Astronomy Multiple Choice

1. Evidence that the universe is expanding is 3. Which object forms by the contraction of a
? ?
best provided by the large sphere of gases causing the nuclear
fusion of lighter elements into heavier
(1) red shift in the light from distant galaxies elements?
(2) change in the swing direction of a Foucault
pendulum on Earth (1) comet (3) star
(3) parallelism of Earth’s axis in orbit (2) planet (4) moon
(4) spiral shape of the Milky Way Galaxy

2. In New York State, summer is warmer than 4. Which statement best describes the position
? winter because in summer New York State of the Sun at sunrise and sunset as seen by ?
has an observer in New York State on June 21?

(1) fewer hours of daylight and receives low (1) The Sun rises north of due east and sets
angle insolation north of due west.

(2) fewer hours of daylight and receives high (2) The Sun rises south of due east and sets
angle insolation south of due west.

(3) more hours of daylight and receives low- (3) The Sun rises north of due east and sets
angle insolation south of due west.

(4) more hours of daylight and receives high (4) The Sun rises
angle insolation

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 The bar graph below shows one planetary characteristic, identified as X, plotted for the planets of
our solar system.

5. Which characteristic of the planets in our solar system is represented by X?

?
(1) mass (3) eccentricity of orbit
(2) density (4) period of rotation

Base your answers to questions 6 through 9 on the diagram below, which represents Earth in its
orbit around the Sun. The position of Earth on the first day of each season is labeled A, B, C, and
D.

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 6. Which diagram correctly shows the directions of Earth’s revolution and rotation?
?

7. At which location are the Sun’s noontime rays perpendicular to Earth’s surface at the
? Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N)?

(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

8. What is the approximate rate of Earth’s revolution around the Sun?

?
(1) 1° per day (3) 15° per day
(2) 1° per year (4) 15° per year

9. Which event is caused by Earth’s revolution?

?
(1) the apparent shift in the path of a Foucault pendulum
(2) deflection of planetary winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere
(3) the apparent rising and setting of the Sun
(4) different constellations observed in the night sky throughout the year

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 10. As viewed from Earth, most stars appear to 13. The star Algol is estimated to have
? ?
move across the sky each night because approximately the same luminosity as the
star Aldebaran and approximately the same
(1) Earth revolves around the Sun temperature as the star Rigel. Algol is best
(2) Earth rotates on its axis classified as a
(3) stars orbit around Earth
(4) stars revolve around the center of the (1) main sequence star
galaxy (2) red giant star
(3) white dwarf star
(4) red dwarf star

11. The explosion associated with the Big Bang 14. The best evidence that Earth spins on its
? ?
theory and the formation of the universe is axis is the motion of
inferred to have occurred how many billion
years ago? (1) tectonic plates
(2) Polaris
(1) less than 1 (3) 4.6 (3) a wind vane
(2) 2.5 (4) over 10 (4) a Foucault pendulum

The diagram below represents the 15. When viewed from Earth, the light from very
?
constellation distant galaxies shows a red shift. This is
Lyra. evidence that these distant galaxies are

(1) revolving around the Sun

(2) revolving around the Milky Way
(3) moving away from Earth
(4) moving toward Earth

12. Which statement best explains why Lyra is

? visible to an observer in New York State at
midnight in July but not visible at midnight in
December?

(1) Earth spins on its axis.

(2) Earth orbits the Sun.
(3) Lyra spins on its axis.
(4) Lyra orbits Earth.

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 The diagram below shows the spectral lines for an element.

16. Which diagram best represents the spectral lines of this element when its light is
? observed coming from a star that is moving away from Earth?

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 Diagram 1 shows the Moon in its orbit at four positions labeled A, B, C, and D. Diagram 2 shows a
phase of the Moon as viewed from New York State.

17. At which labeled Moon position would the phase of the Moon shown in diagram 2 be
? observed from New York State?

(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

18. Which arrangement of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth results in the highest high tides, and the
? lowest low tides on Earth? (Diagrams are not drawn to scale.)

Base your answers to questions 19 through 22 on the passage and diagram below. The diagram
shows the orbits of the four inner planets and the asteroid Hermes around the Sun. Point A
represents a position along Hermes’ orbit.

The Curious Tale of Asteroid Hermes

It’s dogma [accepted belief] now: an asteroid hit Earth 65 million years ago and wiped out the
dinosaurs. But in 1980 when scientists Walter and Luis Alvarez first suggested the idea to a
gathering at the American Association for Advancement of Sciences, their listeners were skeptical.
Asteroids hitting Earth? Wiping out species? It seemed incredible. At that very moment, unknown
to the audience, an asteroid named Hermes halfway between Mars and Jupiter was beginning a

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 long plunge toward our planet. Six months later it would pass 300,000 miles from Earth’s orbit, only
a little more than the distance to the Moon….
Hermes approaches Earth’s orbit twice every 777 days. Usually our planet is far away when the
orbit crossing happens, but in 1937, 1942, 1954, 1974 and 1986, Hermes came harrowingly
[dangerously] close to Earth itself. We know about most of these encounters only because Lowell
Observatory astronomer Brian Skiff rediscovered Hermes on Oct. 15, 2003. Astronomers around
the world have been tracking it carefully ever since.…
Excerpted from “The Curious Tale of Asteroid Hermes,” Dr. Tony Phillips, Science @ NASA, November 3, 2003

19. When Hermes is located at position A and 21. Why is evidence of asteroids striking Earth
? Earth is in the position shown in the diagram, so difficult to find? ?
the asteroid can be viewed from Earth at each
of the following times except (1) Asteroids are made mostly of frozen water
and gases and are vaporized on impact.
(1) sunrise (3) 12 noon
(2) sunset (4) 12 midnight (2) Asteroids are not large enough to leave
impact craters.

(3) Asteroids do not travel fast enough to create

impact craters.

(4) Weathering, erosion, and deposition on

Earth have destroyed or buried most impact
craters.

22. According to the diagram, as Hermes and

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 20. How does the period of revolution of the planets revolve around the Sun,
? ?
Hermes compare to the period of revolution Hermes appears to be a threat to collide
of the planets shown in the diagram? with

(1) Hermes has a longer period of revolution (1) Earth, only

than Mercury, but a shorter period of (2) Earth and Mars, only
revolution than Venus, Earth, and Mars. (3) Venus, Earth, and Mars, only
(4) Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars
(2) Hermes has a shorter period of revolution
than Mercury, but a longer period of
revolution than Venus, Earth, and Mars.

(3) Hermes has a longer period of revolution

than all of the planets shown.

(4) Hermes has a shorter period of revolution

than all of the planets shown.

23. Which type of electromagnetic energy has 24. The average temperature at Earth’s equator
? the longest wavelength? is higher than the average temperature at ?
Earth’s South Pole because the South Pole
(1) infrared radiation
(2) radio wave radiation (1) receives less intense insolation
(3) ultraviolet radiation (2) receives more infrared radiation
(4) x-ray radiation (3) has less land area
(4) has more cloud cover

The symbols below are used to represent different regions of space.

25. Which diagram shows the correct relationship between these four regions? [If one symbol is
? within another symbol, that means it is part of, or included in, that symbol.]

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 A student in New York State looked toward the eastern horizon to observe sunrise at three different
times during the year. The student drew the following diagram that shows the positions of sunrise,
A, B, and C, during this one-year period.

26. Which list correctly pairs the location of sunrise to the time of the year?
?
(1) A—June 21 B—March 21 C—December 21
(2) A—December 21 B—March 21 C—June 21
(3) A—March 21 B—June 21 C—December 21
(4) A—June 21 B—December 21 C—March 21

Base your answers to questions 27 through 29 on the world map below. Letters A through D
represent locations on Earth’s surface.

