C30317 November 2017

1. What are main sequence stars?

Ans:
A main sequence star is any star that is fusing hydrogen in its core and has a
stable balance of outward pressure from core nuclear fusion and
gravitational forces pushing inward.
2. Define astronomical unit. Express it in meters.
Ans:
It is defined as the mean distance between the Sun and the Earth.
1AU = 1.496 x 1011m
1 State Kepler’s third law of planetary motion. What is the period of
Jupiter?
Ans:
The square of the period of revolution of any planet is proportional to the
cube of the semi major axis of its orbit. i.e. T 2 ∝ a 3 (Draw figures, see my
notes) The average distance between Jupiter and the Sun is 778 million km
(about 5.2 times the average distance between Earth and the Sun, or 5.2 AU)
and it completes an orbit every 11.86 years.

4. What is meant by absolute magnitude of a star?

Ans:
The absolute magnitude of a star is defined as the magnitude it would have if it
were viewed at a standard distance of 10 parsecs (32.6 light-years).
5. What makes earth a unique planet for life to exist?
Ans:
Habitable Zone
Many astro biologists believe that in order for life to arise and survive, it must be
found on a planet or moon within the habitable zone of a star. The habitable zone
refers to the region around the star in which liquid water can form and remain
liquid. The size of the star is important as well. Stars that are much larger than the
Sun have such short lifetimes, that it is unlikely that there would be enough time
for any kind of life, particularly complex life, to develop.
Another key ingredient to the formation of life seems to be having a large planet -
like Jupiter - in a planetary system. Because Jupiter is so much more massive than
all the other planets, it attracts many asteroids, comets and other objects that travel
within the Solar System. This is important because otherwise, some of these
objects would end up crashing into Earth, and many did in the very early formation
of the Solar system. Jupiter’s gravity, along with Earth’s atmosphere combines to
protect the Earth from many impacts that would certainly have sterilized Earth
many times.
Plate Tectonics
Unlike on Venus and Mars, the crust of the Earth is constantly being recycled. This
keeps the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere from getting too high or too low.
If the levels become too high, (as they did on Venus) they act as a greenhouse gas
and the planet becomes too hot. Liquid water evaporates and the surface of the
planet dries up. If the levels become too low, the planet cools and an ice age
begins. This has happened several times in Earth’s history, but each time, because
of the motion of the plates and the continued recycling of the carbon in rocks,
carbon was released into the atmosphere eventually raising the levels of carbon
dioxide and allowing the planet to warm again. Without this carbon cycle, planets
don’t seem to be able to maintain a climate balance appropriate to sustain life.
Based on what we know about life on Earth, the only place we know life exists for
sure, we can determine at least 3 major requirements:

Energy
Warmth to allow liquid water to exist (or liquid methane?)
Energy is needed to fuel chemical reactions (metabolism)
Complex Chemistry
Elements heavier than Hydrogen & Helium
Carbon as building blocks for complex organic molecules
Protection from harmful UV radiation
UV light can damage or break complex molecules, causing mutations that
may inhibit the emergence of complex life.
Protection from UV is afforded by the Ozone Layer, underwater, or
underground.

6. Explain the structure of sun.

Ans:
Sun has many different layers that define its structure. The sun has six layers.
Three layers, the corona, chromosphere and photosphere, comprise the sun’s
atmosphere or outer layer. The other 3 layers, convection zone, radiation zone and
 C30317
core, comprise the inner layers or the parts of the sun that are not seen. (Also see
my notes)

7. Explain Big bang theory. How does it support the theory of expanding
universe?
Ans:
The Big Bang Theory, first suggested by George Gamow in 1948, is the leading
theory to describe the beginning of the universe. The theory explains how the
universe emerged from a tremendously dense and hot point about 13.7 billion years
ago, called singularity. Precise predictions of background radiation temperature,
even before it was actually discovered, as well as recent findings suggesting that
our universe was much hotter in the younger ages, support the Big Bang Theory.

The Big Bang theory of the formation and expansion of the universe is supported
by Red shift of Galaxies and cosmic micro wave back ground radiation.
Edwin Hubble found out by the study of spectrum that Galaxies are receding from
us from each other by red shift. 
George Gamow predicted that the remnants of big bang will be everywhere in the
universe. Robert Wilson and Arno Penzias found it out while they were testing
communication antenna for satellites.
Expanding universe
In the 1920s, astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered the universe was not static.
Rather, it was expanding; a finding that revealed the universe was apparently born
in a Big Bang.
After that, it was long thought the gravity of matter in the universe was certain
to slow the expansion of the universe. Then, in 1998, the Hubble Space Telescope's
observations of very distant supernovae revealed that a long time ago, the universe
was expanding more slowly than it is today. In other words, the expansion of the
universe was not slowing due to gravity, but instead inexplicably was accelerating.
The name for the unknown force driving this accelerating expansion is dark
energy, and it remains one of the greatest mysteries in science.

