1. Briefly outline some of the highlights of the history of astronomy (note that exact dates are not as important as getting the overall scope). What is a heliocentric model (vs. geocentric model)?
2. What is the cause of the seasons on any planet? Which other planets in our solar system experience seasons (how do you know this)? How does the cause of seasons differ from the cause of eclipses?
3. How can astronomers use the light coming from an object to determine its temperature, composition, or motion?
4. What is the leading theory of solar system formation? Briefly describe it & how it explains the observed patterns in our solar system.
5. What are the major processes at work on the terrestrial planets’ surfaces? Which planet(s) appear to still be geologically active & how can you tell?
6. What is a magnetosphere? How do terrestrial & Jovian magnetic fields differ? What consequences could a planet suffer if it does not have a magnetic field (hint: look at Mars’ history)?
7. Compare & contrast Jupiter/Saturn vs. Uranus/Neptune in terms of size, general composition, cloud layers, ring systems, and number of satellites (i.e. what are the major trends?).
8. Which of the Jovian satellites might have liquid water oceans? Which of the Jovian satellites are volcanically active & what keeps them warm enough for this activity? Why are many of the smaller satellites (and in one case, a large one) considered "captured objects"?