27 At which location could an observer not see Polaris in the night sky at any time during the year?
?
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

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 28 Which location receives 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness on June 21?
?
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

29 At which location on December 21 is the Sun directly overhead at solar noon?

?
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

Base your answers to questions 30 through 33 on the table below, which shows eight inferred
stages describing the formation of the universe from its beginning to the present time.

30 How soon did protons and neutrons form after the beginning of the universe?
?
(1) 10–43 second (3) 10–6 second
(2) 10–32 second (4) 13.7 billion years

31 What is the most appropriate title for this table?

?
(1) The Big Bang Theory (3) The Law of Superposition
(2) The Theory of Plate Tectonics (4) The Laws of Planetary Motion

32 According to this table, the average temperature of the universe since stage 3 has
?
(1) decreased, only (3) remained the same
(2) increased, only (4) increased, then decreased

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 33 Between which two stages did our solar system form?
?
(1) 1 and 3 (3) 6 and 7
(2) 3 and 5 (4) 7 and 8

34 Which object is closest to Earth? 37 Compared to other groups of stars, the

? group that has relatively low luminosities ?
(1) the Sun (3) the Moon and relatively low temperatures is the
(2) Venus (4) Mars
(1) White Dwarfs (3) Red Giants
(2) Red Dwarfs (4) Blue Superrgiants

The diagram below shows the Moon orbiting The diagram below represents a swinging
Earth, as viewed from space above Earth’s Foucault pendulum.
North Pole. The Moon is shown at eight
positions in its orbit.

38 This pendulum will show an apparent change

in the direction of its swing due to Earth’s ?

(1) curved surface (3) rotation

(2) tilted axis (4) revolution

Spring ocean tides occur when the difference in

height between high tide and low tide is
greatest.

35 At which two positions of the Moon will

? spring tides occur on Earth?

(1) 1 and 5 (3) 3 and 7

(2) 2 and 6 (4) 4 and 8

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 36 Which sequence correctly lists the relative 39 Which list of three planets and Earth’s Moon
? sizes from smallest to largest? is arranged in order of increasing equatorial ?
diameter?
(1) our solar system, universe, Milky Way
Galaxy (1) Earth’s Moon, Pluto, Mars, Mercury
(2) our solar system, Milky Way Galaxy, (2) Pluto, Earth’s Moon, Mercury, Mars
universe (3) Mercury, Mars, Earth’s Moon, Pluto
(3) Milky Way Galaxy, our solar system, (4) Mars, Mercury, Pluto, Earth’s Moon
universe
(4) Milky Way Galaxy, universe, our solar
system

The diagram below shows the altitude of the The diagram below shows Earth’s orbit around
Sun at solar noon on March 21, as seen by an the Sun and different positions of the Moon as it
observer at 42° N latitude. travels around Earth. Letters A through D
represent four different positions of the Moon.

41 An eclipse of the Moon is most likely to occur

when the Moon is at position ?

(1) A (3) C
40 Compared to the altitude of the Sun (2) B (4) D
? observed at solar noon on March 21, the
altitude of the Sun observed at solar noon
on June 21 will be

(1) 15° higher in the sky

(2) 23.5° higher in the sky
(3) 42° higher in the sky
(4) 48° higher in the sky

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 Base your answers to questions 42 through 44 on the diagram below, which has lettered arrows
showing the motions of Earth and the Moon.

42 These lettered arrows represent motions that are

?
(1) noncyclic and unpredictable (3) cyclic and unpredictable
(2) noncyclic and predictable (4) cyclic and predictable

43 Which two motions are completed in about the same amount of time?
?
(1) A and B (3) C and D
(2) B and C (4) A and D

44 Which lettered arrow represents the motion that causes the Moon to show phases when viewed
? from Earth?

(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

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 Base your answers to questions 45 through 47 on the graph below, which shows the amount of
insolation during one year at four different latitudes on Earth’s surface.

45 This graph shows that insolation varies with

?
(1) latitude and time of day (3) longitude and time of day
(2) latitude and time of year (4) longitude and time of year

46 Why is less insolation received at the equator in June than in March or September?

(1) The daylight period is longest at the equator in June.

? (2) Winds blow insolation away from the equator in June.
(3) The Sun’s vertical rays are north of the equator in June.
(4) Thick clouds block the Sun’s vertical rays at the equator in June.

47 Why is insolation 0 cal/cm2/min from October through February at 90° N?

?
(1) Snowfields reflect sunlight during that time.
(2) Dust in the atmosphere blocks sunlight during that time.
(3) The Sun is continually below the horizon during that time.
(4) Intense cold prevents insolation from being absorbed during that time.

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 48 Which star has a higher luminosity and a 51 If Earth’s axis were tilted 35° instead of
? ?
lower temperature than the Sun? 23.5°, the average temperatures in New York
State would most likely
(1) Rigel (3) Alpha Centauri
(2) Barnard’s Star (4) Aldebaran (1) decrease in both summer and winter
(2) decrease in summer and increase in winter
(3) increase in summer and decrease in winter
(4) increase in both summer and winter

49 Starlight from distant galaxies provides 52 On which day of the year would the intensity
? evidence that the universe is expanding of insolation at Kingston, New York, most ?
because this starlight shows a shift in likely be greatest?
wavelength toward the
(1) March 21 (3) September 23
(1) red-light end of the visible spectrum (2) June 21 (4) December 21
(2) blue-light end of the visible spectrum
(3) ultraviolet-ray end of the electromagnetic
spectrum
(4) gamma-rays

The diagram below represents the elliptical 53 The diagram below represents a Foucault
orbitof a moon revolving around a planet. pendulum swinging freely for 8 hours.
?
The foci of this orbit are the points labeled F1
and F2.

The Foucault pendulum appears to gradually

change its direction of swing due to Earth’s

(1) orbit around the Sun

50 What is the approximate eccentricity of this (2) curved surface
? elliptical orbit? (3) tilted axis
(4) spin on its axis
(1) 0.3 (3) 0.7
(2) 0.5 (4) 1.4

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 The diagram below shows the noontime The diagram below represents the Moon in its
shadows cast by a student and a tree. orbit, as viewed from above Earth’s North Pole.
Position 1 represents a specific location of the
Moon in its orbit.

54 If the time is solar noon and the student is

located in New York State, in what direction
is the student facing?

(1) north (3) east

? (2) south (4) west

56 Which phase of the Moon will be seen from

Earth when the Moon is at position 1? ?

55 During nighttime cooling, most of the energy 57 The motion of a Foucault pendulum provides
? radiated by Earth’s oceans into space is evidence of ?

(1) ultraviolet rays (3) visible light rays (1) the Sun’s rotation
(2) gamma rays (4) infrared rays (2) the Sun’s revolution
(3) Earth’s rotation
(4) Earth’s revolution

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 Base your answers to questions 58 through 60 on the diagram below, which represents an
exaggerated view of Earth revolving around the Sun. Letters A, B, C, and D represent Earth’s
location in its orbit on the first day of each of the four seasons.

58 Which location in Earth’s orbit represents the first day of fall (autumn) for an observer in New
? York State?

(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D ?

59 Earth’s rate of revolution around the Sun is approximately

?
(1) 1° per day (3) 15° per hour
(2) 360° per day (4) 23.5° per hour

60 Which observation provides the best evidence that Earth revolves around the Sun?
?
(1) Stars seen from Earth appear to circle Polaris.
(2) Earth’s planetary winds are deflected by the Coriolis effect.
(3) The change from high ocean tide to low ocean tide is a repeating pattern.
(4) Different star constellations are seen from Earth at different times of the year.

61 Which form of electromagnetic radiation has 62 The time required for the Moon to show a
?
a wavelength of 1.0 ⋅ 10–3 centimeter? complete cycle of phases when viewed from
Earth is approximately
(1) ultraviolet (3) radio waves
(2) infrared (4) microwaves (1) 1 day (3) 1 month
(2) 1 week (4) 1 year

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 63 Which planet has an orbital eccentricity most 64 On June 21, where will the Sun appear to
? ?
like the orbital eccentricity of the Moon? rise for an observer located in New York
State?
(1) Pluto (3) Mars
(2) Saturn (4) Mercury (1) due west (3) north of due east
(2) due east (4) south of due east

65 Which sequence correctly shows the relative size of the nine planets of our solar system?
?

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 66 In each diagram below, the mass of the star is the same. In which diagram is the force of gravity
? greatest between the star and the planet shown?

