Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

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

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz01N3ve


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 6.0]
8.5-16.0 :	****************
16.5-24.0 :	********** [mean = 21.6 +/- 8.6]
24.5-32.0 :	*************
32.5-40.0 :	**** [high = 40.0]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz01s4L3


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8.0]
8.5-16.0 :	****
16.5-24.0 :	***************
24.5-32.0 :	*********** [mean = 26.6 +/- 9.5]
32.5-40.0 :	************** [high = 40.0]

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

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

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz01SLYc

Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 6.0]
8.5-16.0 :	****************
16.5-24.0 :	********** [mean = 21.6 +/- 8.6]
24.5-32.0 :	*************
32.5-40.0 :	**** [high = 40.0]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz01nGh7

Section 70160

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 8.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*******
16.5-24.0 :	******* [mean = 19.0 +/- 7.6]
24.5-32.0 :	***
32.5-40.0 :	* [high = 36.0]

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

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

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz01n1aR


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 8.0]
8.5-16.0 :	********
16.5-24.0 :	******** [mean = 23.3 +/- 9.7]
24.5-32.0 :	*******
32.5-40.0 :	********* [high = 40.0]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz01sRmB


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 5.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*********
16.5-24.0 :	************* [mean = 23.9 +/- 9.2]
24.5-32.0 :	**********
32.5-40.0 :	*********** [high = 40.0]

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

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

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz01S1ri


Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 4.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*********
16.5-24.0 :	********
24.5-32.0 :	********** [mean = 25.5 +/- 9.6]
32.5-40.0 :	********** [high = 40.0]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz01nHa0


Section 70160

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 4.0]
8.5-16.0 :	***
16.5-24.0 :	******* [mean = 18.6 +/- 7.9]
24.5-32.0 :	****** [high = 32.0]
32.5-40.0 :

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

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

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz01n0rK


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8]
8.5-16.0 :	****
16.5-24.0 :	***
24.5-32.0 :	******** [mean = 28.0 +/- 9.6]
32.5-40.0 :	********* [high = 40]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz02S1Bn


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	********* [low = 9.5]
16.5-24.0 :	************
24.5-32.0 :	*********** [mean = 26.1 +/- 9.0]
32.5-40.0 :	************** [high = 40]

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

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

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz01S3aN

Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8]
8.5-16.0 :	*******
16.5-24.0 :	***************
24.5-32.0 :	*************** [mean = 26.0 +/- 8.3]
32.5-40.0 :	********** [high = 40]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz01nMm5

Section 70160

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	**** [low = 12]
16.5-24.0 :	********
24.5-32.0 :	********** [mean = 27.3 +/- 8.5]
32.5-40.0 :	********** [high = 40]

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, spring semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz01nK0n

Section 30674

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	** [low = 12]
16.5-24.0 :	*******
24.5-32.0 :	*********** [mean = 26.3 +/- 6.6]
32.5-40.0 :	** [high = 40]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz01s7vN

Section 30676

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	***** [low = 12]
16.5-24.0 :	*********
24.5-32.0 :	**************** [mean = 27.9 +/- 7.6]
32.5-40.0 :	**************** [high = 40]

Astronomy midterm question: see both the sun and the waning gibbous moon?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2016
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

The following claim was made on Twitter[*]:

UDit: I love the mornings, when the sun and the [waning gibbous] moon can be observed in the sky.

Discuss whether it is possible or not for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA to see both the sun and waning gibbous moon in the sky at the same time. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, moon, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] 
t.co/H6uNwPvfiC.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations:
  1. the waning gibbous moon, which is highest overhead at 3 PM, sets at 9 AM;
  2. the sun is up from 6 AM to 6 PM;
  3. so the sun and waning gibbous moon will be visible in the sky at the same time from 6 AM to 9 AM.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. At least attempts to draw a moon phase diagram and apply rise/overhead/set times.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion not clearly based on a moon phase diagram.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01n4AN
p: 20 students
r: 2 students
t: 13 students
v: 5 students
x: 3 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 0022):
Another sample "p" response (from student 3575):

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, fall semester 2016
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz01swE3


Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	**** [low = 8]
8.5-16.0 :	*****
16.5-24.0 :	**************** [mean = 23.5 +/- 8.1]
24.5-32.0 :	**************
32.5-40.0 :	****** [high = 40]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz01n4Ps


Section 70160

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8]
8.5-16.0 :	*********
16.5-24.0 :	*********** [mean = 22.9 +/- 8.3]
24.5-32.0 :	*********
32.5-40.0 :	*** [high = 40]

Astronomy midterm question: low waning crescent moon in twilight sky

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2016
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Shown at right is a photograph[*] published with the following caption:

The Golden Gate Bridge framed the [low] crescent shaped moon perfectly as viewed [facing south] from the Marin headlands of Sausalito.

