...The relationship between the earth and the sun With a radius 110 times that of Earth and a mass 330,000 times greater, the sun reigns as the center of the solar system. The gravitational pull of the fierce, stormy ball of gas holds earth orbit, and its emissions power the Earth-atmosphere systems on which our lives depend. As the source of almost all the energy in our world, it holds the key to many of our questions about Earth and sky. Everybody is wondering about the environmental changes that take place throughout the year and from place to place over Earth’s surface. In the late years, people wondered why it got much warmer during summer than in winter and why some days were long whereas those in the other seasons were much shorter. These questions and many like them are probably as old as the earliest human thoughts, and the answers to them help to provide the understanding of the physical geography of the world. Physical geographers’ concerns take them beyond planet Earth to a consideration of the sun and Earth’s position in the solar system. Geographers examine the relationship between the sun and Earth to explain such earthly phenomena as the alternating periods of light and dark that is referred to as day and night. Other relationships between the Earth and sun also help to explain seasonal variations in climate. Although the universe and solar system are not strictly within the province of physical geography, an acquaintance with each can be helpful...
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...moons, thousands of asteroids, and billions of meteoroids and comets and one dwarf planet named Pluto orbit the grand star, the Sun. Around and around they go. These planets and other object came from a huge explosion. The Big Bang Theory, which states that the universe began as a dense and hot point that was less than a fraction of an inch and has continued to evolve into what it is known as of today. The origin of the galaxy seems a mystery. But over time, the pieces of the puzzle are coming together. Scientists believe a supernova or star may have formed the universe. When the Earth first formed, it contained gasses which dissolved into the Earth’s molten planet. When this formation happened from the smaller bodies, these were called planetesimals. But not all planets are the same. The Jovian planets are shrouded by thick atmospheres that are rich in hydrogen and helium. These planets were formed away from the sun. A shooting star is what individuals think of when they see a vapor stream of dust and gas shooting across the sky. The sun helps make this spectacle possible and could be a reason why early astronomers were so curious about the skies. When an individual looks up at the night sky, he or she can get lost in the vast beauty. Who wouldn’t get mesmerized? Introduction Our solar system consists of the Sun, eight planets, the dwarf planet Pluto, fifty-eight moons, thousands of asteroids, and billions of meteoroids and comets. The...
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...8.3 The Sun Powers Earth`s Climate System Homework - Thursday 09/06/12 pg. 329 #1-6 1. Explain how the ocean interacts with the Sun’s radiation. The ocean interacts with the Sun’s radiation by reflecting and absorbing the Sun’s radiation. I think the ocean absorbs the radiation because depending on the season the area by the mass of water is about 1°C or 2°C difference in temperature proving the ocean does absorb the Sun’s radiation. Although it absorbs heat I also thing the ocean has a medium albedo. The ocean is light coloured/clear, and is a different form of ice which has the highest albedo. Therefore the ocean interacts with the Sun’s radiation by reflecting and absorbing the heat energy. 2. The amount of energy Earth absorbs is equal to the amount of energy it radiates. Why is this important? Explain your answer. It’s important that the amount of energy Earth absorbs is equal to the amount of energy it radiates because on Earth we need to keep the temperature at a sustainable temperature, meaning the Earth can’t be too hot or too cold. For there to be a sustainable environment the Earth needs to maintain a healthy temperature for human life, and other life. By equally absorbing and reflecting the radiation from the Sun Earth is able to support life, this is very important. 3. The Sun shines continuously on Earth. Explain why Earth does not keep warming up. Even though the Sun shines continuously on Earth, the Earth doesn’t keep warming up because...
