Astronomy 111, Session 003
Review Topics of Exam 1 (Oct. 1, 2007)
Note: In each chapter, all the sections are covered,
unless it is explicitly excluded.
·
Chap. 1 ---
Astronomy and the Universe (8 sections;
Covered all except section 1-8)
o Scientific methods, hypothesis, model, theory and
laws of physics
o Learn the formation of solar system
o Learn the evolution of stars
o Learn the origin and fate of universe
o Angular measure, angular diameter, angular size,
angular distance
o Powers-of-ten notation
o Units of astronomical distances, AU, light year,
parsec
·
Chap. 2 --- Known the Heavens (8 sections)
o positional astronomy
o 88 constellations
o Diurnal motion of stars, Earth rotation, Annual
motion of stars, Earth orbital motion, Polaris
o Celestial sphere, celestial equator, celestial poles,
celestial coordinates, right ascension, declination, zenith
o Seasons, tilt of Earth’s axis of rotation, ecliptic
plane, two reasons of why summer is hotter (or winter is colder), equinoxes
(vernal and autumn), solstices (summer and winter), Sun’s daily path
o Timekeeping, meridian, noon, apparent solar day, mean
sun, mean solar day, time zone, universal time, sidereal time, sidereal day
o Calendar and Leap year
·
Chap. 3 ---
Eclipses and the Motion of the Moon (6
sections; covered all except section 3-6)
o Phases of the Moon, new, waxing crescent, first
quarter, waxing gibbous, full, waning gibbous, third quarter, waning crescent,
and new; causes of the phases
o Synchronous rotation of Moon; synodic
month, sidereal month
o Solar and lunar eclipses; causes and configurations;
the tilt of the plane of the Moon’s orbit, line of nodes
o
Lunar eclipses; umbra, penumbra; total lunar eclipse,
partial lunar eclipse; totality
o Solar eclipses; total, partial and annular solar
eclipses; eclipse path; totality
·
Chap. 4 ---
Gravitation and the Waltz of the Planets (8 sections)
o Geocentric models; direct motion, retrograde motion
of planets; Ptolemaic systems; deferent, epicycle
o Heliocentric model of Copernicus; explanation of
retrograde motion; planetary configuration; Inferior planets, elongation,
evening stars, morning stars; superior planets, conjunction, opposition; synodic period, sidereal period of planets
o Tycho Brahe’s observations
o Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion; first law of shape
of orbit; second law of orbital speed, perihelion, aphelion; third law of
orbital period and size
o Galileo’s usage of telescope; phases of Venus; why
support heliocentric model; Galileo’s discoveries
o
o
o Tidal force; high tide, low tide; spring tide, neap
tide