astronomy overview outline

Astronomy: Earth Science

I. Chapter 26: Astronomy A. Value

Astronomy: the study of the universe Astronomers: the scientists who study astronomy Astronomers study astronomy for the pure fact of wanting to

know more (learning) and that it is beneficial to humans.B. Characteristics

The Universe is 14 BILLION years old or more Contains galaxies. Galaxies are large collections of stars and

dust Levels of Age Organization: Universe, Galaxy, Solar System, The

Sun, PlanetsC. Measurement

Distance can be measured by:- Astronomical Units: AU - OR Light Years: Speed of Light/ Distance

D. Devices An example of an instrument used in space and in Astronomy

is a telescopeE. Rotating

1. Rotation: Earth spinning on its axis 2. Rotation Time: Approx. 1 day3. Sun Rising:

- Sun appears to rise East ( Morn.) to West (Night) 4. The part of the Earth facing the Sun experiences Sunlight.

F. The Foucault Pendulum Evidence that Earth rotates By J. Foucault The Reason that the pendulum was moving was that the floor

(floor being Earth) movingG. The Coriolis Effect

Evidence that the Earth Rotates States that ocean currents and the wind belts don’t move in

straight paths