Base your answers to questions 67 through 38 on the diagram below, which shows two possible
sequences in the life cycle of stars, beginning with their formation from nebular gas clouds in
space.

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 67 According to the diagram, the life-cycle path 69 According to the diagram, a star like Earth’s
? ?
followed by a star is determined by the star’s Sun will eventually
initial
(1) explode in a supernova
(1) mass and size (2) become a black hole
(2) temperature and origin (3) change into a white dwarf
(3) luminosity and color (4) become a neutron star
(4) luminosity and structure

68 Stars like Earth’s Sun most likely formed

? directly from a

(1) nebula (3) red giant

(2) supernova (4) black dwarf

70 The redshift of light from distant galaxies

? provides evidence that the universe is

(1) shrinking, only

(2) expanding, only
(3) shrinking and expanding in a cyclic pattern
(4) remaining the same size

Base your answers to questions 71 and 72 on the map below, which shows the latitude and
longitude of five observers, A, B, C, D, and E, on Earth.

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 71 What is the altitude of Polaris (the North 72 Which two observers would be experiencing
? Star) above the northern horizon for the same apparent solar time? ?
observer A?
(1) A and C (3) B and E
(1) 0° (3) 80° (2) B and C (4) D and E
(2) 10° (4) 90°

Base your answers to questions 73through 75 on the diagram below, which shows a model of the
apparent path and position of the Sun in relation to an observer at four different locations, A, B, C,
and D, on Earth’s surface on the dates indicated. The zenith (z) and the actual position of the Sun
in the model at the time of the observation are shown. [The zenith is the point directly over the
observer.]

73 According to the Sun’s actual position shown 75 From sunrise to sunset at location B, the
? ?
in the diagrams, the most intense insolation length of the observer’s shadow will
is being received by the observer at location
(1) increase, only
(1) A (3) C (2) decrease, only
(2) B (4) D (3) increase, then decrease
(4) decrease, then increase
74 Where on Earth’s surface is the observer at
? location C located?

(1) at the Equator

(2) at the South Pole
(3) at the North Pole
(4) in Oswego, New York

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 Base your answers to questions 76 and 77on the diagram below, which shows sunlight entering a
room through the same window at three different times on the same winter day.

76 The apparent change in the Sun’s position 77 This room is located in a building in New
? shown in the diagram is best explained by York State. On which side of the building is ?
the window located?
(1) the Sun rotating at a rate of 15° per hour
(2) Earth rotating at a rate of 15° per hour (1) north (3) east
(3) the Sun’s axis tilted at an angle of 23 ° (2) south (4) west
(4) Earth’s axis tilted at an angle of 23 °

78 The Milky Way galaxy is best described as 79 The diagram below represents a simple
? geocentric model. Which object is ?
(1) a type of solar system represented by the letter X?
(2) a constellation visible to everyone on Earth
(3) a region in space between the orbits of Mars
and Jupiter
(4) a spiral-shaped formation composed of
billions of stars

(1) Earth (3) Moon

(2) Sun (4) Polaris

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 The diagram below shows the Moon at four positions in its orbit around Earth as viewed from
above the North Pole.

80 Beginning with the Moon at position X (the new-Moon phase), which sequence of
? Moon phases would be seen by an observer on Earth during 1 month?

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 81 In which list are the forms of electromagnetic 82 Compared to the average density of the
? energy arranged in order from longest to terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and ?
shortest wavelengths? Mars), the average density of the Jovian planets
(Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) is
(1) gamma rays, x rays, ultraviolet rays, visible
light (1) less
(2) greater
(2) radio waves, infrared rays, visible light, (3) the same
ultraviolet rays

(3) x rays, infrared rays, blue light, gamma rays

(4) infrared rays, radio waves, blue light, red

light

Base your answers to questions 36 through 38 on the diagram below, which represents the
elliptical orbit of a planet traveling around a star. Points A, B, C, and D are four positions of this
planet in its orbit.

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 83 The calculated eccentricity of this orbit is 85 As the planet revolves in orbit from position
? approximately A to position D, the orbital velocity will ?

(1) 0.1 (3) 0.3 (1) continually decrease

(2) 0.2 (4) 0.4 (2) continually increase
(3) decrease, then increase
84 The gravitational attraction between the star (4) increase, then decrease
? and the planet will be greatest at position

(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

The diagram below shows the Moon in different positions as it revolves around Earth, as observed
from above the North Pole (NP).

85 Which image correctly represents the Moon at position 8, as observed from Earth?
?

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 86 The Sun’s position in space is best described 89 Compared to Pluto, Mercury moves more
? ?
as the approximate center of rapidly in its orbit because Mercury

(1) a constellation (1) is larger

(2) the universe (2) is more dense
(3) the Milky Way galaxy (3) is closer to the Sun
(4) our solar system (4) has a more elliptical orbit

The diagram below represents two planets in The graph below represents the brightness and
our solar system drawn to scale, Jupiter and temperature of stars visible from Earth.
planet A.

87 Planet A most likely represents

?
(1) Earth (3) Saturn
(2) Venus (4) Uranus
90 Which location on the graph best represents
a star with average brightness and ?
temperature?

(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

88 The length of an Earth year is based on 91 The passage of the Moon into Earth’s
? Earth’s shadow causes a ?

(1) rotation of 15°/hr (1) lunar eclipse (3) new Moon

(2) revolution of 15°/hr (2) solar eclipse (4) full Moon
(3) rotation of approximately 1°/day
(4) revolution of approximately 1°/day

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 92 Which statement describes the general 95 The path of a Foucault pendulum provides
? relationship between the temperature and evidence that Earth ?
the luminosity of main sequence stars?
(1) rotates on its axis
(1) As temperature decreases, luminosity (2) revolves in its orbit
increases. (3) is tilted on its axis
(4) has an elliptical orbit
(2) As temperature decreases, luminosity
remains the same
.
(3) As temperature increases, luminosity
increases.

(4) As temperature increases, luminosity

remains the same.

93 Which planet has the least distance between 96 Earth’s rate of rotation is approximately
? the two foci of its elliptical orbit? ?
(1) 1° per day (3) 180° per day
(1) Venus (3) Mars (2) 15° per day (4) 360° per day
(2) Earth (4) Jupiter
94 Light and other forms of electromagnetic
? radiation are given off by stars using energy
released during

(1) nuclear fusion (3) convection

(2) conduction (4) radioactive decay

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 Base your answers to questions 97 through 99 on the diagram below, which shows a model of
Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Letters A, B, C, and D represent Earth’s position at the beginning of
each season.

97 Which position of Earth represents the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere?
?
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

98 The diagram below shows how Earth is illuminated [lighted] by the Sun as viewed from above
? the North Pole. In which orbital position would Earth be illuminated as shown?

(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

99 How many degrees will the Sun’s vertical rays shift on Earth’s surface as Earth travels from
? position C to position D?

(1) 15° (3) 47°

(2) 23.5° (4) 365°

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 Base your answers to questions 100 and 101 on the graph below, which shows two days of tidal
data from a coastal location in the northeastern United States.

100 The change in the tides as shown on the graph is primarily the result of
?
(1) Earth’s rotation and the Moon’s revolution
(2) Earth’s rotation and revolution
(3) the Moon’s rotation and Earth’s revolution
(4) the Moon’s rotation and revolution

101 If the pattern shown continues, the most likely height and time for the first high tide on day 3
?
would be

(1) 2.2 meters at 4 a.m. (3) 2.2 meters at 5 a.m.

