1. Planetary winds in the Northern Hemisphere
are deflected to the right due to the
(1) Doppler effect
(2) Coriolis effect
(3) tilt of Earth’s axis
(4) polar front jet stream

2. The diagram below represents Earth and the
Sun’s incoming rays. Letters A, B, C, and D
represent locations on Earth’s surface.
Which two locations are receiving the same
intensity of insolation?
(1) A and B (3) C and D
(4) D and B
(2) B and C

3. The diagram represents
the orbital position of
Earth on October 21.
Which Northern Hemisphere season is occurring when Earth reaches position X?
(1) winter (3) summer
(4) fall
(2) spring

4. Earth’s planetary winds curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere due to
(1) the Coriolis effect
(2) the Doppler effect
(3) the tilt of Earth’s axis
(4) Earth’s gravity

5. How many days are required for the Moon to go from one full-Moon phase to the next full-Moon phase when viewed from Earth?
(1) (2) (3) (4) 365

6. The diagram below shows the Moon in different positions as it revolves around Earth, as observed from above the North Pole (NP).
Which image correctly represents the Moon at position 8, as observed from Earth?

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

8. Identify one possible date represented by letter A.
March 21

9. The diagram represents an observer in New York
The diagram represents an observer in New York. Three paths of the sun are shown. A, B, and C represent the noon position at three different times of the year.
What is the date of Position C if the sun is at zenith over the Tropic of Capricorn?
December 21

10. Positions 1, 2, and 3 in the diagram represent the noon Sun above the horizon on three different days during the year, as viewed from Binghamton, N Y.
At which position was the noon Sun providing Binghamton with the greatest insolation?
(1) position 1
(2) position 2
(3) position 3
(4) between position 2 and position 3
(1) position 1

11. Which diagram best represents the correct orientation of the North Pole [NP] as Earth revolves around the Sun? [Diagrams are not drawn to scale.]

12. If the tilt of Earth’s axis were increased from 23
If the tilt of Earth’s axis were increased from 23.5° to 30°, which other statement would be true
(1) the Arctic Circle would shift to 75o North
(2) the Southern Hemisphere would not have Spring
(3) the Tropic of Cancer would shift to 30o North
(4) The North Pole would still point toward Polaris

13. If the tilt of Earth’s axis were increased from 23
If the tilt of Earth’s axis were increased from 23.5° to 30°, summers in New York State would become
(1) cooler, and winters would become cooler
(2) cooler, and winters would become warmer
(3) warmer, and winters would become cooler
(4) warmer, and winters would become warmer

14. Since Denver’s longitude is 105° W and Utica’s longitude is 75° W, sunrise in Denver occurs
(1) 2 hours earlier (3) 3 hours earlier
(2) 2 hours later (4) 3 hours later
15o / hour!

15. It is the farthest North!
During the month of January, at which location in New York State is the Sun lowest in the sky at solar noon?
(1) Massena (3) Utica
(2) Niagara Falls (4) New York City
It is the farthest North!

16. Which motion occurs at a rate of approximately one degree per day?
(1) the Moon revolving around Earth
(2) the Moon rotating on its axis
(3) Earth revolving around the Sun
(4) Earth rotating on its axis

17. The best evidence of Earth’s revolution is provided by the
(1) shape of the planet
(2) shape of the Milky Way galaxy
(3) apparent changes in the direction of
swing of a Foucault pendulum
(4) apparent changes in visible stars

18. (1) revolution of Earth around the Sun
The constellation Pisces changes position during a night, as shown in the diagram.
Which motion is
mainly responsible
for this change in
position?
(1) revolution of Earth around the Sun
(2) rotation of Earth on its axis
(3) revolution of Pisces around the Sun
(4) rotation of Pisces on its axis

19. Which color of visible light has the shortest wavelength?
(3) yellow
(2) green (4) red
(1) violet

20. Energy is transferred from the Sun to Earth mainly by
(1) molecular collisions
(2) density currents
(3) electromagnetic waves
(4) red shifts

21. The reason a solar day lasts over 4 minutes longer than the Earth’s actual rotation is
(1) Earth revolves while it rotates
(2) Clocks measure differently in different
locations
(3) Earth rotates at different speeds at
different latitudes
(4) A year lasts longer than a day like on Mars

22. Which diagram best represents the Sun’s apparent path as seen by an observer at 43.5° N latitude on December 21?

23. Which diagram best represents the Sun’s apparent path as seen by an observer at the Equator on March 22nd ?

24. the units and compass direction in your answer.
State the numerical latitude at which the Sun is directly overhead at noon on December Include
the units and compass direction in your answer.
23.5o S

25. State the number of daylight hours occurring north of the Arctic Circle on June 21.

26. Because Earth is always tilted the same way!
Explain why the Sun’s direct rays are at different latitudes as Earth revolves around the Sun.
Because Earth is always tilted the same way!