8. Discuss in brief the history of astronomy.

Ans:
A (very) brief history of astronomy
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Early astronomers, in different civilizations, used the observed motion of the stars, the Sun, Moon
and planets as the basis for clocks, calendars and a navigational compass. The Greeks

models to account for these celestial motions. 

 
Copernicus, in the 16th century, was the first to explain the observed looping (retrograde) motion of
planets, by replacing a geocentric model of the Universe with a heliocentric model. Modern planetary
astronomy really began in the 17th century with Kepler, who used Tycho Brahe’s very accurate
measurements of the planetary positions to develop his three laws. 
 
Galileo contributed to the development of astronomy by teaching the Copernican view, and by
devising a telescope which he used to show Jupiter’s moons as a model for the solar system, among
other things. 
 
Newton built on earlier insights with his universal law of gravitation and its fruits: predictions or
explanations of Kepler’s laws, the motion of comets, the shape of the Earth, tides, precession of the
equinoxes and perturbations in the motion of planets which led to the discovery of Neptune. He also
had to invent the mathematics to do this: calculus.

9. Differentiate between Terrestial and Jovian planets. Give examples.

Ans:
The planets in the solar system are divided into terrestrial and Jovian planets. They
are different in their position, composition and other features.
First of all, let us see what are the Jovian and the terrestrial planets. Jupiter, Saturn,
Uranus and Neptune are the Jovian planets. Mercury, Venus and Earth are the
terrestrial planets.
One of the main differences that can be seen between terrestrial and Jovian planets
is their surfaces. While the terrestrial planets are made of solid surfaces, the Jovian
planets are made of gaseous surfaces.

Their main difference is their composition. Terrestrial planets are covered with

solid surfaces while Jovian planets are characterized by gaseous surfaces.
These terrestrial planets in our solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and
Mars.
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Summary
1. While the terrestrial planets are made of solid surfaces, the Jovian planets are
made of gaseous surfaces.

2. When comparing the size, the Jovian planets are much larger than the terrestrial
planets.

3. While the atmosphere of terrestrial planets is composed mainly of carbon

dioxide and nitrogen, hydrogen and helium are found in abundance in the
atmosphere of Jovian planets.

4. The core of the Jovian planets is denser than the terrestrial planets.

5. The Jovian planets are far away from the sun.

6. The terrestrial planets spin less, and are therefore less flattened at the poles.

7. The Jovian planets have more moons when compared to terrestrial ones.
10. Explain the various zones of earth.
Ans:
The fact that the Earth is spherical in shape results in different parts of the
Earth getting heated differently. Based on the heat received from the Sun, the
Earth is divided into three heat zones. They are:

Torrid Zone: It is a region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of
Capricorn. This region receives the direct vertical rays of the Sun for almost
the whole year. Therefore, this zone gets the maximum heat from the Sun.
This zone is known as the torrid or the tropical zone.
Temperate Zone: This zone lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic
Circle in the Northern Hemisphere and between the Tropic of Capricorn and
the Antarctic Circle in the southern hemisphere. This zone gets the slanting
rays of the Sun as the angle of the Sun’s rays goes on decreasing towards the
Poles. Thus this zone experiences moderate temperature.
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Frigid Zone:  The Frigid Zone lies between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole
and between the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole. This zone is also known
as the Polar region. Since it receives the extreme slanting rays of the Sun, the
temperature is extremely low throughout the year. This is the reason why the
Polar Regions are generally covered with ice.
 

