Astronomy midterm question: sun-sign astrology

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Earth's __________ causes the sun to appear in front of certain zodiac constellations at different times of the year.
(A) rotation.
(B) revolution.
(C) precession.
(D) tilt.
(E) (More than one of the above choices.)

Correct answer: (B)

Due to Earth's revolution around the sun, the Earth-sun line will point towards different zodiac constellations on the celestial sphere.

Section 70158
(A) : 9 students
(B) : 28 students
(C) : 5 students
(D) : 2 students
(E) : 3 students

Success level: 64% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.70