Give a name

Another name for the Milky Way galaxy: Akash Ganga.

Name a constellation: Saptarishi.

Name the celestial body nearest to Earth: Moon.

Give an example of a satellite: Moon.

Name the celestial bodies that are made up of gases and emit their
own heat and light: Stars.

What is another name for the Pole Star? : North Star.

Name the celestial bodies that do not have their own light and are
lit by the light of stars and revolve around the stars: Planets.

Name the star nearest to the earth: Sun.

Name the planet which is called the terrestrial planets and is made
up of rocks and metals: Mercury.

Ursa Major is a ______: Constellation.

Name the instrument used to see the celestial bodies: Telescope.

Name the common name that can be given to the various planets,
stars, asteroids etc: Celestial bodies.

Name the planet with maximum number of moons: Saturn.

Name the materials by which the rings around Jupiter, Saturn and
Uranus are made up of: Small debris made up of rocks, metals and ice.

A famous astronomer of ancient India was: Aryabhatta.

Name some of the Indian satellites in space: INSAT, Aryabhatta, IRS,
EDUSAT, etc.

Celestial bodies which have their own heat and light arc called
Stars.

All the planets of the Solar Family revolve around the Sun in
elliptical paths. It is known as orbit.

A galaxy is a huge system of stars. The white glowing path of stars

across the sky is called the Milky Way galaxy. We in India call it
Akash Ganga.

The small pieces of rocks which move around the sun are called
meteoroids.
The larger Asteroids are called planetoids.

One of the most easily recognizable constellations is the small bear

or Saptarishi (Sapta-seven, rishi-sages).

Constellations are various patterns formed by different group of

stars.

Write in brief about all eight planets of solar system.

Mercury - One orbit Venus - One orbit Earth - One orbit Mars - One orbit
around sun - 88 around sun - 255 around sun - 365 around sun - 687
days days days days
One spin on axis - One spin on axis - One spin on axis - 1 One spin on axis - 1
59 days 243 days day day
Number of moons – Number of moons –
1 02

Jupiter - One orbit Saturn - One orbit Uranus - One orbit Neptune - One orbit
around sun - 11 around sun - 29 around sun - 84 around sun - 164
years, 11 months years, 5 months years years
about 12 years One spin on axis - One spin around One spin on axis-16
One spin on axis - 9 10 hours 40 axis - 17 hours 14 hours 7 minutes
hours, 56 minutes minutes minutes Number of moons -
Number of moons – Number of moons - Number of moons - 8
16 about 18 about 17
Define
1.What is a geoid?
Ans. A sphere with its ends flattened at poles (just like earth) is called geoid.

2.What is a Pole Star?

Ans. The North Star indicates the north direction. It is also called the Pole
Star.

3.What is a galaxy?
Ans. A galaxy is a huge system of billions of stars, and clouds of dust and
gases.

4.Who are called astronomers?

Ans. Those who study the celestial bodies and their movements are called
astronomers.

5.What is constellation? Write one example.

Ans. A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern is called constellation.
Ursa Major or Big Bear is one such constellation.

6.What are celestial bodies?

Ans. The sun, the moon and all those objects shining in the night sky are
called celestial bodies.

7.What is a satellite?
Ans. A Satellite is a celestial body that moves around the planets in the
same way as the planets move around the sun.

8.What is the Universe?

Ans. A galaxy is a huge system of billions of stars, and clouds of dust and
gases. There are millions of such galaxies that make the Universe.

9.What are orbits?

Ans. All the eight planets of the solar system move around the sun in fixed
paths. These paths are elongated. They are called orbits.
10.Write a short note on asteroids.
Ans. There are numerous tiny bodies which also move around the sun. These
bodies are called asteroids. They are found between the orbits of Mars and
Jupiter.

11.What is meant by the ‘Solar System’?

Ans. The sun, eight planets, satellites and some other celestial bodies known
as asteroids and meteoroids form the solar system. We often call it a solar
family, with the sun as its Head.

12.What are stars?