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...just look up at the sun and enjoy the warmth and brightness of the light. Without the sun there would be no life on earth. If a person took the time to analyze it, he or she would find more than bright light and warm weather. The sun is very active with solar cycles, sunspots, and most of all solar flares. It is amazing how much the suns activity can affect us on Earth. A solar cycle is when the sun's magnetic field rotates a full 360 degrees, causing its poles to switch. This solar magnetic activity cycle or solar cycle has been active for hundreds of millions of years. A solar cycle can be as short as nine years or as long as fourteen years, with an average of about eleven years (Zell). A solar cycle is observed by counting frequency and placement of sunspots visible on the sun. Solar cycles are periodic changes in the sun’s activity, changes in levels of solar radiation, and changes in levels of ejection of solar matter. The sun is currently in solar cycle twenty-four (Millis). There are phases of solar minimum and solar maximum. During solar minimum, the sun is the least active. Solar maximum is the period of highest activity. The sun is currently in the middle of a very active phase with a high number of sunspot and solar flares. The last time the sun was this active was August 28 through September 2, 1859 (Millis). These solar cycles create sunspots. Sunspots evolve rapidly, are temporary, and are caused by a magnetic disruption on the surface of the sun, which appear as...
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...was no sun, no light, no earth, no solar system. There was nothing, just the empty void of space. Then slowly, about 4.5 billion years ago, a swirling nebula, - a huge cloud of gas and dust was formed. Eventually this cloud contracted and grew into a central molten mass that became our sun. At first the sun was a molten glow. As the core pressure increased, and the temperature rose to millions of degrees - a star was born. Through the process of thermonuclear hydrogen fusion, the sun began to shine. This was the nebular hypothesis, first proposed in 1755 by the great German philosopher, Immanuel Kant. THE SUN - (c 4 Billion BC) Our sun is an atomic furnace that turns mass into energy. Every second it converts over 657 million tons of hydrogen into 653 tons of helium. The missing 4 million tons of mass are discharged into space as energy. The earth receives only about one two-billionths of this. Scientists calculate that the sun should keep burning for another 10 to 30 billion years. It has been estimated that in 15 minutes our sun radiates as much energy as mankind consumes in all forms, during an entire year. The sun is approximately 93,000,000 miles from the earth, 864,000 miles in diameter, and is only an 'average' star in size, brilliance and age. There are more than 100 billion other stars in our sun's own galaxy, the Milky Way. Energy, with a color temperature of approximately 6500 degrees Kelvin, is received on earth, from the sun. It takes light from the sun approximately...
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... Describe what you see in this simple sun-planet system. Specifically, what happens to the central object (the Sun)? Can you explain why the central object moves? HINT: Is gravitational attraction only the sun pulling on the planet? Does the planet orbit in a perfect circle? Is the sun at the center? In the simplest sun-planet system the Sun has a much larger mass (20X) than the planet. The planet is orbiting around the Sun in an elliptical orbit. The reason for this elliptical orbit is because gravity force of the bodies is acting on each other. The Sun's gravity keeps the planet from traveling off into space, and the planet's gravity acts on the much more massive sun causing it to have its own circular path instead of being just a stationary point. Mathematically, the force of gravity can be expressed as Force= G*(ml*m2/rA2), where G is the gravitational constant, ml is the mass of one object, m2 is the mass of a second object, and r is the distant between the two objects. II Click Stop and then select 3 bodies. Then Start Sketch a complete cycle (orbit) Watch the ‘funny’ object closely What is it doing? Describe and explain. Could this be the Earth/Moon/Sun system? (Try un-checking Show Traces.) Is there anything you are uncomfortable with in the simulation? Explain. Can you explain the difference in the moon’s path when it is on the right side of the Sun compared to on the left side? (Turn Traces back...
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...Galileo Galilei was an astronomer from Italy, Galileo was sent to higher institution to study medicine because his father wanted him to become a doctor. While in higher institution, Galileo discovered that he had a talent for mathematics so he persuaded his father to become a tutor in mathematics and he later became a professor of Mathematics. In the year 1609, Galileo heard about the development of the spyglass which made objects at a far distance seem close. Galileo utilized his arithmetic information that is his knowledge about mathematics and specialized abilities to enhance the spyglass and build a telescope. Later that year, he became the first person to take a look at the Moon through a telescope and make his first astronomy discovery....