(2) 2.3 meters at 4 a.m. (4) 2.3 meters at 5 a.m.

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 This diagram shows a portion of the solar system.

102 What is the average distance, in millions of kilometers, from the Sun to the asteroid belt?
?
(1) 129 (3) 503
(2) 189 (4) 857

103 One factor responsible for the strength of 105 Which planet is located approximately ten
? gravitational attraction between a planet times farther from the Sun than Earth is ?
and the Sun is the from the Sun?

(1) degree of tilt of the planet’s axis (1) Mars (3) Saturn
(2) distance between the planet and the Sun (2) Jupiter (4) Uranus
(3) planet’s period of rotation
(4) amount of insolation given off by the Sun

104 Large craters found on Earth support the 106 What is the inferred age of our solar
? hypothesis that impact events have caused system, in millions of years? ?

(1) a decrease in the number of earthquakes (1) 544 (3) 4600

and an increase in sea level (2) 1300 (4) 10,000

(2) an increase in solar radiation and a

decrease in Earth radiation

(3) the red shift of light from distant stars and

the blue shift of light from nearby stars

(4) mass extinctions of life-forms and global

climate changes

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 107 Which bar graph correctly shows the orbital eccentricity of the planets in our solar system?
?

The diagram below shows Earth in its orbit around the Sun. Positions A, B, C, and D represent
Earth at the beginning of each season.

108 At which lettered position of Earth does New York State experience the first day of summer?
?
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

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 Base your answers to questions 109 through 112 on the diagram below, which represents the
Sun’s apparent paths and the solar noon positions for an observer at 42° N latitude on December
21, September 23, and June 21.

109 In which direction will sunrise occur on June 21?

?
(1) north of due west (3) south of due west
(2) north of due east (4) south of due east

110 How many hours occurred between sunrise and solar noon on September 23?
?
(1) 6 (3) 12
(2) 8 (4) 24

111 Which diagram best shows the location of Polaris relative to the observer?
?

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 112 Which graph best shows the altitude of the Sun, as measured by the observer located at 42°
? N, at various times on December 21?

113 Which object in our solar system has the 114 What is the main reason that the
? ?
greatest density? gravitational attraction between Earth and
the Moon changes each day?
(1) Jupiter (3) the Moon
(2) Earth (4) the Sun (1) Earth’s axis is tilted at 23.5°.
(2) Earth’s rotational speed varies with the
seasons.
(3) The Moon has an elliptical orbit.
(4) The Moon has a spherical shape

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 115 Which sequence of Moon phases could be 118 One factor responsible for the strength of
observed from Earth during a 2-week gravitational attraction between a planet ?
period? and the Sun is the

(1) degree of tilt of the planet’s axis

(2) distance between the planet and the Sun
(3) planet’s period of rotation
(4) amount of insolation given off by the Sun

116 In the demonstration, a student swings the 119 If Earth’s axis were tilted less than 23.5°,
? ?
weight hanging in the pail and then spins which seasonal average temperature
the stool. The stool represents change would occur in New York State?

(1) the revolving Earth (1) Spring and fall would be cooler.
(2) the rotating Earth (2) Spring and fall would be warmer.
(3) the Coriolis effect (3) Winter would be cooler.
(4) convection currents (4) Summer would be cooler.

117 Which list shows stars in order of 120 Which planet is located approximately ten
? increasing temperature? times farther from the Sun than Earth is ?
from the Sun?
(1) Barnard’s Star, Polaris, Sirius, Rigel
(2) Aldebaran, the Sun, Rigel, Procyon B (1) Mars (3) Saturn
(3) Rigel, Polaris, Aldebaran, Barnard’s Star (2) Jupiter (4) Uranus
(4) Procyon B, Alpha Centauri, Polaris,
Betelgeuse

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 The diagram below shows the apparent daily path of the Sun, as viewed by an observer at a
certain latitude on three different days of the year.

121 At which latitude were these apparent Sun paths most likely observed?
?
(1) 0° (3) 43° N
(2) 23.5° N (4) 66.5° N

122 Large craters found on Earth support the 124 What is the main reason that the
? hypothesis that impact events have caused gravitational attraction between Earth and ?
the Moon changes each day?
(1) a decrease in the number of earthquakes
and an increase in sea level (1) Earth’s axis is tilted at 23.5°.
(2) Earth’s rotational speed varies with the
(2) an increase in solar radiation and a seasons.
decrease in Earth radiation (3) The Moon has an elliptical orbit.
(4) The Moon has a spherical shape.
(3) the red shift of light from distant stars and
the blue shift of light from nearby stars

(4) mass extinctions of life-forms and global

climate changes

123 What is the inferred age of our solar 125 Which object in our solar system has the
? ?
system, in millions of years? greatest density?

(1) 544 (3) 4600 (1) Jupiter (3) the Moon

(2) 1300 (4) 10,000 (2) Earth (4) the Sun

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 126 Which bar graph correctly shows the orbital eccentricity of the planets in our solar system?
?

The diagram below shows Earth in its orbit around the Sun. Positions A, B, C, and D represent
Earth at the beginning of each season.

127 At which lettered position of Earth does New York State experience the first day of summer?
?
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

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 The diagram below shows the apparent daily path of the Sun, as viewed by an observer at a
certain latitude on three different days of the year.

128 At which latitude were these apparent Sun paths most likely observed?
?
(1) 0° (3) 43° N
(2) 23.5° N (4) 66.5° N

129 Compared to the Jovian planets in our 130 A Foucault pendulum appears to change
? solar its direction of swing due to the ?
system, Earth is
(1) tilt of Earth’s axis
(1) less dense and closer to the Sun (2) spin of Earth on its axis
(2) less dense and farther from the Sun (3) deflection of Earth’s planetary winds
(3) more dense and closer to the Sun (4) movement of Earth in its orbit around the
(4) more dense and farther from the Sun Sun

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 The diagram below shows a satellite in four 132 The diagram below shows a standard
?
different positions as it revolves around a spectrum compared to a spectrum
planet. produced from a distant star. Which
conclusion can be made by comparing the
standard spectrum to the spectrum
produced from this distant star?

131 Which graph best represents the changes

? in this satellite’s orbital velocity as it revolves
around the planet?

(1) The star’s spectral lines have shifted toward

the ultraviolet end of the spectrum and the
star is moving toward Earth.

(2) The star’s spectral lines have shifted toward

the ultraviolet end of the spectrum and the
star is moving away from Earth.

(3) The star’s spectral lines have shifted toward

the infrared end of the spectrum and the star
is moving toward Earth.

(4) The star’s spectral lines have shifted toward

the infrared end of the spectrum and the
star is moving away from Earth.

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 133 Which statement provides evidence that 134 Compared to the surface temperature and
? ?
Earth revolves around the Sun? luminosity of massive stars in the Main
Sequence, the smaller stars in the Main
(1) Winds at different latitudes are curved Sequence are
different amounts by the Coriolis effect.
(1) hotter and less luminous
(2) Different star constellations are visible from (2) hotter and more luminous
Earth at different seasons of the year. (3) cooler and less luminous
(4) cooler and more luminous
(3) The Sun follows an apparent arc across the
sky during the day.

(4) The stars appear to circle Earth during the

night.

135 Which graph best represents the relative wavelengths of the different forms of
? electromagnetic energy?

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 Base your answers to questions 136 through 138 on the diagram below and on your knowledge of
Earth science. The diagram shows a pin perpendicular to a card. The card was placed outdoors in
the sunlight on a horizontal surface. The positions of the pin’s shadow on the card were recorded
several times on March 21 by an observer in New York State.

136 Which diagram best represents the length of the pin’s shadow at 2 p.m. on March 21?
?

137 The changing location of the pin’s shadow on March 21 is caused by

?
(1) the Sun’s rotation (3) Earth’s rotation
(2) the Sun’s revolution (4) Earth’s revolution

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 138 On June 21, the card and pin were placed in the same position as they were on
March 21. The diagram below shows the positions of the pin’s shadow.