Ans. Some celestial bodies are very big and hot. They are made up of gases.
They have their own heat and light, which they emit in large amounts. These
celestial bodies are called stars. The sun is a star.

Q1. Fill in the blanks.

i. The North Star indicates the north direction.
ii. The sun is in the centre of the solar system.
iii. We can see the full moon only once in about a month’s time.
iv. Full moon night is also known as Poornima.
v. Ursa Major or Big Bear is a constellation.
vi. Aryabhatta was a famous astronomer of ancient India.

Q2. True/False
i. All the planets move around the sun in an elongated path. True
ii. It is huge and made up of extremely hot liquids. False
iii. The word ‘planet’ comes from the Greek word “Planetai” which means
‘wanderers’. True
iv. The moon is in the centre of the solar system. False
v. Till recently (August 2006), Pluto was also considered a planet. True
vi. Word geography is made of two Greek words, ‘ge’ meaning’ ‘earth’ and
‘graphia’ meaning ‘writing’. True
Give Reason
Why do the stars look so small in the sky?
Ans. The stars look so small in the sky because they are very far from us.

Why earth appears blue from outer space?

Ans. From the outer space, the earth appears blue because its two-thirds
surface is covered by water.

Why earth is called blue planet?

Ans. From the outer space, the earth appears blue because its two-thirds
surface is covered by water.

Why Milky Way is called Akash Ganga?

Ans. In ancient India, it was imagined to be a river of light flowing in the sky.
Thus, it was named Akash Ganga.

Why do we see only one side of the moon always?

Ans. The moon moves around the earth in about 27 days. It takes exactly
the same time to complete one spin. As a result, only one side of the moon
is visible to us on the earth.

Why the Earth is called a unique planet?

I. Conditions favourable to support life are probably found only on the
earth.
II. The earth is neither too hot nor too cold.
III. It has water and air, which are very essential for our survival.
IV. The air has life-supporting gases like oxygen.
V. Because of these reasons, the earth is a unique planet in the solar
system.

Why we are unable to see the moon and other stars during the
day?

Ans. Sun is the star that is nearest to the Earth. During the day, the Sun’s
light is so bright that we cannot see the light of other stars. Thus, they are
not visible during the day.

Why is Venus considered as ‘Earth’s Twin’?

Ans. Venus is considered as ‘Earth’s Twin’ because its size and shape are
very much similar to that of the Earth.

Why does the moon not have conditions favourable for life?

Ans. The moon does not have conditions favourable for life because of the
following reasons:

 During the day it is very hot.

 At night it is very cold.

Why do we see shadows on the moon?

Ans. The moon has mountains, plateaus, plains and depressions on its
surface.
In the reflected light on the Earth these features look like shadows. Hence,
we see shadows on the surface of the Moon.
Why can the earth not be compared to other planets of the Solar
System?

Ans: The earth cannot be compared to other planets of the Solar System
because of the following reasons:

 It is only the earth which has life on it.

 Conditions favourable to support life are found only on the Earth:
 The Earth is neither too hot nor too cold.
 It is the only planet which has water on it. Water is very essential for our
survival.
 It has life giving gas, oxygen.
 It also contains ozone layer, which protects us from harmful solar rays.
Due to these reasons the earth is a Unique Planet in the Solar System.
Differentiate

Difference between a planet and a star

Planet Star

Some celestial bodies do not Some celestial bodies are very big
have their own heat and light. and hot. They are made up of
They are lit by the light of the gases. They have their own heat
stars. Such bodies are called and light, which they emit in large
planets. Example : Earth amounts. These celestial bodies
are called stars. Example : Sun

Difference between a satellite and a star:

Satellite Star
Satellite is the celestial body which has
come into existence after separation from Stars are the celestial
a planet. It does not have its own light and bodies which have their own
energy. It obtains light from the stars (the light and energy.
Sun).
Stars are very huge and
They are small in size. extensive balls of fire and
gases.
There are millions of
Number of satellites is 63 in our Solar millions stars in the
System. universe. Sun is the only
star in our Solar System.
A satellite is also called a moon which has Stars have their own light
been separated from its planet. and energy (heat).
Star revolves round its
A satellite revolves round its planet.
galaxy
Example: Moon Example: Sun
Difference between a planet and a satellite:

