Astronomy midterm question: Venus setting while Jupiter rising at night?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2020
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

The following excerpt describes a night where Venus is setting while Jupiter is rising[*]:

Let me try to recall what has happened, the amusing and strange, and sad and terrible scenes witnessed in these last few days. On my first night at sea, I watched Venus slowly sinking into the sea, and Jupiter rising...

Discuss a plausible time (around sunset, midnight, or sunrise) that these two planets would be observed in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Venus, Jupiter, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] J.C., "Wrecked--A Week on Sable Island," The Canadian Methodist Magazine, vol. XV (January-June 1882), p. 73.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning where observer on Earth must be at sunset to watch Venus (in an inner orbit) setting while Jupiter (in an inner orbit) rises in the east.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Typically diagram and/or supporting argument is contradictory or incomplete.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Still has Venus in an inner orbit and Jupiter in an outer orbit around the sun.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Some attempt at diagram(s), but no clear indication of observer/horizon on Earth and/or placement of inner planets. Typically misplaces Venus and Jupiter in their relative inner/outer orbits around the sun, or has Venus and Jupiter orbiting Earth.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01n7in
p: 14 students
r: 1 student
t: 6 students
v: 7 students
x: 1 student
y: 0 students
z: 1 student

Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01S7wY
p: 24 students
r: 0 students
t: 13 students
v: 6 students
x: 2 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 2000):
Another sample "p" response (from student 2020):
One more sample "p" response (from student 5171):

Astronomy quiz archive: eclipses/history of astronomy

Astronomy 210 Quiz 2, spring semester 2020
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz02n1xI


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :	** [low = 6.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*****
16.5-24.0 :	******* [mean = 23.8 +/- 9.0]
24.5-32.0 :	*********
32.5-40.0 :	******* [high = 36.5]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz02SnRl


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :	** [low = 8.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*******
16.5-24.0 :	*************
24.5-32.0 :	********* [mean = 24.8 +/- 9.2]
32.5-40.0 :	************* [high = 40.0]

Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting

Astronomy 210 In-class activity 6 v.20.01.14, spring semester 2020
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students find their assigned groups of three to four students, and work cooperatively on an in-class activity worksheet to determine where in the sky each naked-eye planet will be observed on a given date (here, February 5, 2020).




Previous posts:

• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2019 (August 29, 2019).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2019 (February 6, 2019).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2018 (August 28, 2018).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2017 (September 6, 2017).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2017 (February 1, 2017).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2016 (August 31, 2016).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2016 (February 4, 2016).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2015 (September 3, 2015).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2015 (February 4, 2015).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2014 (September 3, 2014).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2014 (February 6, 2014).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2013 (September 5, 2013).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2013 (February 6, 2013).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2012 (September 6, 2012).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2012 (February 2, 2012).
Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
fall semester 2011 (September 1, 2011).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2011 (February 2, 2011).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2010 (September 2, 2010).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2010 (February 4, 2010).

Astronomy midterm question: 12 hours between Mercury setting and Venus rising?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board was asked and answered[*]:

J.F.: Can an observer ever witness Mercury setting at the same time while Venus is rising?
rzfr: No, that is impossible. It will take about 12 hours between Mercury setting and Venus rising.

Discuss why it would take about 12 hours between Mercury setting and Venus rising for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090328072648AALZoVS.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for why there would be about 12 hours between Mercury setting and Venus rising:
  1. places observer on Earth at sunset to watch Mercury (in an inner orbit) setting in the west; and
  2. places observer on Earth at sunrise to watch Venus (in an inner orbit) rising in the east.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Typically diagram is correct, but supporting argument is contradictory or incomplete. May have placed Mercury to rise at sunrise and placed Venus to set at sunset.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Still has Mercury and Venus along inner orbits around the sun.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Some attempt at diagram(s), but no clear indication of observer/horizon on Earth and/or placement of inner planets. Typically misplaces Mercury and Venus in their relative outer/inner orbits around the sun.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70158
Exam code: midterm01Sw3e
p: 20 students
r: 4 students
t: 5 students
v: 6 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 1 student

Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01N0dL
p: 6 students
r: 5 students
t: 5 students
v: 7 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1234):

Astronomy quiz archive: eclipses/history of astronomy

Astronomy 210 Quiz 2, fall semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz02SnPy


Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 4.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*******
16.5-24.0 :	****
24.5-32.0 :	******** [mean = 28.1 +/- 9.8]
32.5-40.0 :	***************** [high = 40.0]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz02n4rN


Section 70160

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*
16.5-24.0 :	********
24.5-32.0 :	******* [mean = 25.8 +/- 7.4]
32.5-40.0 :	***** [high = 40.0]

Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting

Astronomy 210 In-class activity 6 v.19.08.17, fall semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students find their assigned groups of three to four students, and work cooperatively on an in-class activity worksheet to determine where in the sky each naked-eye planet will be observed on a given date (here, August 29, 2019).


Previous posts:

• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2019 (February 6, 2019).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2018 (August 28, 2018).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2017 (September 6, 2017).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2017 (February 1, 2017).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2016 (August 31, 2016).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2016 (February 4, 2016).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2015 (September 3, 2015).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2015 (February 4, 2015).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2014 (September 3, 2014).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2014 (February 6, 2014).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2013 (September 5, 2013).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2013 (February 6, 2013).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2012 (September 6, 2012).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2012 (February 2, 2012).
Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
fall semester 2011 (September 1, 2011).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2011 (February 2, 2011).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2010 (September 2, 2010).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2010 (February 4, 2010).

Astronomy midterm question: Jupiter, not Venus low in the west at dawn

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board was asked and answered[*]:

deanmajiet65: Just before dawn, I saw a planet in the sky in the west. Is it Jupiter or Venus?
Rich: It's not Venus. You were facing west, so that was Jupiter.

Discuss why this planet could not be Venus, and would have to be Jupiter for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Venus, Jupiter, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090727104303AA5cFyR.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for how it is possible for an observer on Earth to be able to see Jupiter, but not Venus in the west at dawn:
  1. places observer on Earth at dawn (or some time after midnight but before sunrise), with east and west horizons clearly indicated; and
  2. is able to place Jupiter (in an outer orbit) such that it is visible above the west horizon for this observer, and also indicates how Venus (in an inner orbit) can only be seen in the east horizon if it is visible at all at dawn.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Typically diagram is correct, but supporting argument is contradictory or incomplete.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. May have an observer at sunset instead of sunrise, and/or switched east/west horizons; but still has Jupiter and Venus along outer and inner orbits around the sun, respectively.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Some attempt at diagram(s), but no clear indication of observer/horizon on Earth and how placement of outer and inner planets would (or would not) be visible at dawn in the west. Typically misplaces Jupiter and Venus in their relative outer/inner orbits around the sun.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01NtwT
p: 17 students
r: 3 students
t: 10 students
v: 4 students
x: 0 students
y: 1 student
z: 0 students

Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01SFBk
p: 26 students
r: 2 students
t: 9 students
v: 3 students
x: 2 students
y: 1 student
z: 1 student

A sample "p" response (from student 7563):
A sample "v" response (from student 1735), with both Venus and Jupiter as inner planets, and with east and west horizons switched for an observer on Earth, just before dawn:

Astronomy quiz archive: eclipses/history of astronomy

Astronomy 210 Quiz 2, spring semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz02nrNa


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	*** [low = 12.0]
16.5-24.0 :	*****
24.5-32.0 :	***************** [mean = 29.2 +/- 7.6]
32.5-40.0 :	*********** [high = 40.0]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz02Sn0W


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	***** [low = 8.5]
16.5-24.0 :	******
24.5-32.0 :	************** [mean = 28.7 +/- 8.9]
32.5-40.0 :	****************** [high = 40.0]

Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting

Astronomy 210 In-class activity 6 v.19.01.11, spring semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students find their assigned groups of three to four students, and work cooperatively on an in-class activity worksheet to determine where in the sky each naked-eye planet will be observed on a given date (here, February 6, 2019).




Previous posts:

• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2018 (August 28, 2018).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2017 (September 6, 2017).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2017 (February 1, 2017).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2016 (August 31, 2016).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2016 (February 4, 2016).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2015 (September 3, 2015).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2015 (February 4, 2015).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2014 (September 3, 2014).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2014 (February 6, 2014).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2013 (September 5, 2013).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2013 (February 6, 2013).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2012 (September 6, 2012).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2012 (February 2, 2012).
Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
fall semester 2011 (September 1, 2011).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2011 (February 2, 2011).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2010 (September 2, 2010).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2010 (February 4, 2010).