11. Discuss the different types of amateur astronomical observing.

Ans:
(See the web: http://www.stargazing.net/david/eyes/index.html )
a) Unaided eye observing
Observing with your unaided eyes without optical aids is a quick, easy and low
cost. Also the observing skill developed in unaided eye observing is foundation for
all other types of observing. Excellent unaided eye observing skills will result in
better binocular and telescope observing. Some sky objects such as constellations,
comets, meteors are best observed with your unaided eyes.
b) Binocular observing
Observing with binoculars provides ability to see more details and fainter stars
than can be seen by the unaided eye. Observing with binoculars is quick, easy, and
very portable and can be very low cost when compared to telescope observing. The
large open star clusters like the Pleiades are best observed with binoculars, because
you can see the complete star cluster with the binoculars wild field of view.Also
 C30317
binocular observing provides skills needed for using telescope finder to aim a
telescope at an astronomical object.
c) Observing with telescope
Observing with telescope provides to see more details and fainter stars than can be
seen with binoculars. Telescope observing is what most people think of when you
refer to armature astronomy and is where many people start in astronomy. Most
beginners do not realize that successful telescope observing is based on good
observing skills obtained using your unaided eye and using binoculars.
d) Astro imaging
To start astro imaging one needs a camera. Observing with astro imaging with
both film and CCD cameras provides recorded image that shows astronomical
objects and details that cannot be seen with above methods of observing .Also it is
nice to be able to review your images later and share your images with others.

Astronomy
 D 1173 November 2016
1. If a star’s brightness is increased by 45,000 times how much is the change in
its magnitude?
Ans:
b2
m1 - m2 = 2.5 log 10 = 2.5 log 10 45,000 =
b1 ❑
Or another mothered
m1 - m2 = x
10 = 45000, find x.
4x

2. Define astronomical unit (AU)

Ans:
It is defined as the mean distance between the Sun and the Earth.
1 AU = 1.496 x 1011m
3. What is the difference between Astronomy and Astrology?
Ans:
Astronomy is a science that studies everything outside of earth’s atmosphere,
such as planets, stars, asteroid, galaxies and the properties and relationship of those
celestial bodies. Astronomers, base their studies on research and observation.
Astrology, on the other hand, is the belief that the positions of the stars and
planets effect the way events occur on the earth.
Astronomy is a science that studies the universe around us.
Astrology is a pseudo science that claims the movements of planets can affect
our actions and future. Astrology is the belief that planets and stars affect our lives
4. Which are inferior and superior planets, and why they are called so?
Ans:
Inferior planets are closer to sun than the earth. They are Mercury and Venus.
Inferior planet is used in reference to Mercury and Venus, which are closer to the
sun that the earth is .A planet which orbits the Sun inside the Earth’s orbit is called
an inferior planet.
Superior planets are farther from the Sun than the Earth. They are Mars,
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Superior planet is used in reference to Mars,
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune which are farther from the Sun than the Earth.
A planet which orbits the sun outside the Earth’s orbit is called superior planet.
 D 1173

5. Define sidereal day?

Ans:
Rotation period of earth relative to the stars is called a sidereal day. The
sidereal day is different than the solar day because of earth’s revolution around the
sun.
One sidereal day is defined as the interval of time between two successive
transits of vernal equinox over the same meridian. Sidereal day is smaller by
average day by four minutes.
Note:-
Solar day
A day is defined as the time taken by the Earth to rotate once on its axis. If the
rotation of earth on its axis is defined with respect to the sun, then the time for one
rotation relative to the sun is the solar day. This is the time for one sunrise to next
sunrise.
The sidereal day is 4 minutes shorter than the solar day.
6. Distinguish between the terms perigee and apogee
Ans:
Apogee: - The point in the orbit of the moon or an artificial satellite when it is
farthest from the Earth.
Perigee: - The point in the orbit of the moon or an artificial satellite when it is
closest to the Earth (See my notes, draw figures)
7. Discuss the main features of Ptolemy’s geocentric model of the universe.
Ans:
Under the geocentric model, the Sun, Moon, stars and planets all orbited the
Earth. Earth was the centre of the universe.
Ptolemy lived in Rome around 100 AD. His model of the solar system and
heavenly sphere was a refinement of the previous models developed by Greek
astronomers. Ptolemy’s major contribution, however, was that his model could so
accurately explain the motions of heavenly bodies, it became the model for
understanding the solar system.
The Ptolemaic model accounted for the apparent motion of the planets in a very
direct way, by assuming that each planet moved on a small sphere or circle, called
an epicycle, that moved on a larger sphere or circle called a deferent. The stars, it
 D 1173
was assumed, moved on a celestial sphere around the outside of the planetary
spheres. In Ptolemy’s system earth is stationery and earth is at the centre of the
universe. (See study.com)
8. State kepler’s laws of plantation motion
Ans:
a) All planets move around the sun in elliptical orbits, having the sun as one of
the foci.
b) A radius vector joining any planet to the sun sweeps out equal areas in equal
intervals of time.
c) The square of the period of revolution of any planet is proportional to the
cube of the semi major axis of its orbit. i.e. T 2 ∝ a 3 ( Draw figures, see my
notes)
9. What is the advantage of geographic co-ordinate system? Define longitude
and latitude.
Ans:
Longitude: - The longitude of a place is defined by the angular distance
between Greenwich meridian and meridian of the place. If is measured from 0 0 to
1800 east or west of Greenwhich.
Latitude: - The latitude is defined by the angular distance of the place from the
equator. It is measured from 0 0 to 900 along the meridian of the place north or
south of the equator.
Geographical Co-ordinate system
A Geographical Co-ordinate system is a co-ordinate system used in geography
that enables every location on earth to be specified by a set of numbers or symbols.