Planet Satellite
The Satellites revolve round their planets.
Planets receive heat and
They too have no fight of their own but
light from the Sun around
only reflect the fight received from the
which they revolve.
Sim.
Planets have a spherical
Satellites are relatively small bodies.
body.
There are nine major
There are only 57 satellites in our Solar
planets, our Earth is also
System.
one of them.
A planet is called a A satellite is called a moon. It also means
‘Wanderer’. a smaller companion.
Satellites revolve round the planets and
Planets move round the
accompany them in their revolution round
Sun.
the Sun.
Difference between asteroids and meteoroids.

Asteroids

 Besides Stars, Planets and Satellites there are also numerous tiny
heavenly bodies. They also revolve round the Sun. They are called
asteroids.
 They are found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
 The largest asteroid is Ceres.
 Asteroids are parts of a planet which exploded many years back.

Meteoroids

 The small pieces of rocks which revolve round the Sun are called
meteoroids.
 When they enter the earth’s atmosphere, they begin to burn.
 These burning rocks are called meteors.They cause a flash or sink of light.
 A meteor not destroyed fully, falls on the earth. It is called a meteorite. It
creates a hollow or depression in the ground.
 A very good example of such a meteorite depression is in Arizona, USA.
India has an example of such depression in Ramgarh in Rajasthan.
Long Questions

Explain some features of the earth,

Answer:

 The Sun has heat and light which makes life possible on the Earth.
 The Earth is slightly flattened at the poles, and has a bulge on equator. Its
shape is Geoid.
 Conditions favourable for life are found on the earth.
 The Earth is also called the blue planet as from the sky it looks blue
because of the presence of water on it.
 Our Earth has only one natural satellite. It is called the Moon.

Describe the Sun and its planets with the help of a diagram.

Answer: The Sun:

 The Sun is at the centre of the Solar System. It is the head of the Solar
Family.
 It is made up of extremely hot gases.
 The Sun provides the gravitational pull that binds the Solar System.
 It is also a massive store house of energy. The energy is essential for life
on the Earth.
 The Sun is about 15 crore km away from the Earth.
Planets:

 There are eight planets in the Solar Family.

 In order of their distance from the Sun they are Mercury, Venus, Earth,
Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
 Mercury is the nearest to the Sun, while Neptune is the farthest from the
Sun.
 3Chapter 2 Globe Latitudes and Longitudes
Answer the following questions briefly:
1. What is the globe?
Answer: Globe is a true model of the earth. It shows the earth in a small form. Globe is
the three dimensional model of the earth

2. What are the advantages of the globe? [V. Imp.]

Answer: The globe is small in shape, is convenient to carry and use, and depicts all
features of the earth.

3. What are the two types of lines needed to locate any point on the earth’s
surface? [V. Imp.]
Answer: Latitudes and longitudes are required to locate any point on the earth’s
surface.

4. Define latitude.
Answer: One of the imaginary circles parallel to the Equator is called latitude.

5. Define longitude.
Answer: One of the imaginary circles parallel to the Prime Meridian is called longitude.

6. Which place is used as a standard for a time all over the world?
Answer: Greenwich in Britain is used as a standard for a time all over the world.

7. Geographically, what is the time difference between Dwarka in Gujarat

and Dibrugarh in Assam? [Imp]
Answer: The time difference between Dwarka and Dibrugarh is of 1 hour 45 minutes.

8. A particular city lies in the time zone-2. What does this mean?
Answer: This means that the city’s local time is 2 hours behind Greenwich.

9. What does the time ‘12 noon’ signify at any place?

Answer: ‘12 noon’ refers to the time when the sun is at the highest point in the sky.

10. Which heat zone does the equator lie in?

Answer: The equator lies in the Torrid Zone.

11. What is the true shape of the earth?

The true shape of the Earth is geoid-earth like shape. In other words, it is orange
shaped.