Which statement best explains the decreased length of each shadow on June 21?

(1)
? The Sun’s apparent path varies with the seasons.
(2) The Sun’s distance from Earth varies with the seasons.
(3) The intensity of insolation is lower on June 21.
(4) The duration of insolation is shorter on June 21.

139 Which planet’s orbit around the Sun is 141 How many times will the Sun’s
? ?
most perpendicular rays cross Earth’s Equator
nearly circular? between March 1 of one year and March 1
of the next year?
(1) Mercury (3) Pluto
(2) Neptune (4) Venus (1) 1 (3) 3
(2) 2 (4) 4

140 Which star’s surface temperature is closest 142 Which celestial feature is largest in actual
? to the temperature at the boundary between size? ?
Earth’s mantle and core?
(1) the Moon (3) the Sun
(1) Sirius (3) the Sun (2) Jupiter (4) the Milky Way
(2) Rigel (4) Betelgeuse

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 Base your answers to questions 143 through 145 on the diagram below, which represents a model
of the sky (celestial sphere) for an observer in New York State. The curved arrow represents the
Sun’s apparent path for part of one day. The altitude of Polaris is also indicated.

143 According to this diagram, what is the Sun’s altitude at solar noon?
?
(1) 23.5° (3) 48°
(2) 42° (4) 90°

144 Where is this observer most likely located?

?
(1) Massena (3) Slide Mountain
(2) Oswego (4) Mt. Marcy

145 On which date could this observation of the Sun’s apparent path have been made?
?
(1) March 21 (3) October 21
(2) July 21 (4) December 21

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 146 Which graph best represents the force of gravity between Earth and the Sun during one
?
revolution of Earth around the Sun?

147 The best evidence that Earth rotates is 148 How do Jupiter’s density and period of
? provided by the rotation compare to Earth’s? ?

(1) location of mid-oceanic ridge volcanoes and (1) Jupiter is less dense and has a longer period
the distribution of index fossils of rotation.

(2) movement of Foucault pendulums and the (2) Jupiter is less dense and has a shorter
Coriolis effect on air movement period of rotation.

(3)pattern of changing seasons and the depth of (3) Jupiter is more dense and has a longer
meteor impacts period of rotation.

(4)rate of uranium-238 decay (4) Jupiter is more dense and has a shorter
period of rotation.

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 149 What is represented by the diagram below? 150 Which graph best represents the
? ?
relationship between the angle of insolation and
the intensity of insolation?

(1) changing phases of the Sun

(2) changing phases of the Moon
(3) stages in an eclipse of the Sun
(4) stages in an eclipse of the Moon

Base your answers to questions 36 and 37 on the diagram below, which shows the angle of the
Sun’s noontime rays received at different Earth latitudes on May 1.

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 151 Which changes can be expected to occur at 152 At which latitude can the noontime Sun be
? 45° N over the next 30 days? observed in the northern part of the sky? ?

(1) The duration of insolation will decrease and (1) 0° (3) 60° N
the temperature will decrease. (2) 30° N (4) 90° N
(2) The duration of insolation will decrease and
the temperature will increase.
(3) The duration of insolation will increase and
the temperature will decrease.
(4) The duration of insolation will increase and
the temperature will increase.

Base your answers to questions 153 and 154 on the graph below. The graph shows the recorded
change in water level (ocean tides) at a coastal city in the northeastern United States during 1 day.

153 Which inference about tides is best made 154 According to the pattern shown on the
? from this graph? graph, the next high tide will occur on the ?
following day at approximately
(1) The hourly rate of tidal change is always the
same. (1) 12:30 a.m. (3) 3:15 a.m.
(2) The rate of tidal change is greatest at high (2) 2:00 a.m. (4) 4:00 a.m.
tide.
(3) The tidal change is a random event.
(4) The tidal change is cyclic.

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 155 Which model best represents the apparent path of the Sun observed at various times during
?
the year at the Equator?

155 Which diagram correctly shows the apparent motion of Polaris from sunset to midnight for an
? observer in northern Canada?

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 156 Earth’s orbital velocity is slowest on July 5 157 Three planets that are relatively large,
? because gaseous, and of low density are
?

(1) the Moon is closest to Earth (1) Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn
(2) Earth’s distance from the Sun is greatest (2) Venus, Jupiter, and Neptune
(3) Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are located (3) Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus
along a straight line in space (4) Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus
(4) the highest maximum temperatures occur in
the Northern Hemisphere

157 Which diagram sequence correctly shows the order of Moon phases, as viewed from Earth,
? for a period of 1 month? [Note that some phases have been omitted.]

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 The diagram below shows the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Earth when an eclipse
was observed from Earth. Positions A and B are locations on Earth’s surface.

158 Which statement correctly describes the type of eclipse that was occurring and the position on
? Earth where this eclipse was observed?

(1) A lunar eclipse was observed from position A.

(2) A lunar eclipse was observed from position B.
(3) A solar eclipse was observed from position A.
(4) A solar eclipse was observed from position B

The diagram below shows the types of electromagnetic energy given off by the Sun. The shaded
part of the diagram shows the approximate amount of each type actually reaching Earth’s surface.

159 Which conclusion is best supported by the diagram?

?
(1) All types of electromagnetic energy reach Earth’s surface.
(2) Gamma rays and x rays make up the greatest amount of electromagnetic energy
reaching Earth’s surface.
(3) Visible light makes up the greatest amount of electromagnetic energy reaching Earth’s surface.
(4) Ultraviolet and infrared radiation make up the greatest amount of electromagnetic energy
reaching Earth’s surface.

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 The table below shows the duration of insolation at different latitudes for three different days during
the year.

160 Which dates are represented most correctly by Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3, respectively?
?
(1) March 21, September 22, December 21
(2) June 21, September 22, December 21
(3) September 22, December 21, March 21
(4) December 21, March 21, June 21

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 The diagram below shows the apparent path of the Sun as viewed by an observer at a certain
Earth location on March 21.

161 At which latitude is the observer located?

?
(1) the Equator (0°) (3) 66 ° N
(2) 23 °N (4)90° N

162 Which planet takes more time to complete 164 Which star is cooler and many times
? one rotation on its axis than to complete brighter than Earth’s Sun? ?
one revolution around the Sun?
(1) Barnard’s Star (3) Rigel
(1) Mercury (3) Mars (2) Betelgeuse (4) Sirius
(2) Venus (4) Jupiter

163 Which observation provides the best 165 An observer recorded the times of three
?
evidence that Earth rotates? successive high tides at one Earth location ?
as:
(1) The position of the planets among the stars
changes during the year. • 7:12 a.m.
(2) The location of the constellations in • 7:38 p.m.
relationship to Polaris changes from month • 8:04 a.m.
to month.
(3) The length of the shadow cast by a flagpole What was the time of the next high tide?
at noontime changes from season to
season. (1) 8:12 p.m. (3) 8:38 p.m.
(4) The direction of swing of a freely swinging (2) 8:30 p.m. (4) 9:04 p.m.
pendulum changes during the day.

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 166 Energy is transferred from the Sun to Earth 167 Which planet has an orbit with an
?
mainly by eccentricity most similar to the eccentricity ?
of the Moon’s orbit around Earth?
(1) molecular collisions
(2) density currents (1) Earth (3) Pluto
(3) electromagnetic waves (2) Jupiter (4) Saturn
(4) red shifts

Base your answers to questions 168 through 171 on the graph below, which shows the maximum
altitude of the Moon, measured by an observer located at a latitude of 43° N during June in a
particular year. The names and appearance of the four major Moon phases are shown at the top of
the graph, directly above the date on which the phase occurred.

168 What was the maximum altitude of the 170 Which city is closest in latitude to the
? Moon on June 22? location where these observations were ?
made?
(1) 40° (3) 46°
(2) 43° (4) 50° (1) Binghamton (3) Albany
(2) New York City (4) Syracuse

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 169 Which diagram best represents the Moon’s 171 Which terms describe both the changes in
? phase observed on June 11? the maximum altitude of the Moon and the
changes in the Moon’s phases over a
period of several years?