Astronomy midterm question: earlier shift of Jupiter's rising time?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

The following description of Jupiter was given in a science magazine[*]:

At the beginning of this month Jupiter rises around midnight. At the end of this month Jupiter rises around 10 PM.

Discuss how this earlier shift of Jupiter's rising time over the course of a month would be plausible for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using diagrams showing the positions of the sun, Jupiter, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] Astronomical Notes," Scientific American, vol. 43 no. 235 (July 3, 1880), p. 11, books.google.com/books?id=6ok9AQAAIAAJ&dq.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for an observer on Earth looking at Jupiter:
  1. Jupiter's position in its orbit around the sun is "ahead of" Earth's position in its orbit around the sun such that the observer on Earth at midnight is able to see Jupiter rising from the east horizon, and
  2. a few months later, Earth has "caught up" to Jupiter (but not yet at superior conjunction) such the observer on Earth will see Jupiter rising from the horizon at an earlier time.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. May have Jupiter highest overhead at midnight (at superior conjunction) for the earlier drawing, and then Earth slightly ahead of Jupiter for the later drawing such that Jupiter is overhead at 10 PM.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. May have geocentric model of Jupiter orbiting Earth, or Earth staying still while Jupiter moves relative to Earth around sun, or observer/times on Earth are in wrong positions.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Some attempt at diagram(s), but no clear indication of observer/times on Earth and how relative motions of Earth and Jupiter would cause the earlier shift of Jupiter's rising time.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70158
Exam code: midterm01Sa1Y
p: 7 students
r: 11 students
t: 9 students
v: 8 students
x: 1 student
y: 1 student
z: 0 students

Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01n4mR
p: 1 student
r: 3 students
t: 5 students
v: 8 students
x: 2 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1999)
Another sample "p" response (from student 4008)

Astronomy quiz archive: eclipses/history of astronomy

Astronomy 210 Quiz 2, fall semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz02Sl3I


Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 4.0]
8.5-16.0 :	********
16.5-24.0 :	*******
24.5-32.0 :	********* [mean = 24.8 +/- 9.6]
32.5-40.0 :	********** [high = 40.0]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz02N3r1


Section 70160

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	******** [low = 12.0]
16.5-24.0 :	**** [mean = 19.3 +/- 6.8]
24.5-32.0 :	**** [high = 28.5]
32.5-40.0 :

Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting

Astronomy 210 In-class activity 6 v.18.08.28, fall semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students find their assigned groups of three to four students, and work cooperatively on an in-class activity worksheet to determine where in the sky each naked-eye planet will be observed on a given date (here, August 28, 2018).




Previous posts:

• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2017 (September 6, 2017).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2017 (February 1, 2017).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2016 (August 31, 2016).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2016 (February 4, 2016).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2015 (September 3, 2015).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2015 (February 4, 2015).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2014 (September 3, 2014).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2014 (February 6, 2014).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2013 (September 5, 2013).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2013 (February 6, 2013).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2012 (September 6, 2012).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2012 (February 2, 2012).
Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
fall semester 2011 (September 1, 2011).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2011 (February 2, 2011).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  fall semester 2010 (September 2, 2010).
• Astronomy in-class activity: planet-hunting
  spring semester 2010 (February 4, 2010).

Astronomy midterm question: Saturn high overhead at sunrise, then eventually at midnight?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

The following explanation was given on an online discussion board[*]:

Say Saturn is overhead at sunrise. After a few months, Earth will have moved faster in its orbit than Saturn such that Saturn will then be visible overhead at midnight.