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...interest noticeable. Telescope and Instrument Used The instrument used in order to observe the mares in the moon was the modern telescope and binoculars. Observation site (Your Location) Weather conditions at the observing site As far as the weather conditions are concerned, the weather was clear as well as the visibility was unblemished, and due to this the observations were clear. Filter and exposure time The observations lasted for 28 days of continuous interpretations of the features of the moon. Analysis and Evaluation The waxing gibbous Moon as observed from Earth The diverse states of the moon are alluded to as phases. Moreover, the distinctive phases are a consequence of the moon's...
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...Neptune is the eight planet from the sun. Neptune is the outermost planet of the gas giants. Neptune has a very different surface than most of the planet. Neptune has a very thin rings of ice. Neptune does not have any life, but its weather there is very active. Large storms usually occur there. Neptune has a rocky inner core which have water around. Neptune’s atmosphere has hydrogen, helium and methane. The fist person who discoved Neptune was Johann Gottfried Galle . Neptune was the first planet discovered using mathematics prediction rather than by empirical observation. Urban Le Verrier predicted the position of Neptune. Johann Galle and Heinrich d' Arrest made the actual observational discovery. Neptune was discovered...
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...probability of life mathematically is extremely low even when all the elements of life are present. Stages of evolution and development needed to create life take time. This time that it takes to develop is difficult to come by in the Universe according to some scientist. To understand what it takes to produce life scientist look to life as it evolved on Earth for an example on how this occurs. Properties of Life on Earth Life refers to any living system that can maintain homeostasis, grow or have the capacity to do so, respond to environmental stimuli, reproduce in some manner, and adapt to environmental changes. Anything that can do these things is referred to as a living organism. Life on Earth consists of carbon forms. Carbon is a key component for all life that has naturally occurred on Earth. Molecules made of carbon bond with hydrogen, nitrogen, and mostly oxygen to make complex molecules. The substance carbon is in excess on Earth. It is easy for enzymes to move and manipulate carbon molecules due the size and the fact that they are lightweight. The most common elements found in living organisms on Earth are hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous, sulfur, and carbon. Possibilities of Extraterrestrial Life in Our Solar System The possibility of life within our solar system has been a question asked for years. Space exploration in the 1960s started to answer the question with no. Probes sent out to search for life have not returned any signs of it. Human...
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...in Astronomy Cary Lingle PHY 107 June 25, 2013 Professor Worek Telescopes in Astronomy Peering out beyond the confines of the Earth was a daydream for early scientists. Staring into the heavens from the Earth limited the scientific community’s ability to study the cosmic bodies above the Earth’s surface. As curiosity grew to explore the Sun, moon, stars and far-reaching corners of the universe, creativity was sparked leading to the development of tools like a telescope to assist scientists with examining outer space and its contents. The development of the telescope began in the hands of a Dutch lens maker, Hans Lippershey. Lippershey developed a device consisting of a tube and a lens allowing the user to view objects up close. Galileo Galilei expanded upon Lippershey’s design creating the modern day telescope using a concave lens. Galileo used his telescope view the items in the night sky including the Milky Way. Galileo revealed that the Earth was not at the center of the universe that was a contrasting view from previous scholars. The development of the telescope has lead to significant discoveries including the moon's effect on weather patterns on Earth and in space black holes, stars' lifecycles and galaxies beyond the Milky Way to name a few. The ability to study the Sun has given scholars the ability to determine the age of the Sun, planets and stars in the night sky. The first telescope's original design, consisting of a tube and lens, gave the viewer the first...
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...Biomass is solar energy that has been stored as plant and animal material. When you eat vegetables, you are consuming the sun´s energy the plant stored as it grew. Your body uses the vegetables´ biomass to give you energy to work and play. When corn is used to make biomass energy, cleaner-burning fuels can be produced, such as ethanol. At landfills, where most of the waste is biomass, a gas called methane is naturally produced. Methane gas can be used to generate electricity. Sunlight helps all living things grow. Energy from sunlight is called solar energy. Solar energy makes it possible for plants, animals and people to live on Earth. The Earth is basically a huge solar energy collector because it collects the energy from the sun. This energy comes in different forms. One form is from direct sunlight used by plants to grow. Another form of energy heats the air that causes wind. Water is evaporated when sunlight falls on the oceans. Then when the evaporated water cools in the air, it falls back to Earth as rain and becomes rivers and lakes. All of these forms of energy are used indirectly as wind, biomass and hydroelectric power, and directly as solar energy. Solar energy is called thermal energy and photovoltaic energy. Our supply of solar energy can never be used up and is readily available. Therefore solar energy is a type of renewable energy. It is not like fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, which are also called non-renewable energy. Solar energy is...