27. Which statement best compares the angles of insolation at noon on March 21 and June 21 in New York State?
(1) The angle of insolation is 23.5o greater on the 21st
day of March, making the sun more intense.
(2) The intensity and angle of insolation are
approximately equal on March 21 and June 21.
(3) The angle of insolation is 23.5o greater on the 21st
day of June, making the sun more intense.
(4) The sun is more intense on March 21 and the angle
of insolation is greatest on June 21.

28. At which position would sunrise occur on March 21? (1) A (3) C
The diagram represents a horizon in New York State. Four positions of sunrise: A, B, C, and D, on different days of the year are shown
At which position would sunrise occur on March 21?
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D
At which position would sunrise occur on June 21?
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D

29. Which location is the Equator?
(3) Location C
(2) Location B (4) None
(1) Location A

30. The map of the night sky represents the apparent locations of some of the constellations that are visible to an observer at approximately 40° N latitude at 9 p.m. in April. The point directly above the observer is labeled zenith.
Which best illustrates the apparent path of Virgo over the next 4 hours?
Earth rotates, so all objects appear to move East to West!

31. At which New York State location would an observer measure the highest altitude of Polaris?
(1) New York City (3) Niagara Falls
(2) Slide Mountain (4) Plattsburgh

32. Very cold climates occur at Earth’s North and South Poles because the polar regions
(1) are usually farthest from the Sun
(2) absorb the greatest amount of insolation
(3) receive the most hours of daylight
(4) receive low-angle insolation

33. On which day were shadows the longest? (1) Dec. 21 (3) June 21
The diagram shows the apparent daily path of the Sun, as viewed by an observer at a certain latitude on three different days of the year.
On which day were shadows the longest?
(1) Dec. 21 (3) June 21
(2) March 21 (4) It was the same on all days
On which day was there the greatest insolation?
(1) Dec. 21 (3) June 21
(2) March 21 (4) It was the same on all days

34. At which latitude were these apparent Sun paths most likely observed?
The diagram shows the apparent daily path of the Sun, as viewed by an observer at a certain latitude on three different days of the year.
At which latitude were these apparent Sun paths most likely observed?
(1) 0° (3) 43° N
(2) 23.5° N (4) 66.5° N

35. (2) March 21 (4) They are all equal
The diagram shows the apparent daily path of the Sun, as viewed by an observer at a certain latitude on three different days of the year.
Which apparent Sun path provides the observer with the greatest angles of insolation?
(1) Dec 21 (3) June 21
(2) March 21 (4) They are all equal

36. Which path creates the greatest change in shadows for the observer?
The diagram shows the apparent daily path of the Sun, as viewed by an observer at a certain latitude on three different days of the year.
Which path creates the greatest change in shadows for the observer?
(1) Dec 21 (3) June 21
(2) March 21 (4) They are all equal

37. How about on March 21st?

38. A C About 365 How many Earth rotations equals one Earth revolution?
The diagram below 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.
How many Earth rotations equals one Earth revolution?
Which position of Earth represents the day when Earth’s revolution is fastest?
Which position of Earth represents the first day of summer in the Northern
Hemisphere? C A
About 365

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

40. During which month does the Sun appear to rise farthest north of due east for an observer in New York State?
(1) December (3) June
(2) January (4) July

41. The diagram here represents the constellation Lyra.
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.

42. According to this March 23rd diagram,
What is the Sun’s altitude at solar noon?
(1) 23.5° (3) 48°
(2) 42° (4) 90°
What is the Sun’s expected altitude at solar noon on June 22nd?
(1) 23.5° (3) 71.5°
(2) 48° (4) 88.5°
+23.5°!
What is the approximate latitude of the observer?
(1) 23.5° N (2) 42° N (3) 48° N (4) 90° N

43. Which diagram represents the approximate location of the Sun at 9 a. m
Which diagram represents the approximate location of the Sun at 9 a.m. on March 21?

44. If it is 4 a.m. at location A, what time is it at location B?
The diagram below shows the latitude and longitude lines on Earth. Points A and B are locations on Earth’s surface.
60o longitude = 4 hours!
If it is 4 a.m. at location A, what time is it at location B?
(1) 10 a.m. (3) 6 a.m.
(2) 2 a.m. (4) 8 a.m.

45. The diagram shows the position of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during a solar eclipse. The full shadow (umbra) and partial shadow (penumbra) are shown.
Which diagram best represents the appearance of the Sun and the Moon to an observer located within the umbra of the Moon’s shadow on Earth’s surface?