A common choice of co-ordinates is: a) latitude b) Longitude c) elevation.

A geographical Co-ordinate system (GCS) uses a three- dimensional spherical
surface to define locations on the Earth.
10. Write a short note on the planet Saturn.
Ans:
Saturn is the 6th planet from the sun in the solar system. It is the second largest
planet in the solar system after Jupiter. It is a Jovian planet. Like Jupiter, it
contains mainly Hydrogen and Helium. Inside Saturn is probably a core of Iron,
Nickel, Silicon and Oxygen compounds surrounded by a deep layer of metallic
 D 1173
Hydrogen, then a layer of liquid Hydrogen and liquid Helium and finally an outer
gaseous layer. It has beautiful rings. Saturn has 62 known moons (satellites)
orbiting the planet, 53 are officially, named. Its main satellite Titan is very large.
Titan is the second largest moon in the solar system. (See my notes for details)
11. What causes the tail of a comet?
Ans:
Comets are lumps of frozen water, ice, gas and dust. As a comet approaches the
Sun, it starts to heat up. The ice transforms directly from a solid to a vapor,
releasing the dust particles embedded inside. The solar wind sweeps the
evaporated material and dust back into a long tail.
Tail is produced from the solar winds or charged particles coming from the sun.
They push dust and gases away from the comet and that causes the tail.
12. Even light cannot come out of a Black hole .Explain?
A star whose radius is smaller than its Schwarzschild radius is known as a black
hole. A black hole is a super planetary material formed due to the death of a star of
mass more than five solar masses. Thus it has a very large mass and very small
size due to continued compression of the core of the star during explosion. As a
result of it, the gravitational pull of black hole is very strong. It is called a black
hole for the reason that any particle or photon approaching its surface is just
swallowed by it. On the other hand, no particle or photon of light emitted by its
surface can escape it. Since radiation is neither emitted nor reflected by it, it
appears black and is called a black hole.
13. State Hubble’s law
Ans:
Hubble’s law states that the recessional velocity of galaxy (V) is equal to the
product of Hubble’s constant (H) and the distance to that galaxy (D) from us.
i.e. V = HD
Hubble found that a galaxy’s speed away from us is proportional to its distance
from us.
Note: - Red shift
In physics red shift happens when light or other electromagnetic radiation from an
object is increased in wavelength, or shifted towards the red end of the spectrum.
 D 1173

14. Which are the three categories of stars?

Ans:
a) Main sequence stars b) super giant stars c) White dwarf stars.
15. Give the structure of the Sun.
Ans:-
Sun has many different layers that define its structure. The sun has six layers.
Three layers, the corona, chromosphere and photosphere, comprise the sun’s
atmosphere or outer layer. The other 3 layers, convection zone, radiation zone and
core, comprise the inner layers or the parts of the sun that are not seen. (See my
notes)
16. According of to standard model what is considered as the origin of the
universe?
Ans:-
According to standard theory, our universe sprang into existence as singularity
around 13 .7 billion years ago. The big bang theory is an effort to explain what
happened at the very beginning of our universe.
The big bang theory states that about 13.7 billion years ago all the matter in the
universe was concentrated into a single incredibly tiny point called singularity.
This began to enlarge rapidly in a hot explosion, and it is still expanding today.
Now we know that all the galaxies are moving away from us i.e. the universe is
expanding. This supports the big bang theory.
Note:-
Cepheid variables
Cepheid variables are used to estimate astronomical distance. They are, AU,
light year (ly) and parsec (pc).
 D 90 924 November 2015

