun. The seasons are NOT caused by the differences in the DISTANCE from the Sun! In fact, the Earth is actually closer to the Sun in WINTER and farther away in SUMMER. The axis of the Earth's rotation makes an angle of about 23.5 degrees to a line drawn perpendicular to the plane of its orbit. The result is that over a course of a year the peak height of the sun in the sky and the number of daylight hours changes from day to day for any given city (latitude). For cities in the northern hemisphere the days are longer in the summer and shorter in the winter. The length of the daylight hours is the most important factor in creating warmer or colder months. At southern latitudes the roles are reversed, longer warmer days in the winter and shorter colder days in the summer. Your answer hopefully includes something about the length of the days vs nights, and the height of the Sun in the sky.
3. What are the differences between a scientific peer reviewed article, and a magazine article?
There are several differences you might include in your answer. The main difference is that for a peer reviewed article, a group of objective scientists examine the author's research in an effort to insure unbiased integrity and quality. Magazine articles are reviewed by an editorial staff whose goal is usually to sell more subscriptions.