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Astronomy 101 Midterm Questions and
Correct Answers
In the celestial sphere model, how long does it take the celestial
sphere to complete one rotation around the earth? Ans:
approximately 24 hours
The north celestial pole of the celestial sphere points towards Ans:
the north star (Polaris).
When you are standing on the north pole of the Earth (latitude =
90 degrees), what is the altitude of the north star? Ans: 90 degrees
(directly overhead)
The point directly overhead in the sky is the Ans: zenith
The imaginary line that runs from exactly north to exactly south,
through the point directly overhead is the Ans: meridian
In San Luis Obispo, CA, the day on which the Sun crosses directly
overhead is the Ans: The Sun never crosses directly overhead in
San Luis Obispo.
The day of the year with equal amounts of sunlight and darkness
is Ans: both the vernal and autumnal equinox.
Suppose you observe the location of the sun at local noon on April
15. One month later at local noon the sun will be Ans: slightly
higher.
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ou observe your shadow at local noon on April 15. How will the
length of your shadow compare when observed at local noon one
month later? Ans: Your shadow will be shorter.
Which of the following locations experience the smallest amount
of change in sunlight over the course of a year? Ans: The equator
Which of the following statements is true about the location of the
Sun at sunrise in July? Ans: The Sun will rise north of East.
Which of the following statements is true about the location of the
Sun at sunset in February? Ans: The Sun will set south of West.
Which direction would you look to see the Sun when it reaches its
highest position in the sky today? Ans: south
If the sun is rising exactly east, today must be Ans: either March
21 or September 21
You are talking to a friend in Flagstaff, AZ (approximately 600
miles east of SLO) on the phone. Your friend comments that they
are watching the sun set. In SLO you observe that Ans: the Sun has
not yet set.
Which of the following contributes to seasons? Ans: The altitude
of the sun's rays & the amount of time that the sun is above the
horizon
During which month in SLO is the Earth the closest to the Sun?
Ans: December
Which statement best describes how variation in the Earth-Sun
distance affects the seasons? Ans: The variation in Earth-Sun
© 2025 All rights reserved
Astronomy 101 Midterm Questions and
Correct Answers
In the celestial sphere model, how long does it take the celestial
sphere to complete one rotation around the earth? Ans:
approximately 24 hours
The north celestial pole of the celestial sphere points towards Ans:
the north star (Polaris).
When you are standing on the north pole of the Earth (latitude =
90 degrees), what is the altitude of the north star? Ans: 90 degrees
(directly overhead)
The point directly overhead in the sky is the Ans: zenith
The imaginary line that runs from exactly north to exactly south,
through the point directly overhead is the Ans: meridian
In San Luis Obispo, CA, the day on which the Sun crosses directly
overhead is the Ans: The Sun never crosses directly overhead in
San Luis Obispo.
The day of the year with equal amounts of sunlight and darkness
is Ans: both the vernal and autumnal equinox.
Suppose you observe the location of the sun at local noon on April
15. One month later at local noon the sun will be Ans: slightly
higher.
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
ou observe your shadow at local noon on April 15. How will the
length of your shadow compare when observed at local noon one
month later? Ans: Your shadow will be shorter.
Which of the following locations experience the smallest amount
of change in sunlight over the course of a year? Ans: The equator
Which of the following statements is true about the location of the
Sun at sunrise in July? Ans: The Sun will rise north of East.
Which of the following statements is true about the location of the
Sun at sunset in February? Ans: The Sun will set south of West.
Which direction would you look to see the Sun when it reaches its
highest position in the sky today? Ans: south
If the sun is rising exactly east, today must be Ans: either March
21 or September 21
You are talking to a friend in Flagstaff, AZ (approximately 600
miles east of SLO) on the phone. Your friend comments that they
are watching the sun set. In SLO you observe that Ans: the Sun has
not yet set.
Which of the following contributes to seasons? Ans: The altitude
of the sun's rays & the amount of time that the sun is above the
horizon
During which month in SLO is the Earth the closest to the Sun?
Ans: December
Which statement best describes how variation in the Earth-Sun
distance affects the seasons? Ans: The variation in Earth-Sun
© 2025 All rights reserved