(1) cyclic and predictable

(2) cyclic and unpredictable ?
(3) noncyclic and predictable
(4) noncyclic and unpredictable

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 Base your answers to questions 172 through 174 on the diagram below, which shows the tilt of
Earth on its axis in relation to the Sun on one particular day. Points A through E are locations on
Earth’s surface. Point D is located in New York State. The dashed line represents Earth’s axis.

172 Which diagram best represents the angle of the Sun’s rays received at location C at noon on
? this day?

173 What is the latitude of location A? 174 On this day, which location has the
? greatest number of hours of daylight? ?
(1) 0° (3) 63 ° S
(2) 23 ° N (4) 90° N (1) E (3) C
(2) B (4) D

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 A camera was placed in an open field and The model below shows the Sun’s apparent
pointed toward the northern sky. The lens of the path across the sky for an observer in New York
camera was left open for a certain amount of State.
time. The result is shown in the photograph
below. The angle of the arc through which two
of the stars appeared to move during this time
exposure is shown.

178 On which day of the year was this path

?
observed?

(1) March 21 (3) September 21

(2) June 21 (4) December 21

175 How many hours was the lens left open to

? produce the photograph?

(1) 12 (3) 6
(2) 2 (4) 4

176 At which location is the altitude of Polaris 179 At which latitude is the Sun directly
? approximately 42°? overhead on certain days of the year? ?

(1) Niagara Falls (3) Watertown (1) 23.5° N (3) 66.5° N

(2) Elmira (4) Massena (2) 42° N (4) 90° N

177 Which motion causes the constellation 180 What does a red shift in light from distant
? Orion to be visible at midnight from New celestial objects indicate to a scientist on ?
York State in winter but not in summer? Earth?

(1) rotation of Earth (1) The gravitational force on Earth changes.

(2) rotation of Orion (2) The universe appears to be expanding.
(3) revolution of Earth (3) The Jovian planets are aligned with the Sun.
(4) revolution of Orion (4) Galaxies are becoming more numerous.

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 The diagram below shows the Moon as it revolves around Earth. The numbered locations
represent different positions of the Moon in its orbit.

181 Which Moon phase would be seen by an observer in New York State when the Moon
? is at position 2?

The photographs below show the surface of the Moon as seen from Earth over an 80-minute
period during a single night.

182 Which motion is responsible for this changing appearance of the Moon?
?
(1) The Moon moves into the shadow of Earth.
(2) The Moon moves into the shadow of the Sun.
(3) The Sun moves into the shadow of Earth.
(4) The Sun moves into the shadow of the Moon.

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 Base your answers to questions 182 through 184 on the data table below, which shows information
about the four largest asteroids found in our solar system.

182 The asteroids shown in the data table are located between the orbits of
?
(1) Venus and Earth (3) Mars and Jupiter
(2) Earth and Mars (4) Jupiter and Saturn

183 Compared to the diameter of Earth’s Moon, the diameter of Ceres is about
?
(1) one-fourth of the Moon’s diameter
(2) one-half of the Moon’s diameter
(3) twice the diameter of the Moon
(4) four times the diameter of the Moon

184 The surface rocks of Vesta contain significant amounts of the mineral pyroxene. If
? rocks on Vesta are similar to rocks on Earth, which two igneous rocks would most
likely be found on the surface of Vesta?

(1) basalt and scoria (3) peridotite and pumice

(2) dunite and granite (4) rhyolite and pegmatite

185 Which statement best describes the age of 186 A Foucault pendulum is used to prove that
? our solar system and the universe? ?
(1) the Sun rotates on its axis
(1) The universe is at least twice as old as our (2) the Sun revolves around Earth
solar system. (3) Earth rotates on its axis
(2) Our solar system is at least twice as old as (4) Earth revolves around the Sun
the universe.
(3) Our solar system and the universe are
estimated to be 5 billion years old.
(4) Our solar system and the universe are
estimated to be 10 billion years old.

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 187 The spinning of Earth on its axis causes 189 Compared to the terrestrial planets, the
? the Jovian planets are ?
apparent rising and setting of the
(1) smaller and have lower densities
(1) Sun, only (2) smaller and have greater densities
(2) Sun and the Moon, only (3) larger and have lower densities
(3) Moon and some stars, only (4) larger and have greater densities
(4) Sun, the Moon, and some stars

188 Which process produces the energy that

? allows the stars of the universe to radiate
visible light?

(1) convection (3) insolation

(2) nuclear fusion (4) radioactive decay

190 Which pair of shaded circles best represents the relative sizes of Earth and Venus when
? drawn to scale?

The diagram below shows Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Locations A, B, C, and D represent Earth
on the first day of each season.

191 Which location represents March 21?

?
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

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 Base your answers to questions 192 through 194 on the diagram below, which shows Earth in orbit
around the Sun, and the Moon in orbit around Earth. M1, M2, M3, and M4 indicate positions of the
Moon in its orbit. Letter A indicates a location on Earth’s surface.

192 An observer at location A on Earth views the Moon when it is at position M3. Which
? phase of the Moon will the observer see?

193 At which Moon position could a solar eclipse be seen from Earth?
?
(1) M1 (3) M3
(2) M2 (4) M4
194 An observer at location A noticed that the apparent size of the Moon varied slightly from
? month to month when the Moon was at position M4 in its orbit. Which statement best explains
this variation in the apparent size of the Moon?

(1) The Moon expands in summer and contracts in winter.

(2) The Moon shows complete cycles of phases throughout the year.
(3) The Moon’s period of rotation is equal to its period of revolution.
(4) The Moon’s distance from Earth varies in a cyclic manner.

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 Base your answers to questions 195 and 196 on the graph below, which shows the duration of
daylight hours throughout the year for five cities located in the Northern Hemisphere.

195 Which city experiences the greatest variation in daylight hours during one year?
?
(1) Caracas (3) New Orleans
(2) Mexico City (4) Edmonton

196 What is the primary reason each city’s duration of daylight hours changes throughout
the year?

(1) Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5° to the plane of its orbit.

? (2) Earth’s rotation rate is 15° per day.
(3) The cities are located at different longitudes.
(4) The cities are located at different elevations.

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 197 Scientists can plan to photograph a solar 200 In New York State, the constellation Pisces
? eclipse because most astronomical events can be seen in the night sky between the ?
are middle of summer and the middle of winter.
The constellation
(1) cyclic and predictable Scorpio can be seen in the night sky
(2) cyclic and unpredictable between early spring and early fall. The
(3) random and predictable reason these two constellations can be
(4) random and unpredictable viewed only at these times is a direct result
of Earth’s

(1) spin on its axis

(2) movement around the Sun
(3) axis having a 23.5° tilt
(4) distance from the Sun

198 Approximately how many degrees per day 201 Compared with our Sun, the star
? ?
does Earth revolve in its orbit around the Betelgeuse is
Sun?
(1) smaller, hotter, and less luminous
(1) 1° (3) 15° (2) smaller, cooler, and more luminous
(2) 13° (4) 23.5° (3) larger, hotter, and less luminous
(4) larger, cooler, and more luminous

199 Astronomers viewing light from distant

?
galaxies observe a shift of spectral lines
toward the red end of the visible spectrum.
This shift provides evidence that

(1) orbital velocities of stars are decreasing

(2) Earth’s atmosphere is warming
(3) the Sun is cooling
(4) the universe is expanding

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 The diagram below represents the Sun’s rays striking Earth and the Moon. Numbers 1 through 4
represent positions of the Moon in its orbit around Earth.