12. What are the three heat zones of the Earth?

(i) Torrid Zone
(ii) Temperate Zone
(iii) Frigid Zone.

13. How do latitudes and longitudes help in locating a point? Why is only
one of them insufficient in doing this?[V. Imp.]
Answer:

Latitudes and longitudes form a grid.

Two different points may lie on the same latitude or the same longitude.
But there exists only one point where latitude and longitude intersect.
So a point can be identified with the help of the latitude and longitude on which
it lies.
14. What are parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude?

Parallels of Latitudes and Meridians of Longitudes:

Parallels of Latitudes:
All the parallel circles from the equator to the poles are called parallels of latitudes.
Meridians of Longitudes:
All the semi-circles which join north pole to south pole are termed as meridians of
longitudes.

GIVE REASON
1. Why do places beyond Tropics have moderate temperature?

The mid–day sun never shines overhead on any latitude beyond the tropics. The angle
of the sun rays goes on decreasing towards the poles. As a result, the places beyond
Tropics have moderate temperature.

2. Why is it necessary to have standard time?

Standard time is necessary because:

• The different meridian’s having different time is likely to create problems for trains &
flights.

• To maintain uniformity in the country and the world.

3. Why is Frigid Zone very cold?

Frigid Zone lies close to poles. In this zone the sun does not rise much above horizon.
Its rays are always slating and provide less heat. That is why this zone is very cold.

4. Why is latitude and longitude useful?

• The Earth is divided into degrees of longitude and latitude which helps us measure
location and time using a single standard.
• When used together, longitude and latitude define a specific location through
geographical coordinates. These coordinates are what the Global Position System or
GPS uses to provide an accurate locational relay.

• Longitude and latitude lines measure the distance from the Earth's Equator or
central axis - running east to west - and the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England -
running north to south.

• They have been useful to navigators, geographers, cartographers and surveyors for
a long time. Latitude and longitude are useful on a daily basis for a great number of
people for global positioning system, GPS and computerized mapping.

• Using latitude and longitude, it is possible to calculate all sorts of things such as
calculate the distances from city to city, calculate the distance from any point on
earth to any other point.

5. Why do we have the concept of time zone?

a) The sunlight doesn’t spread equally everywhere on Earth simultaneously.

b) When it’s daytime (midday) in one location, it’s nighttime (midnight) in the place
directly on the opposite side of the Earth.
c) This creates a situation where 12 noon might be midday in one area but
midnight in another.
d) To make things less confusing, we use time zones.
e) This ensures that a specific time corresponds to the same part of the day
everywhere.
6. Why does the Torrid Zone receive the maximum amount of heat?

Torrid Zone receives the maximum amount of heat because of the following reasons:

i. The Sun shines perpendicular between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn
throughout the year.
ii. Perpendicular sun rays give more heat than slanting sun rays.
7. Why is it 5.30 p.m in India when it is 12.00 noon in London?

 It is 5.30 p.m. in India when it is 12.00 noon in London because of the following
reasons:
 London is located at 0° longitude while the time of 8212° E longitude is taken as
standard time in India.
 There is a difference of 8212 between the longitude of London and the Standard
Meridian of India (8212 E).
 Time in India is ahead of London. It is 4 minutes ahead at every longitude
towards east.
 Hence time in India is ahead of London by 5.30 hours (4 x 8212 = 330 minutes
or 5.30 hours).
1. Mention three features of latitudes.

Latitudes are set of circles drawn parallel to the equator between the North
Pole and the South Pole. Features of latitudes are:

• The equator is the largest parallel and the length of other parallels
decreases as one moves away from

the equator towards the poles.

• All parallels are located at an equal distance from each other.

• Latitudes are measured in degrees. The equator represents the zero

degree latitude.

5. How latitude and longitude is expressed?

Latitudes and longitudes are expressed in degrees. However, the increments

of less than one degree can be expressed as a decimal or minutes and
seconds. There are 60 minutes in a degree and 60 seconds in a minute.
Longitudes can be written with an E or W for east or west. Latitudes have N
or S for north or south.