1. Define a light year

Ans:
It is defined as the distance travelled by light in vacuum in one year
1 light year = 3 x 108 x 365 x 24 x 60 x 60 m = 9.46 x 1015 m
This unit is used in astronomy for measuring very large distance of stars and
galaxies.
2. Define and list zodiac constellations
Ans:
The zodiac is an area of the sky which extends approximately 8 0 north or south
(as measured in celestial latitude) of the ecliptic, the apparent path of the sun
across the celestial sphere over the course of the year.
Zodiac constellations are constellations that lie along the plane of the
ecliptic. The 12 constellations in the zodiac family can all be seen along the
ecliptic. They are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpios,
Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces (zodiac = cminN
Constellations = \£-{X-k-aqlw)
3. Why do we have different seasons on Earth?
Ans:
Earth has seasons because our planet’s axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of
23.40 relative to our orbital plane – the plane of the earth’s orbit around the sun.
Seasons happen because earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.4 degree
and different parts of Earth receive more solar energy than others. i.e. different
areas of earth point toward or away from the sun at different times of the year.
We have hot summers and cold winters because of the tilt of the earth’s axis.
As earth orbits the sun, its tilted axis always points in the same direction. So
throughout the year different parts of the earth get the sun’s direct rays. It is
summer in June in the northern hemisphere because the sun’s rays hit that part
of earth more directly than at any other time of the year. It is winter in
December in the northern hemisphere because the Earth’s tilt away from the
Sun is maximized, which leads to a minimum of Sun light reaching the northern
hemisphere. The seasons, of course, are reversed in the southern hemisphere.

D 90 924
4. What are binary stars?
Ans:
A binary star is a star system consisting of two stars orbiting around their
common centre of mass.
5. What is meant by solar flare?
A solar flare is a sudden flash of increased sun’s brightness, usually observed
near its surface. Sometimes a sudden, rapid, and intense variation in brightness
is seen on the sun. It is called solar flare. A solar flare occurs when magnetic
energy that has built up in the solar atmosphere is suddenly released. Solar
flares are sudden eruptive events that occur on the sun. Each such event may
involve energy in the range of 1022 to 1025 Joules ( i.e. the energy released is
equal to millions of 100 megaton hydrogen bomb exploding at the same time).
Often these flares last somewhere between a few minutes to more than an hour.
Solar flare is possibly linked to the release of stored magnetic energy.
6. Define the magnifying power of a telescope
Ans:
The magnifying power of a telescope is a function of the distance p from the
objective lens to the object viewed, as well as the focal length of the lens.
7. What are the properties of photosphere?
Ans:
The photosphere is the visible surface of the sun, from which light is radiated.
All the light we get from the sun comes from the photosphere. The density of
the photosphere is 3400 times less than the density of the air around us. The
thickness of the photosphere is about 500km and the temperature at its base is
6500K. The temperature decreases upwards and attains a minimum value of
4400K at the top. Photosphere has a granular structure. The chemical
composition of the photosphere is 79 percent hydrogen and the remaining 21
percent with about 60 other chemical elements.
8. Define Luminosity of a star
Ans:
Luminosity L is defined as the total amount of energy radiated by the star
per unit time in the form of electromagnetic radiations.

D 90 924
 9. What are the three different zones of the earth’s interior?
Ans:
These zones are:- a core, a mantle and a crust. There are 3 main parts of the
Earth’s interior. The first part is the core, or the centre of the earth. The core is
divided into two parts. The inner core is solid and the outer core is made of
liquid metals, including melted nickel and Iron. The core is surrounded by the
earth’s mantle .Most of the earth’s mass is included in the mantle. The outer 25
miles of the mantle make up the earth’s crust.
10. What is Foucault’s pendulum?
Ans:
Foucault’s pendulum is a freely swinging pendulum that consists of a heavy
weight hung by a long wire and that swings in constant direction which appears
to change showing that the earth rotates.
i.e. it is a simple device to demonstrate the rotation of earth.
11. Briefly describe about sun spots
Ans:
Sun spots are dark, planet-sized regions that appear on the surface of
the sun. Sun spots are ‘dark’ because they are colder than the areas around
them. A large sunspot might have a temperature of about 4000K which is much
lower than the temperature of the photosphere, that is, about 5,800K. Sun spots
are only dark in contrast to the bright face of the sun. Sun spots are caused by
the sun’s magnetic field. The powerful magnetic field around sun spots
produces active regions on the sun, which often lead to solar flares.
Sunspots form over periods lasting from days to weeks, and can last for
weeks or even months.
12. Define celestial sphere
Ans:
Celestial sphere is an imaginary sphere of infinite radius with the earth located
at its center. The poles of the celestial sphere are aligned with the poles of the
Earth. The celestial equator lies along the celestial sphere in the same plane
that includes the equator. The celestial sphere is a large sphere surrounding the
Earth and with it we can keep reference to where celestial bodies lie in the sky.