202 The highest tides on Earth occur when the Moon is in positions
?
(1) 1 and 3 (3) 3 and 2
(2) 2 and 4 (4) 4 and 1

Base your answers to questions 203 and 204 on the diagram below, which shows an inferred
sequence in which our solar system formed from a giant interstellar cloud of gas and debris. Stage
A shows the collapse of the gas cloud, stage B shows its flattening, and stage C shows the
sequence that led to the formation of planets.

203 From stage B to stage C, the young Sun was created

?
(1) when gravity caused the center of the cloud to contract
(2) when gravity caused heavy dust particles to split apart
(3) by outgassing from the spinning interstellar cloud
(4) by outgassing from Earth’s interior

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 204 After the young Sun formed, the disk of gas and dust
?
(1) became spherical in shape (3) became larger in diameter
(2) formed a central bulge (4) eventually formed into planets

Base your answers to questions 205 through 207 on the world map below. The shaded portion of
the map indicates areas of night, and the unshaded portion indicates areas of daylight on a certain
day of the year. Dashed latitude lines represent the Arctic Circle (66.5° N) and the Antarctic Circle
(66.5° S). Point A is a location on Earth’s surface.

205 Which diagram shows the position of Earth relative to the Sun’s rays on this day?
?

206 Approximately how many hours of daylight would occur at position A on this day?
?
(1) 6 (3) 12
(2) 9 (4) 15

207 On this day, the duration of daylight from the equator to the Arctic Circle
?
(1) decreases, only (3) decreases, then increases
(2) increases, only (4) increases, then decreases

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 208 A Foucault pendulum appears to change 211 From which New York State location would
? Polaris be observed to have an altitude
?
its direction of swing over a period of
several hours because of Earth’s closest to 43° above the northern horizon?

(1) rotation (3) tilted axis (1) Binghamton (3) Watertown

(2) revolution (4) gravity (2) Utica (4) New York City

209 The same side of the Moon always faces 212 In October, observers in New York State
? ?
Earth because the looking due south at the night sky would
see a different group of constellations than
(1) Moon’s period of rotation is longer than its they had seen in March. What is the best
period of revolution around Earth explanation for this change in the night sky?
(2) Moon’s period of rotation is shorter than its
period of revolution around Earth (1) Constellations revolve around Earth.
(3) Moon rotates once as it completes one (2) Constellations revolve around the Sun.
revolution around Earth (3) The Sun revolves around the center of our
(4) Moon does not rotate as it completes one galaxy.
revolution around Earth (4) Earth revolves around the Sun.

210 The diagram below shows the elliptical 213 The diagrams below represent Earth’s
? orbit of a planet revolving around a star. ocean tides at four different positions of ?
The star and F2 are the foci of this ellipse. the Moon. Which diagram shows the Moon
position that will produce the highest high
tides and the lowest low tides? (The
diagrams are not drawn to scale.)

What is the approximate eccentricity of this

ellipse?

(1) 0.22 (3) 0.68

(2) 0.47 (4) 1.47

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 214 Which diagram best shows the Sun’s apparent path, as seen by an observer on
? July 21 in New York State?

215 The diagram below shows Earth on a 216 The diagram below is a constructed ellipse.
? particular day in its orbit around the Sun. ?
The dashed line represents Earth’s axis.

F1 and F2 are the foci of the ellipse.

The eccentricity of this constructed ellipse is
closest to the eccentricity of the orbit of which
Which date is represented by the diagram?
planet?
(1) March 21 (3) September 23
(1) Mercury (3) Saturn
(2) June 21 (4) December 21
(2) Earth (4) Pluto

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 Base your answers to questions 217 and 218 on the diagram below, which shows the Moon, Earth,
and the Sun’s rays as viewed from space. Letter A indicates a certain position of the Moon in its
orbit.

217 Which diagram correctly shows the direction of Earth’s rotation and revolution?
?

218 Which diagram represents the phase of the Moon, as seen by an observer on Earth,
? when the Moon is located at position A in its orbit?

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 Base your answers to questions 219 through 221 on the passage below and on your knowledge of
Earth science.

A Newly Discovered Planet

Scientists studying a Sun-like star named Ogle-Tr-3 discovered a planet that is, on the average,
3.5 million kilometers away from the star’s surface. The planet was discovered as a result of
observing a cyclic decrease in the brightness of Ogle-Tr-3 every 28.5 hours. The changing
brightness is the result of the planet blocking some of the starlight when it is between Ogle-Tr-3
and Earth. This observation allowed scientists to find not only the planet, but also to determine the
planet’s mass and density. The mass has been calculated to be approximately 159 times the mass
of Earth. The planet is only 20% as dense as Jupiter. Scientists think that this low density is the
result of being very close to Ogle-Tr-3.

219 Compared to the period of revolution of Mercury and Venus, this newly discovered
? planet’s period of revolution is

(1) shorter than both Mercury’s and Venus’

(2) longer than both Mercury’s and Venus’
(3) shorter than Mercury’s but longer than Venus’
(4) longer than Mercury’s but shorter than Venus’

220 The density of the discovered planet has been estimated to be approximately
?
(1) 5.5 g/cm3 (3) 1.3 g/cm3
(2) 2.0 g/cm3 (4) 0.3 g/cm3
221 The planet was discovered when it passed between Earth and the star Ogle-Tr-3.
? Which event in our solar system results from a similar type of alignment of the Moon between
Earth and the Sun?

(1) summer solstice (3) solar eclipse

(2) winter solstice (4) lunar eclipse

222 Compared to Earth’s solar system, the 223 Terrestrial planets move more rapidly in
? universe is inferred to be their orbits than the Jovian planets ?
because terrestrial planets are
(1) younger and larger (3) older and larger
(2) younger and smaller (4) older and (1) rotating on a tilted axis
smaller (2) more dense
(3) more massive
(4) closer to the Sun

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 224 Which event is a direct result of Earth’s 227 The cyclic rise and fall of ocean tides on
? revolution? Earth is primarily caused by Earth’s ?
rotation and the
(1) the apparent deflection of winds
(2) the changing of the Moon phases (1) temperature differences in ocean currents
(3) the seasonal changes in constellations (2) revolution of Earth around the Sun
viewed in the night sky (3) direction of Earth’s planetary winds
(4) the daily rising and setting of the Sun (4) gravitational attraction of the Moon and the
Sun

225 The apparent change in direction of a 228 Compared to the temperature and
? swinging Foucault pendulum is the result of the luminosity of the star Polaris, the star ?
Sirius is
(1) rotation of Earth
(2) revolution of Earth (1) hotter and more luminous
(3) tilt of Earth’s axis (2) hotter and less luminous
(4) shape of Earth’s orbit (3) cooler and more luminous
(4) cooler and less luminous

226 The diagram below represents the shape 229 The Big Bang Theory, describing the
? of the Milky Way Galaxy. creation of the universe, is most directly ?
supported by the

(1) redshift of light from distant galaxies

(2) presence of volcanoes on Earth
(3) apparent shape of star constellations
(4) presence of craters on Earth’s Moon

The Milky Way Galaxy is best described as

(1) elliptical (3) circular
(2) irregular (4) spiral

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 Base your answers to questions 230 through 232 on the world map below, which shows regions of
Earth where a solar eclipse was visible on May 20, 1947. Locations A, B, C, and D are on Earth’s
surface.

230 At which location could an observer have viewed this total solar eclipse if the skies
? were clear?

(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

231 Which statement best describes the visibility of this eclipse from locations in New
? York State?

(1) A total eclipse was visible all day.

(2) A total eclipse was visible only from noon until sunset.
(3) A partial eclipse was visible only from noon until sunset.
(4) Neither a partial nor a total eclipse was visible.

232 Which diagram best represents the positions of Earth (E), the Sun, and the Moon
? (M) that created the solar eclipse? (Diagrams are not drawn to scale.)

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 233 One complete cycle of the phases of the 237 Which two stars have the most similar
? Moon takes approximately one luminosity and temperature? ?