6. What do you mean by a globe? Briefly describe its features.

A globe is a model of the earth. It shows the earth in its actual shape. It is a
simple and accurate way to represent the earth. It is not fixed and can be
rotated in the same way as a top spin.

Features of the globe:

• The globe is small in size and therefore very convenient to carry and use.

• It clearly depicts all the features of the earth.

• Globes show countries, continents and oceans in their correct shape.

7. Mention three features of Meridians.

• The length of all the meridians is the same. Hence, it is difficult to number
the meridians.

• The maximum distance between any two meridians is at the equator.

• The distance between any two meridians decreases as we go away from

the equator towards the

poles. All the meridians meet at the poles.

3. What are the different heat zones of the earth? Describe each of
them.

There are different heat zones of the earth based on the sun’s rays fall
differently causing different climatic patterns.

These zones are: the Torrid Zone, the two Temperate Zones and the two
Frigid Zones.

• Torrid Zone: This zone is located between the Tropic of Cancer and the
Tropic of Capricorn. This area receives the maximum heat because the sun
shines overhead here. As a result, this zone is very hot.

• Temperate Zones: The areas bounded by the Tropic of Cancer and the
Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere, and the Tropic of Capricorn and the
Antarctic Circle in the Southern Hemisphere have moderate temperatures
because the sun never shines overhead here.

• Frigid Zones: Areas lying between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole in
the Northern Hemisphere and the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole in the
Southern Hemisphere, are very cold. It is because here the sun does not rise
much above the horizon. Therefore, its rays are always slanting and provides
less heat.
 Describe the major heat zones of the earth.
Solution
Heat Zones of the earth:
1. Torrid Zone:
- Torrid means hot.
- This zone receives the maximum amount of heat throughout the year, because the
rays of the Sun fall vertically on this zone. - This zone is located between the Tropic of
Cancer (2312∘S).
2. Temperate Zone:
- The temperate zones lie in both the hemispheres.
- North temperate zone lies in northern hemisphere between Tropic of Cancer and
Arctic Circle.
- South temperate zone lies in the southern hemisphere between the Tropic of
Capricorn and Antarctic Circle.
- These zones are neither too hot nor too cold.

3. Frigid Zone:
- Frigid means cold.
- Beyond the Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle temperatures are very low and the
climate is very cold.
- This is due to the extreme slanting of the Sun's rays.
- The North Frigid Zone lies between the Arctic Circle (6612∘N) and the North Pole in
the Northern hemisphere.
- The South Frigid Zone lies between Antarctic Circle (6612∘S) and the South Pole in
the Southern hemisphere.
 Chapter 3 MOTIONS OF THE EARTH
1. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) What is the angle of inclination of the earth’s axis with its orbital plane?

The angle of inclination of the Earth’s axis with its orbital plane is about 23.5 degrees.

(b) Define rotation and revolution.

Rotation is when the Earth spins around its own axis, causing day and night.
Revolution is when the Earth moves in an orbit around the Sun, causing changes in
seasons.

(c) What is a leap year?

A leap year is a year that has an extra day, February 29, to keep our calendar in sync
with the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. It happens every four years.

(d) Differentiate between the Summer and Winter Solstice.

Summer Solstice Winter Solstice

1. It is the position of the Earth when the 1. It is the position of the Earth when
rays of the Sun fall directly on the Tropic the rays of the Sun fall directly on the
of Cancer. Tropic of Capricorn.
2. A large portion of the northern 2. A large portion of the Southern
hemisphere experiences more heat and Hemisphere gets light from the Sun.
light. Hence, it is summer in the Hence, it is winter in the Northern
Northern Hemisphere. Hemisphere.
3. In this position, the North Pole is tilted 3. In this position, the North Pole
towards the Sun. is tilted away from the Sun.
4. During this period, days are longer 4. During this period, nights are longer
than nights in the Northern Hemisphere. than days in the Northern Hemisphere.
5. It occurs on 21st June in the Northern 5. It occurs on 22nd December in the
Hemisphere. Northern Hemisphere.

(e) What is an equinox?