D 90 924
 The rising and setting points of celestial bodies (Sun, Moon, Stars and planets)
are determined by their position on the celestial sphere.

13. What is meant by celestial Co-ordinate system?

In Astronomy, celestial Co-ordinate system is a system for specifying position
of celestial objects like planets, stars and galaxies etc.
Celestial Co-ordinates are a reference system used to define the position of
objects on the celestial sphere. By defining a right ascension, a declination and
an epoch, every astronomical object is identified with a unique position on the
sky.
Celestial Co-ordinates are:- right ascension, declination and epoch.
14. What is cosmological red shift?
Ans:
The Cosmological red shift is actually due to the expansion of space itself. Red
shift is related to the expansion factor of the universe. For most astronomical
objects, the observed spectral lines are all shifted to longer (or red end) wave
lengths. This is known as cosmological red shift, and is given by
obs−rest
Z = rest
W z = cosmological red Shift
obs = the observed wave length
rest = the emitted or absorbed wave length
This is due to the expansion of the universe.
 D 70 952 November 201 4
1. Explain the concept of diurnal motion
Ans:
Diurnal motion is the daily motion of stars and other celestial bodies across the
sky. This motion is due to the earth’s rotation from west to east, which causes
celestial bodies to have an apparent motion from east to west. Or it is caused by
the earth’s rotation around its axis, so almost every star appears to move along a
circular path called the diurnal circle.
2. What is celestial axis?
Ans:
Celestial axis is the line joining the north and south celestial poles, about which
the celestial sphere rotates.
3. What is parallax method for finding larger distance?
Ans:
Astronomers estimate the distance of nearby objects in space by using a method
called stellar parallax. The parallax method is used to measure distances of
stars and other stellar objects in the space.
Parallax is the apparent displacement of an object because of change in the
observer’s point of view.
4. What are the merits of refracting telescope over reflecting?
Ans:
The refractor telescope uses a lens to gather and focus light.
1) Refractor telescopes are rugged. After the initial alignment, their optical
system is more resistant to misalignment than the reflector telescopes.
2) The glass surface inside the tube is sealed from the atmosphere so it rarely
needs cleaning.
3) Since the tube is closed off from the outside, air currents and effects due to
changing temperatures are eliminated. This means that the images are
steadier and sharper than those from a reflector telescope of the same size.
5. What are white dwarfs?
Ans:
A white dwarf is what stars like our sun become after they have exhausted their
nuclear fuel.
A white dwarf (or a degenerate star) is a stellar remnant composed mostly of
electron –degenerate matter. A white dwarf is very dense; its mass is
 D 70 952
comparable to that of the sun, and its volume comparable to that of the earth.
White dwarfs are thought to be the final evolutionary state of all stars (including
our sun) whose mass is less than 1.4 solar mass .A star of mass greater than 1.4
solar mass cannot become a stable white dwarf. No white dwarf star has been
discovered which has a mass higher than Chandrasekhar limit.
6. How many light years are there in 1 parsec?
Ans:
1 parsec = 3.26 light years (ly) in distance
7. A Saturn year is 29.46 years. What is the distance of Saturn from Sun?
Ans:
Average distance from sun = 9.534AU (or 1.429 billion Km)

8. Explain dark matter and energy

Ans:
Dark matter is a type of matter thought to be responsible for much of the mass
in the universe.
According to standard model of cosmology, the total mass energy of the known
universe contains 4.9% ordinary matter, 26.8% dark matter and 68.3% dark
energy.
Dark energy is the name given to the force that is believed to be
making the universe larger.
While dark energy is a force that accounts for the expanding universe,
dark matter explains how groups of objects function together.
Dark matter produces an attractive force (gravity) while dark energy
produces a repulsive force. Together they make up 96% of the universe.
9. How the temperature of the sun is determined using solar constant.
Ans:
T=¿
T = temperature of sun, = Stefan’s constant
S = solar constant
R = radius of the sun
r = radius of earth’s orbit around the sun