Assuming that this is a twilight sky (dark, but not completely dark) in this photograph, discuss why this caption is plausibly correct. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, moon, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] Frederic Larson (April 5, 2005) for The Chronicle, in Katie Dowd, "83 Years Ago Today, Construction Started on the Golden Gate Bridge," January 5, 2016, 
sfgate.com/bayarea/article/83-years-construction-starts-on-golden-gate-bridge-6735946.php#photo-3097833.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations:
  1. identifies the waning crescent moon, which rises at 3 AM, is highest overhead at 9 AM, and sets at 3 PM;
  2. sky is "dark, but not completely dark," so the photograph must have been taken just before sunrise (approximately 5-6 AM);
  3. this range of "twilight" times is consistent with the moon being "low," (still rising and not yet highest overhead), but before the sunrise.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. At least attempts to draw a moon phase diagram and apply rise/overhead/set times.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion not clearly based on a moon phase diagram.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01n0rD
p: 8 students
r: 3 students
t: 4 students
v: 4 students
x: 3 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01sN0w
p: 23 students
r: 8 students
t: 5 students
v: 10 students
x: 8 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 8211):

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, spring semester 2016
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz01n0iR


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8]
8.5-16.0 :	*****
16.5-24.0 :	*****
24.5-32.0 :	*** [mean = 25.5 +/- 10.5]
32.5-40.0 :	******* [high = 40]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz01sC4r


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :	** [low = 8]
8.5-16.0 :	*****
16.5-24.0 :	*********************
24.5-32.0 :	************* [mean = 24.9 +/- 7.8]
32.5-40.0 :	************ [high = 40]

Astronomy midterm question: moon rising at later time a few days later

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2015
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

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

Pdg: If the waxing gibbous moon rises at a certain time today, why does it rise at a slightly later time a few days later when it is full?
TmS: It's due to the rotation of Earth and the moon's orbital motion.

Explain why this answer is correct for the waxing gibbous moon and full moon, and how you know this. Support your reasoning using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, the moon, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20150924234103AA6ZbCz.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations:
  1. the waxing gibbous moon is highest overhead at 9:00 PM, and would have risen six hours before at 3:00 PM;
  2. the full moon is highest overhead at 12:00 AM, and would have risen six hours before at 6:00 PM;
  3. thus because of the moon's revolution around Earth, the full moon occurs several days after the waxing gibbous moon, and due to Earth's rotation (which makes the moon appear to rise and set over a given day), the full moon rises several hours later a few days after the waxing gibbous moon rises.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. As least has diagram indicating the times each moon phase is highest overhead.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner.
• 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: midterm01sF1A
p: 26 students
r: 5 student
t: 11 students
v: 0 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students


Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01nW6b
p: 10 students
r: 5 student
t: 4 students
v: 12 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1995):

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, fall semester 2015
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz01sC4r


Section 70158

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	****** [low = 9]
16.5-24.0 :	*******
24.5-32.0 :	************ [mean = 29.0 +/- 9.2]
32.5-40.0 :	******************** [high = 40]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz01n35t


Section 70160

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 0]
8.5-16.0 :	****
16.5-24.0 :	************ [mean = 22.9 +/- 9.8]
24.5-32.0 :	******
32.5-40.0 :	****** [high = 40]

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, spring semester 2015
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz01nW0r


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	*** [low = 11.0]
16.5-24.0 :	****************
24.5-32.0 :	***************** [mean = 24.8 +/- 6.4]
32.5-40.0 :	****** [high = 36.5]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz01Su8L


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 4.0]
8.5-16.0 :	***************
16.5-24.0 :	********** [mean = 22.1 +/- 7.9]
24.5-32.0 :	************************
32.5-40.0 :	*** [high = 36.0]

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, fall semester 2014
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 71058, version 1
Exam code: quiz01s7e8


Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 4.0]
8.5-16.0 :	********
16.5-24.0 :	************
24.5-32.0 :	************ [mean = 24.1 +/- 9.6]
32.5-40.0 :	********* [high = 40.0]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz01na30


Section 70160

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8.0]
8.5-16.0 :	***
16.5-24.0 :	*********
24.5-32.0 :	************* [mean = 27.6 +/- 7.8]
32.5-40.0 :	********** [high = 40.0]