 Equinox happens on 21st March and 23rd September, when both the hemispheres
have the same length of day and night.

 During 21st March in the Northern hemisphere, it’s called spring equinox. But in
the Southern hemisphere, it’s the autumn equinox.
 On 23rd September, in the Northern hemisphere, it’s the autumn equinox, while
in the Southern hemisphere, it’s the spring equinox.

(f) Why does the Southern Hemisphere experience Winter and Summer
Solstice in different times than that of the Northern Hemisphere?

The Southern hemisphere has its summer and winter solstices at different times
compared to the Northern hemisphere due to these reasons:

 On December 22nd, the Southern hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, causing its
summer solstice. Meanwhile, the Northern hemisphere experiences winter
solstice as it lean away from the Sun during that time.
 Conversely, on June 21st, the Northern hemisphere tilts toward the Sun,
resulting in its summer solstice, while the Southern hemisphere has its winter
solstice because it tilts away from the Sun during this period.

(g) Why do the poles experience about six months day and six months
night?

The poles experience about six months of day and six months of night because of the
Earth’s tilt. When one pole is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences continuous
daylight, while the other pole is in darkness. As the Earth revolves around the Sun,
this condition reverses.
Summer Solstice
 Summer Solstice begins on 21st June in the Northern Hemisphere.

 On this day, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.

 Sunrays fall on the Tropic of Cancer.

 The North Pole is inclined towards the Sun, and areas beyond the Arctic Circle experience
continuous daylight for about six months.

 The longest day and shortest night occur on 21st June, the Summer Solstice.

 The conditions in the Southern Hemisphere are reversed, and it is winter season there.

Winter Solstice
 The Winter Solstice occurs on the 22nd of December in the Northern Hemisphere.

 The Southern Hemisphere at this time is tilted towards the Sun.

 The Sunrays fall on the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere.

 The Southern Hemisphere has longer days during this period and shorter nights.

 The conditions are reversed in the Northern Hemisphere.

Equinox
 The direct rays of the Sun fall on the equator on 21st March and 23rd September.

 The whole Earth experiences equal days and equal nights because neither of the poles is tilted
towards the Sun.

 On 23rd September, it is autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern
Hemisphere.

 It is the opposite on 21st March when it is spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the
Southern Hemisphere.
 Chapter 4 MAPS
1. Answer the following questions briefly.

(a) What are the three components of a map?

There are three three different types of maps:

Physical Maps Political Maps Thematic Maps

(b) What are the four cardinal directions?

The four cardinal directions are: North, South, East, and West.

(c) What do you mean by the term ‘the scale of the map’?

 The term ‘the scale of the map’ refers to the ratio between a unit of length on
the map and the corresponding distance on the ground.
 A small scale map is used to show large areas like continents or countries on a
paper.
 A large scale map is used to show a small area like a village or town on a paper.

(d) How are maps more helpful than a globe?

The world is depicted in three dimensions on globes. A map, on the other hand, is a
representation of the earth in two dimensions.

For educational purposes, maps are chosen over globes.

This is because globes do not provide the same level of depth and information as
maps.

Because of its curved surface, the globe does not display distances.

A map is more convenient to use. The use of maps allows for a comparative study of
two locations. This is impossible to achieve on a global scale.

(e) Distinguish between a map and a plan.

The differences between a map and a plan are given below.

Map Plan

On a piece of paper, a map is a two- A plan is a very detailed representation

dimensional representation of the earth or a of a small area or region on a large
part of it. scale.

Maps do not indicate dimensions such as Plans, on the other hand, depict the
the length and width of a room. length and width of a space.

(f) Which map provides detailed information?

A topographic map provides detailed information about the natural and man-made
features of a specific area, including contour lines, rivers, and buildings.

(g) How do symbols help in reading maps?

 Symbols help in reading maps by using simple pictures or shapes to represent

real-world features, making it easier to understand and interpret the information
on the map.
 The conventional symbols give a lot of information in a limited space.
 The blue colour is used for showing water bodies, brown for mountains, yellow
for plateau and green is used for plains.