D 70 952
10. Explain the celestial co-ordinates
Ans:
Celestial Co-ordinates are a reference system used to define the positions of
objects on the celestial sphere. The right ascension (RA) and declination (dec)
of an object on the celestial sphere specify its position uniquely, just as the
latitude and longitude of an object on the earth’s surface define a unique
location.
In astronomy, a celestial Co-ordinate system is a reference system for
specifying positions of celestial objects like satellites, planets, stars, galaxies
etc.
11. What is great circle?
Great circle is a circle defined by the intersection of the surface of a sphere and
any plane which passes through the center of the sphere. A great circle is a
special circle at the surface of a sphere (for example of a planet or of the
sky) ,or ,
The imaginary line of intersection of an infinite plane, passing through the
center of the earth and the circumference of the celestial sphere is known as
great circle.
12. What is circle of reference?
Ans:
To locate an object on the sky, astronomers use several different Co-ordinate
systems which are similar in concept to the system for plotting a point in a
plane. Perpendicular to the principal axis is a great circle, which is the principal
reference circle along which one co-ordinate is measured.
 D 50734 November 2013
1. Explain Horizon poles.
Ans:
The celestial horizon is defined as the great circle on the celestial sphere whose
plane is normal to the local gravity vector. In practice the horizon can be
defined as the plane tangent to a still liquid surface such as a pool of mercury.
The pole of the upper hemisphere is called zenith. The pole of the lower
hemisphere is called nadir.
2. What is celestial axis?
Ans:
It is the line joining the north and south celestial poles, about which the celestial
sphere rotates.
3. What are the arguments in favor of the rotation of earth?
Ans:
a) Coriolis force arises due to the fact that earth rotates.
b) Due to rotation we have day and night
c) The Foucault pendulum and the winds on earth
d) Days indicate that the earth is spinning and years indicate that the earth
rotates around the sun.
e) We have seasons due to the revolution of earth on its axis.
4. What is parallax error?
Ans:
Parallax error is the error that is most committed when readings are taken in
physics. The concept of parallax error is related to the term parallax.
Parallax is the change in the apparent position of an object when the position of
the observer changes.
Parallax error is the error caused by parallax, specifically error in reading an
instrument as a result of the scale and the indicator not being precisely
coincident.
5. What is solar constant?
Ans:
Solar constant is the total radiation energy received from the sun per unit time
per unit area on a theoretical surface held perpendicular to the sun’s rays and at
earth’s mean distance from the sun
Solar constant S = 1370 watts per square meter.
 D 30568 October 2012

1. Mention the difference between meteor and meteoroid

Ans:
We often refer to meteor as a falling star or shooting star. A meteor is the
visible path of a meteoroid that enters earth’s (or another body’s) atmosphere,
commonly called a shooting star or falling star. If gets burnt while entering earth’s
atmosphere.
A meteoroid is an object that resembles a meteor. It is the name given to a body
of matter moving in space before it enters earth’s atmosphere. Meteoroid survives
the fall through the earth’s atmosphere. A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic
body in outer space.
2. What is meant by ecliptic?
Ans:
Ecliptic is the apparent path of the sun across the celestial sphere. Apparent
motion of the sun is actually due to orbital motion of earth around the sun.
The ecliptic plane is defined as the imaginary plane containing the earth’s orbit
around the sun.
3. What is an astronomical unit (AU)?
Ans:
It is defined as the mean distance between the sun and earth
1 AU = 1.496 x 1011m.
4. What is Chandrasekhar limit?
Ans:
The Chandrasekhar limit is the maximum mass of stable white dwarf star. Its
value is about 1.4 x Ms. (where Ms = mass of our sun)
Or
The Chandrasekhar limit is the maximum mass possible for a star, such that it
remains a stable white dwarf star.
Its value is about 1.4 times the mass of our Sun.
5. What causes the tail of a comet?
Ans:
When the comet approaches the sun, the radiation pressure forces away the
vapor in a direction away from the sun.
 D 30568
6. How a telescope does’s light gathering ability change in response to change
in diameter of its objective?
Ans:
Light gathering power is proportional to area of the collecting surface. That is,
light gathering power ∝ D 2, where D is the diameter.
7. State first law of planetary motion?
Ans:
All the planets move around the sun in elliptical orbits, with the sun at one of its
foci.
8. According to standard model, what is considered as the origin of the universe
Ans:
Big bang
9. Briefly describe about the photosphere of sun
Ans:
It is the visible part of the sun. It has a diameter of about 1.4 x 10 9m. The
temperature is about 6000K. The density of photosphere is only about 1% of
that of the earth’s atmosphere at sea level.
10. Define solar constant
Ans:
The amount of energy received per second, per unit area by a perfectly black
body placed on the earth with its surface perpendicular to the direction of
radiation from the sun. Solar constant S = 1.388 x 103 Wm-2
11. What is dark matter?
Ans:
Dark matter is material that is believed to form a large part of the universe, but
which has never been seen.
12. Write a short note about the planet Saturn
Ans:
Most beautiful planet. Three brilliant rings are surrounding the planet. Being
farther from the Sun, it is considerably cool. Ammonia is largely frozen out of
its atmosphere and its clouds consist mostly of methane. Saturn takes nearly 29
years to move once around the sun.
 Notes:-
1. White dwarf star
A small star consisting of elements lighter than iron which has reached the stage
where no further nuclear burning is possible is called a white dwarf. Perhaps
10% of the stars in our galaxy are white dwarfs.
2. Neutron stars
A star of extremely high density that is composed primarily of neutrons is
known as neutron star.
3. Black hole
Massive neutron stars could continue to contract into an infinite dense object
called a black hole.
An object whose surface gravity is so high that nothing, not even light, can
escape is known as a black hole.
4. Schwarzschild radius
The critical radius of a star whose mass is equal to one solar mass is known as
Schwarzschild radius.
5. Pulsars
Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars possessing an intense magnetic field.
A pulsar gives off pulses of radio waves.
 S.N.D.P YOGAM Arts and Science College

