1. The document provides definitions and questions about various topics in astronomy and earth science. It defines nuclear fusion and fission, and asks about the sun's phase and forms of energy transfer. 2. Questions are also asked about the Milankovich cycles, specifically eccentricity, axial tilt variations, and orbital variations that impact climate over long timescales. 3. Additional questions cover the shape of the Earth, and which materials (ocean, air, land) heat up faster.

1. 1
UNIT CHECK
1. Nuclear reaction that involves the splitting of an
atom
2. means of energy transfer between the sun and
the Earth (heat & light)
3. Nuclear reaction that involves combining two
atoms together
4. cloud of dust & gas in space
5. In what phase is our Sun in?
6. form of energy that can be reflected or radiated
through space; no matter is involved
nebula nuclear fusion thermal radiation
Main sequence nuclear fission
electromagnetic radiation

2. 2
Name the Milankovich Cycle described:
1. Earth’s orbit changes from its elliptical shape;
100,000 yrs
2. Changes in tilt causes strength of seasons
26,000 years (wobble)
3. Rocking motion in the earth’s rotation wobble
due to the Earth-moon barycenter dance
4. What is the shape of the Earth?
5-7. Which heats faster?
• Ocean or air above it?
• Ocean or land?
• Air or land?
Nutation precession eccentricity oblate spheroid
UNIT CHECK

3. 3
LABEL
A.
B.
What does the interaction of solar wind with Earth’s
upper atmosphere along its magnetic field along the
poles create?
A B
UNIT CHECK