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...ABOUT THE SUN The Sun is our nearest star. Its light and heat make life on Earth possible. When did the Sun form? Scientists calculate the Sun and solar system formed at approximately the same time, 4.55 billion years ago. This is based on the ages of the oldest objects that we have sampled from our solar system, meteorites. How did the Sun form? The solar nebula theory describes how most scientists think the Sun formed. A cloud of hydrogen and helium gas and dust existed in space. It began to compress and eventually gravitational forces pulled the gas and dust together and the cloud collapsed. The collapsing cloud began spinning and flattening into a disk. Much of the material was concentrated in the center of the spinning mass, where compression resulted in a “protosun” of increasing density and temperature. Eventually the heat and pressure increased to the point where nuclear fusion of hydrogen occurred and the Sun ignited. By exploring our universe with tools such as the Hubble Space Telescope, scientists have discovered stars in various stages of formation predicted by the solar nebular theory. How much longer will the Sun shine? Scientists predict the Sun will shine for another 7 billion years! They arrive at this estimate by calculating how fast the hydrogen in the Sun's core is being converted to helium. Approximately 37% of the Sun's hydrogen has been used since the time of its formaton, 4.55 billion years ago. (Lang, 1999) How big is the Sun? The Sun's diameter is...
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...the magnetic explosion in the sun. The sun has spurted a huge cloud towards the earth which is full of electronic ions. The planet was hit by a “Solar Tsunami” racing 93 million miles across the space. Scientists have warned that the earth could be hit by a wave of violent space storm(Coronal Mass Ejection) after a massive explosion on the sun. This huge explosion could shut down the global communication and the satellites might get destroyed. “These eruptions occur when immense magnetic structures in the solar atmosphere lose their stability and can no longer be held down by the Sun’s huge gravitational pull. Just like a coiled spring suddenly being released, they erupt into space.” This means we have a very good chance of seeing major and prolonged effects, such as the northern lights at low latitudes.” The solar explosion that causes the tsunami has been observed by many satellites along with the Solar Dynamic Observatory, NASA. The blasts will reach to a maximum level in 2020 it is estimated. Along with this blast there was another blast of cold air circumference of the sun’s northern pole. A huge cloud has been thrown in to the space with these related developments. This paper focuses on the global changes caused by the future solar activity and also presented pre actions for safe guarding our lives. Key Words: Coronal mass Ejection, Solar storms, Magneto Hydro Dynamic Waves, Solar electric repulsion, Faraday Cage INTRODUCTION: The sun is hot, bright and enormous. Its...
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... Stonehenge is considered to have been D) an astronomical observatory. ----------- 4. You have just won $10^4$ dollars on that hit TV survival show ``Astronomy Midterm No. 1''. How much money is this in real money? C) \$10,000 ----------- 9. Most Greek astronomers believed that the Earth is immobile because they did not observe E) parallaxes for the stars. ----------- 14. Sunspots were discovered by C) Galileo. ----------- 15. Aristarchus argues E) for a heliocentric universe. ----------- 16. The higher the frequency of light B) the shorter (smaller) its wavelength. ----------- 17. Aristarchus estimated the relative distances to the Sun and Moon by observing the A) angle between the half Moon and the Sun in the sky. ----------- 18. The smaller the wavelength of light A) the larger its frequency. ----------- 19. The difference in the lengths of shadows simultaneously cast by identical sticks placed vertically in the ground at two different points on a meridian indicates that D) the Earth is not flat. ----------- 20. The spectral lines of a star are observed to be shifted toward larger wavelengths. This shows that E) the star is receding from us. ----------- 21. In order to account for the retrograde motion of the ...
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