Ist Internal Examination October-2018

Fifth Semester B.Sc. Physics Open Course

PHY5D 01(2)-Armature astronomy and Astrophysics

Time: 2 hrs maximum: 40 marks

Section – A

Answer all questions, each has 1 mark

1. Which planet is known as red planet?

2. How much is the Chandrasekhar limit?
3. Sun’s visible surface is known as ………..
4. ………. is the galaxy cluster to which Milky way belongs
5. Who discovered the telescope?
6. Define astronomical unit.
(6x 1 =6 marks)

Section – B

Answer all questions, each has 2 marks

7. State Keplere’s laws of planetary motion

8. What is the difference between astronomy and astrology?
9. Distinguish between the terms perigee and apogee
10. Explain the different climatic zones of earth. What is the reason for climatic change?
11. What causes the tail of a comet?
(5x2=10 marks)

Section – C

Answer 4 questions, each has 4 marks

12. Differentiate between inferior and superior planets. Give examples.

13. Discuss the main features of Ptolemy’s geo centric model of the universe.
14. What is meant by main sequence stars?
15. Describe stellar classification.
16 .Even light cannot come out of a black hole. Explain
17. Explain a) sun spots b) solar flare.
(4x4 =16 marks)
 Section – D

Answer any 1 question, 8 marks

18. Describe the structure of Sun.

19. Briefly describe the solar system and its members.

20. State and explain Hubble’s law. Explain the Big bang theory. What do you know about the
expansion of the universe?

(1x8 = 8 marks)

S.N.D.P YOGAM Arts and Science College

 Model Examination November-2018

Fifth Semester B.Sc. Physics Open Course

PHY5D 01(2)-Armature astronomy and Astrophysics

Time: 2 hrs maximum: 40 marks

Section – A

Answer all questions, each has 1 mark

1. The biggest asteroid is known as?

2. How much is the Chandrasekhar limit?
3. About how many light years across is the Milky Way?
4. The solar cycle occurs with a period of ………….
5. Define solar constant.
6. Define astronomical unit.
(6x 1 =6 marks)

Section – B

Answer all questions, each has 2 marks

7. State Keplere’s laws of planetary motion

8. What are the two important branches of astronomy?
9. Distinguish between the terms perihelion and aphelion.
10. Explain the different climatic zones of earth. What is the reason for climatic change?
11. What are main sequence stars?
(5x2=10 marks)

Section – C

Answer 4 questions, each has 4 marks

12. Differentiate between terrestrial and Jovian planets. Give examples.

13. Discuss the main features of Ptolemy’s geo centric model of the universe.
14. Distinguish between ancient and modern astronomy.
15. Distinguish between latitude and longitude.
16 .Explain the structure of the Sun.
17. Explain a) sun spots b) solar eclipse.
(4x4 =16 marks)

Section – D

Answer any 1 question, 8 marks

 18. Compare the various planets of the solar system with respect to their size, period, distance and
surface conditions.

19. Explain star formation and the life cycle of stars.

20. State and explain Hubble’s law. Explain the Big bang theory. What do you know about the
expansion of the universe?

(1x8 = 8 marks)