Discuss why this answer is correct for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using diagrams showing the positions of the sun, Saturn, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20180302021141AAdHysp.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for an observer on Earth looking at Saturn:
  1. Saturn's position in its orbit around the sun is "ahead of" Earth's position in its orbit around the sun such that the observer on Earth at sunrise is able to see Saturn overhead; and
  2. a few months later, Earth has "caught up" to Saturn and they are (approximately) "lined up" with the sun (superior conjunction), such that the observer on Earth at midnight is able to see Saturn overhead.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Draws both diagrams: one correct, the other with slight errors.
• t:
  PContains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Draws both diagrams with errors; or has one diagram correct, the other missing/problematic.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Some attempt at one diagram, with errors; the other is missing or effectively missing.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01nND4
p: 11 students
r: 2 students
t: 8 students
v: 2 student
x: 2 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 4387):

Astronomy quiz archive: eclipses/history of astronomy

Astronomy 210 Quiz 2, fall semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz02Sdi3


Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	** [low = 3.0]
8.5-16.0 :	********
16.5-24.0 :	****************** [mean = 22.0 +/- 7.8]
24.5-32.0 :	***********
32.5-40.0 :	***** [high = 36.5]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz02NoL4


Section 70160

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 6.5]
8.5-16.0 :	******
16.5-24.0 :	*********** [mean = 23.3 +/- 8.4]
24.5-32.0 :	******
32.5-40.0 :	***** [high = 40.0]

Presentation: solar system motions

Galileo's observations of moons orbiting Jupiter. This did not necessarily disprove that Earth is at the center of motion in the solar system, but it made it much more plausible that Earth could move (around the sun) and not leave the moon behind, if Jupiter could move and not leave its moons behind.

The phases that Venus undergoes, which was also observed by Galileo. Note that Venus appears completely black when silhouetted against the sun as it passes between Earth and the sun, and Venus gibbous phases when it is going around behind the sun. This was the ultimate proof that Earth was not the sole center of motion in the solar system if Venus and other planets exhibit phases as they orbit the sun.

Astronomy midterm question: Mars and Saturn rising after midnight?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board was asked and answered[*]:

Q: Well, I observed a bright red dot that is Mars rising just after midnight. At the same time there was another bright white dot right next to Mars. What is it?
A: I think it's Saturn.

Discuss how this answer is plausible for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Mars, Saturn, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140311092430AAKTg2Q.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for an observer on Earth at or around midnight (12 AM):
  1. Mars can be placed in an orbit around the sun outside of Earth's orbit such that it is visible low over the observer's east horizon; and
  2. Saturn is also placed in an orbit around the sun outside of Earth's orbit such that it is visible low over the observer's east horizon.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Has east/west horizons switched, such that Mars and/or Saturn are setting at or around midnight.
• t:
  Problems with either diagram or discussion. Problems with either diagram or discussion. May have:
  1. observer placed at midnight, but has Mars and Saturn both high overhead; or
  2. observer not placed at midnight and east/west horizons switched.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Diagram and discussion problematic.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01Sn0w
p: 16 students
r: 9 students
t: 16 students
v: 4 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1027):
Another sample "p" response (from student 2622):
A sample "r" response (from student 4472), with Mars and Saturn setting at midnight:

Astronomy midterm question: Mars and Venus low in the west at sunrise?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board was asked and answered[*]:

Q: Well, I observed a bright red dot that is Mars low in the west at sunrise. At the same time there was another bright white dot right next to Mars. What is it?
A: I think it's Venus.

Discuss how this answer is implausible for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Mars, Venus, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140311092430AAKTg2Q.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for an observer on Earth at or around sunrise (6 AM):
  1. Mars can be placed in an orbit around the sun outside of Earth's orbit such that it is visible low over the observer's west horizon; and
  2. Venus, when placed anywhere in an orbit around the sun inside of Earth's orbit, can only be seen low over the east horizon at sunrise.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Has east/west horizons switched, such that Mars and/or Venus are setting at or around sunset.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Problems with either diagram or discussion. May have both Venus and Mars in an inner (or outer) orbit with east/west horizons switched, such that Venus and Mars are rising at or around sunrise (or sunset).
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Diagram and discussion problematic.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01nDm3
p: 14 students
r: 10 students
t: 9 students
v: 0 student
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1352):
Another sample "p" response (from student 8954):

Astronomy quiz archive: eclipses/history of astronomy

Astronomy 210 Quiz 2, spring semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz02npP4


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 6.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*
16.5-24.0 :	********
24.5-32.0 :	****** [mean = 27.0 +/- 9.2]
32.5-40.0 :	******** [high = 40.0]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz02sn4E


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	*********** [low = 8.5]
16.5-24.0 :	**********
24.5-32.0 :	******** [mean = 24.1 +/- 9.3]
32.5-40.0 :	*********** [high = 40.0]