Unit Two Review
Astronomy -- ASTR 122

The Solar Nebular Theory:

1. Know the different stages involved in the Solar Nebular Theory
2. Recall the basic composition of the gas cloud out of which our solar system formed.
3. Describe how the temperature varies throughout the protoplanetary disc.
4. Explain how temperature affects the composition and size of the planets.
5. Detail the differences between the Terrestrial and Jovian planets.
6. Define the terms protostar, protoplanet, planetesimal, and protoplanetary disc.
7. Explain the processes by which planetary accretion occurs both early in the formation process and later in the formation process.

1. Know the different layers of the Earth's atmosphere, and give one unique feature of each.
2. Explain how Earth's magnetosphere is defined and describe why it is shaped the way it is.
3. Draw, and describe a cross section of the Earth, indicating its four major internal layers.
4. State how scientists gather information about the deep interior of the Earth.
5. Recall what two features are required for producing a planetary magnetic field.
6. Discuss the three lines of reasoning Wegener used to support his theory of continental drift.
7. Know what initially lead to the theory of Plate Tectonics.
8. Name and describe the three basic types of plate boundaries.
9. Indicate, and explain the various geologic activities that may occur at the three types of tectonic plate boundaries.
10. Describe how the Moon and the Sun cause the tides.
11. Know the various reasons why there is little visible evidence of cratering on the surface of the Earth.

1. Recall the internal structure of the Moon: state of matter and composition.
2. Explain why the Moon’s crust is thinner on one side.
3. Describe how the Maria are formed.
4. Compare and contrast the type of terrain, age, and composition of the Maria and the Highlands regions of the Moon.
5. Be able to determine the relative age of two lunar features from a photograph.
6. Compare the four models of how the Earth-Moon system formed.
7. Describe in detail the Large-Impact Hypothesis of the formation of the Earth-Moon system.

1. Name the four terrestrial planets.
2. State the characteristics that all four terrestrial planets have in common.
3. Describe the unique atmospheric, compositional, orbital, and temperature characteristics of each of the four terrestrial planets.
4. Explain the major objectives of the following robotic spacecraft missions:
• Mariner 10
• MESSENGER
• The Venera Series
• Magellan
• Mariner 4
• Vikings I and II
• Pathfinder
• Mars Global Surveyor

1. Name the four Jovian planets.
2. State the characteristics that all four Jovian planets have in common.
3. Describe the unique atmospheric, compositional, orbital, and temperature characteristics of each of the four Jovian planets.
4. Recall the larger moons of the four Jovian planets, and describe their unique characteristics.
5. Identify the energy source for the vulcanism on the moons of the outer planets.
6. Explain the major objectives of the following robotic spacecraft missions:
• Pioneer 10 and 11
• Voyagers I and II
• Galileo
• Ulysses
• ACE
• Cassini
• New Horizons
• NEAR

1. Asteriods:
• Know where asteriods are generally found.
• Recall the general structure and composition of asteriods.
2. Comets:
• Know where most long-period comets are generally found.
• Explain why most comets that visit the inner solar system have very elliptical orbits.
• Be able to identify and explain the formation of the ion tail and the dust tail of a comet.
3. Pluto and the Kuiper Belt Objects:
• Recall who discovered Pluto.
• Know the unique features of Pluto:
• Describe where the Kuiper Belt is in relation to the other planets.
• Give some reasons why Pluto is considered by some not to be a planet but rather a different class of objects similar to comets.
• Detail the structure and composition of the objects in the Kuiper Belt, including Pluto.
4. Define the following terms: meteor, meteoroid, and meteorite.