46. A graph of tidal sea-level changes at a coastal city is shown below.
The number of hours from one high tide to the next high tide is approximately
(1) 4 h (2) 8 h (3) 12 h (4) 24 h

47. SPRING WINTER SUMMER AUTUMN
The diagram shows the position of the Earth during a single revolution around the sun as viewed from above the north pole. Letters A – H represent positions.
SPRING
WINTER
SUMMER
AUTUMN
Label (using the letters) the beginning of each northern hemisphere season.

48. From which New York State location would Polaris be observed to have an altitude closest to 43° above the northern horizon?
Binghamton (3) Watertown
(2) Utica (4) New York City

49. (1) 15° higher in the sky (3) 42° higher in the sky
The diagram shows the altitude
of the Sun at solar noon on
March 21, as seen by an
observer at 42° N latitude.
Compared to the altitude of the Sun 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 (3) 42° higher in the sky
(2) 23.5° higher in the sky ) 48° higher in the sky

50. The diagram below shows the Moon in different positions as it revolves around Earth, as observed from above the North Pole (NP).
Which image correctly represents the Moon at position 8, as observed from Earth?

51. The animation indicates a shadow growing to the east, because
(1) the sun is rising in the east.
(2) the Earth rotates the same way.
(3) the sun is setting to the west.
(4) the Mayan calendar ended last year!

52. Which diagram best represents the view of Polaris to an observer located at the Earth’s Equator?

54. If an observer on Earth cannot view Polaris, the observer is located at the
(1) equator (0°)
(2) North Pole (90° N)
(3) Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N)
(4) Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S)

55. 6/09
How will the moon appear to an observer on Earth when it is at location G?

56. 6/09
How will the moon appear to an observer on Earth when it is at location C?

57. 6/09
Which lunar phases will cause the lowest tides of the month on Earth (Neap Tides)?
C & G (The quarters)

58. Which diagram best shows the noon Sun providing an observer with the greatest amount of insolation?

59. At which position is the Moon “full”?
The diagram below shows the Moon orbiting Earth as viewed from space above the North Pole. The Moon is shown at eight different positions in its orbit.
At which position is the Moon “full”?
At which positions is the Moon a “quarter”?

60. Which graph best represents the general relationship between latitude and average surface temperature?

61. On which day were shadows the longest? (1) Dec. 21 (3) June 21
The diagram shows the apparent daily path of the Sun, as viewed by an observer at a certain latitude on three different days of the year.
On which day were shadows the longest?
(1) Dec. 21 (3) June 21
(2) March 21 (4) It was the same on all days
On which day was there the greatest insolation?
(1) Dec. 21 (3) June 21
(2) March 21 (4) It was the same on all days

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

63. How many degrees does the Sun appear to move across the sky in four hours?
(1) 60° (3) 15°
(2) 45° (4) 4°
4 x 15 = 60!

64. 10 AM
Is about 30o to the East of South—Earth rotates at
15o / hour.
Which circle for the SUMMER solstice represents the 10 AM sun?
Which circle for the SUMMER solstice represents the noon sun?
12 PM
If this is NYS, which direction is North? S W E
North
Noon sun is
always to the SOUTH,
noon shadows are always
to the NORTH. N

65. The diagram below shows the Moon in different positions as it revolves around Earth, as observed from above the North Pole (NP).
Which image correctly represents the Moon at position 1, as observed from Earth?

66. 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.
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

67. from above the North Pole.
The diagram 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.
In which orbital position would Earth be illuminated as shown?
(1) A (3) C
(2) B (4) D
Viewed
from above the North Pole.

68. to indicate the location of the shadow of the “Observer in Buffalo”.
On the same
sky model diagram
place a at the
apparent position
of the North Star as
seen from Buffalo.
With your sun at 3 PM
on March 21, use a line
to indicate the location
of the shadow of the
“Observer in Buffalo”.
On the path labeled March 21
Indicate the location of the
Sun at 3PM
Draw a line to represent the apparent path of the Sun from sunrise to sunset at Buffalo on May 21.

69. Earth’s rate of rotation is approximately
(1) 1° per day (3) 180° per day
(2) 15° per day (4) 360° per day
Earth’s rate of revolution is approximately
(1) 1° per day (3) 180° per day
(2) 15° per day (4) 360° per day

70. What is the date of Position B?
The diagram represents an observer in New York. Three paths of the sun are shown. A, B, and C represent the noon position at three different times of the year.
What is the date of Position B?
March 21 or
September 23
How can you tell?
Sunrise is due East and sunset is due West.

71. Why does the summer position (A) not reach the zenith?
The diagram represents an observer in New York. Three paths of the sun are shown. A, B, and C represent the noon position at three different times of the year.
Why does the summer position (A) not reach the zenith?
New York is too far North of the Equator.

72. Where is the sun ALWAYS located at noon?
The diagram represents an observer in New York. Three paths of the sun are shown. A, B, and C represent the noon position at three different times of the year.
Where is the sun ALWAYS located at noon?
In the South.