(1) day (3) month (1) Betelgeuse and Barnard’s Star

(2) week (4) year (2) Rigel and Betelgeuse
(3) Alpha Centauri and the Sun
(4) Sirius and Procyon B

The diagram below shows the Moon at four The diagram below shows the noontime shadow
positions in its orbit around Earth. cast by a vertical post located in New York
State.

238 Which letter indicates a location west of the

post? ?
234 An observer on Earth could see a solar
? eclipse when the Moon is at position (1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D
(1) 1 (3) 3
(2) 2 (4) 4

235 Which planet would float if it could be 239 On March 21, at which location in New
? placed in water? York State would sunrise occur first? ?

(1) Mercury (3) Saturn (1) Riverhead (3) Buffalo

(2) Earth (4) Pluto (2) Syracuse (4) Massena

236 Earth is farthest from the Sun during the

? Northern Hemisphere’s summer, and Earth
is closest to the Sun during the Northern
Hemisphere’s winter. During which season
in the Northern Hemisphere is Earth’s
orbital velocity greatest?

(1) winter (3) summer

(2) spring (4) fall

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 Base your answers to questions 240 through 242 on the diagram below, which shows the altitude
and apparent position of the noontime Sun, as seen from various latitudes on Earth on a particular
day of the year. Letters A through D represent locations on Earth’s surface.

240 Which lettered location will experience the shortest period of daylight during one
? Earth rotation on this day?

(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

241 What is the altitude of the noontime Sun at the Equator on this date?
?
(1) 23 ° (3) 66 °
(2) 43° (4) 90°

242 Which season will begin at 41° N latitude, three months after the date represented
? by this diagram?

(1) summer (3) winter

(2) fall (4) spring

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 Base your answers to questions 243 through 245 on the graph below, which shows the water
levels of ocean tides measured in Boston, Massachusetts, for a 2-day period.

243 The graph shows that high tides at Boston occur approximately every
?
(1) 3.5 hours (3) 12.5 hours
(2) 6.0 hours (4) 16.0 hours

244 If the trends shown by the graph continue, which statement best describes the next low tide at
? Boston that is expected to occur on Wednesday?

(1) It will occur about 3 a.m. with a 0.4-meter water level.

(2) It will occur about 6 a.m. with a 0.6-meter water level.
(3) It will occur about 9 p.m. with a 2.6-meter water level.
(4) It will occur about 10 p.m. with a 2.8-meter water level.

245 The gravitational pull of the Moon has the greatest influence on the water levels of Earth’s
? ocean tides. If the distance between the Moon and Earth were to decrease
steadily for the week following the time shown on the graph, which water-level changes would
be expected to occur?

(1) High tides would get higher and low tides would get lower.
(2) High tides would get lower and low tides would get higher.
(3) Both high tides and low tides would get higher.
(4) Both high tides and low tides would get lower.

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 246 Which statement correctly compares the 248 Which star color indicates the hottest star
? size, composition, and density of Neptune surface temperature? ?
to Earth?
(1) blue (3) yellow
(1) Neptune is smaller, more gaseous, and less (2) white (4) red
dense.
(2) Neptune is larger, more gaseous, and less
dense.
(3) Neptune is smaller, more solid, and more
dense.
(4) Neptune is larger, more solid, and more
dense.

The diagram below represents Earth at a The diagram below represents Earth at four
specific position in its orbit as viewed from different positions, A, B, C, and D, in its orbit
space. The shaded area represents nighttime. around the Sun.

249 Between which positions would New York

State be experiencing the summer ?
season?

247 Which Earth latitude receives the greatest (1) A and B (3) C and D
? intensity of insolation when Earth is at the (2) B and C (4) D and A
position shown in the diagram?

(1) 0° (3) 66 ° N
(2) 23 °N (4) 90° N

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 The diagram below shows a classroom Base your answers to questions 251 and 252 on
demonstration. Two identical flashlights were the diagram below, which shows numbered
placed in the positions shown and they positions of the Sun at four different times along
illuminated areas of varying size, A and B, on a the Sun’s apparent daily path, as seen by an
classroom globe. Thermometers were then observer in New York State. Numbers 1 through
placed at the center of each illuminated area to 4 represent apparent positions of the Sun.
measure the rate of temperature increase.
Readings were taken over a period of 30
minutes.

251 The observer had the longest shadow

when the Sun was at position ?
250 Students most likely observed that the
? temperature of area A increased at a (1) 1 (3) 3
(2) 2 (4) 4
(1) slower rate than the temperature of area B
because area A received rays that were less 252 During which day of the year is the Sun
concentrated most likely to follow the apparent path ?
shown?
(2) slower rate than the temperature of area B
because area A received rays that were more (1) March 1 (3) October 1
slanted (2) July 1 (4) December 1

(3) faster rate than the temperature of area B

because area A received rays that were more
perpendicular to the surface

(4) faster rate than the temperature of area B

because area A received rays with less total
energy

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 The table below shows gravitational data for a planet traveling in an elliptical orbit around a star.
The table shows the relative gravitational force between the star and this planet at eight positions
in the orbit (letters A through H). Higher numbers indicate stronger gravitational attraction.

253 Which diagram best represents the positions of the planet in its orbit that would produce the
? gravitational forces shown in the data table?

254 The apparent rising and setting of the Sun, 255 In which direction on the horizon does the
? as viewed from Earth, is caused by Sun appear to rise on July 4 in New York ?
State?
(1) Earth’s rotation
(2) Earth’s revolution (1) due north (3) north of due east
(3) the Sun’s rotation (2) due south (4) south of due east
(4) the Sun’s revolution

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 256 Which graph best represents the change in 259 Which diagram represents the approximate
? gravitational attraction between the Sun altitude of Polaris as seen by an observer ?
and a comet as the distance between them located in Syracuse, New York?
increases?

257 The best evidence that Earth spins on its 260 A major belt of asteroids is located
? axis is provided by between Mars and Jupiter. What is the ?
approximate average distance between
(1) variations in atmospheric density the Sun and this major asteroid belt?
(2) apparent shifts in the swing of a Foucault
pendulum (1) 110 million kilometers
(3) changes in the position of sunspots on the (2) 220 million kilometers
Sun (3) 390 million kilometers
(4) eclipses of the Moon (4) 850 million kilometers

258 A cycle of Moon phases can be seen from

? Earth because the

(1) Moon’s distance from Earth changes at a

predictable rate
(2) Moon’s axis is tilted
(3) Moon spins on its axis
(4) Moon revolves around Earth

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 259 Which graph best represents the relative periods of rotation of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and
? Mars?

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 In the diagram below, the spectral lines of
hydrogen gas from three galaxies, A, B, and C,
are compared to the spectral lines of hydrogen
gas observed in a laboratory.

260 What is the best inference that can be

? made concerning the movement of
galaxies A, B, and C?

(1) Galaxy A is moving away from Earth, but

galaxies B and C are moving toward Earth.

(2) Galaxy B is moving away from Earth, but

galaxies A and C are moving toward Earth.

(3) Galaxies A, B, and C are all moving toward

Earth.

(4)Galaxies A, B, and C are all moving away

from Earth.

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 Base your answers to questions 261 through 263 on the diagram below, which represents the
position of the Sun with respect to Earth’s surface at solar noon on certain dates. The latitudes of
six locations on the same line of longitude are shown. The observer is located at 42° N in New
York State. The date for the Sun at position A has been deliberately left blank.

261 At which New York State location could 263 When the Sun is at the March 21 position,
? the observer be located? New York State will usually have ?

(1) Plattsburgh (3) New York City (1) longer days than nights
(2) Mount Marcy (4) Slide Mountain (2) 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of
darkness
262 When the Sun is at position A, which (3) the lowest annual altitude of the Sun at solar
? latitude receives the most direct rays of the noon
Sun? (4) the highest annual altitude of the Sun at
solar noon
(1) Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N)
(2) Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S)
(3) Equator (0°)
(4) Antarctic Circle (66.5° S)

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