INTERNATIONAL EARTH SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

ASTRONOMY PROBLEMS 2013

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:
Mass of Planet

Radius of Planet

Geothermal Activity
Rotation Period

Water Vapour Percentage

Inclination of Rotation Axis with

Magnetic Field Strength

Eccentricity of Orbit
Length of Semi-major axis of the

Density of Atmosphere
Total Mass of Satellites

Green House Effect

respect to its Orbital Plane

orbit
Statement
The yearly mean temperatures of planets do not match with their
expected black body temperature.
Absolute variation in the temperature during the course of one day differs
significantly from one planet to another.
Absolute variation in the temperature during the course of one year at the
equator of the planet differs significantly from one planet to another.
On some planets, there is a large latitudinal percentage variation in
temperatures.
Mean temperature (averaged over a day) on Earth is different on
different days.
Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 (Theory Test - Astronomy)
7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

Geothermal Activity
Rotation Period

Water Vapour Percentage

Magnetic Field Strength

Planetof Mass

its Orbital PlaneRotation Axis

Eccentricity of Orbit

Density of Atmosphere
Total Mass of Satellites

Green House Effect

PlanetRadius of

Length of Semi-major axis of

with respect to Inclination of

the orbit
Statement
The yearly mean temperatures of planets do not match with their
X X X X
expected black body temperature.
Absolute variation in the temperature during the course of one day differs
X X X X X
significantly from one planet to another.
Absolute variation in the temperature during the course of one year at the
X X X X X X X
equator of the planet differs significantly from one planet to another.
On some planets, there is a large latitudinal percentage variation in
X X
temperatures.
Mean temperature (averaged over a day) on Earth is different on
X X
different days.
Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 (Theory Test - Astronomy)
7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

Theoretical Test
Astronomy
Time: 45 Minutes Maximum Marks: 28.5

Instructions:
1. Please write your student code on the cover page as well as on the top right of
every page of answer sheet / calculations sheets.
2. Please write your answers legibly. Illegible answers will be counted as incorrect.
3. Please write your final answers in appropriate boxes in the main answer sheet.
For numerical questions, show the calculations on blank calculation sheets
provided.
4. For numerical questions, you may attempt part of the answer even if you don't
know the final result. There will be stepwise marking.
5. You can get as many calculations sheets as you want. Just raise your hand to ask
for extra sheets. The volunteers will bring extra sheets to your table.
6. Write question number clearly at the top of the calculations sheet.
7. Read the entire question group carefully before starting to answer. Each question
has a point value assigned and indicated on the right hand side of the question.
8. Any inappropriate examination behaviour will result in your withdrawal from the
IESO.

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 (Theory Test - Astronomy)

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

A1. We list a few facts below about temperatures at the surface of Venus, Earth and Mars.
(a) The yearly mean temperatures of planets do not match with their expected black
body temperature.
(b) Absolute variation in the temperature during the course of one day differs
significantly from one planet to another.
(c) Absolute variation in the temperature during the course of one year at the equator of
the planet differs significantly from one planet to another.
(d) On some planets, there is a large latitudinal percentage variation in temperatures.
(e) Mean temperature (averaged over a day) on Earth is different on different days.

In the table given in your answer sheet, we list a number of physical properties related to a planet
and its various motions, which may or may not be relevant in explaining the facts above. In the
table, tick in appropriate rows those properties which are relevant for each of the facts above.
Number of relevant parameters for each row can be none, one or more than one.
Total 10 points for correct tick-marks.
Warning: Every wrong tick mark has penalty of -0.2 points.

A2. The maximum altitude of the Sun as seen from Mysore on summer solstice day and
winter solstice day are 78o 51' and 54o 17' respectively. Using this information, obtain the
inclination of the Earth's axis () and find the latitude of Mysore (). (6 points)

A3. The mass ratio of Pluto and Charon is 8:1. The period of revolution of Charon around
Pluto is about 6.387 days. You are given that
MPluto = 1.31 x 1022 kg, RPluto = 1195 km, G = 6.672 x 10-11 N m2 kg-2
the Minimum and maximum distance of Pluto from Earth are 4284.7 x 106 km and
7528 x 106 km respectively.
(a) Find the length of the semi-major axis of Charon's orbit of revolution about Pluto.
(3 points)
(b) Find the ratio a:RPluto, where 'a' is the distance of the Centre of Mass of the
Pluto-Charon system from the center of Pluto . (2 points)
(c) Theoretically, what is the minimum diameter of the optical telescope which can
resolve the system from Earth? Ignore effects of Earth's atmosphere.(2 points)

A4. The diagram on the next page shows the Hertzprung-Russell diagram (H-R diagram)
with six positions (A F) indicated. The y-axis is given in terms of Solar Luminosity
(L) and x-axis gives effective surface temperature (T) of stars in Kelvin.
(a) Which letters indicate the position of stars that have the largest and the smallest
diameters respectively? (2 points)
(b) Which letters indicate the stars with the same spectral class but with different
luminosities? (1 points)
(c) Which letters indicate the stars that are primarily burning Hydrogen? (1.5 points)
(d) Which letter would indicate position of a white dwarf in this diagram? (1 point)

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 (Theory Test - Astronomy)

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 (Theory Test - Astronomy)

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

Theoretical Test
Astronomy Answer Sheet

A1. Please see next page

A2. Inclination of the Earth's axis is

Latitude of Mysore is

A3. Pluto and Charon:

(a) Semi-major axis =

(b) a:RPluto =

(c) Diameter =

A4. H-R diagram

(a) Star of Largest Diameter Star of Smallest Diameter

(b) Give letters of stars

(c) Give letters of stars

(d) White Dwarf letter

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 (Theory Test - Astronomy)

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

Sheet for numerical calculations (write question number clearly)

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 (Theory Test - Astronomy)

7th International Earth Science Olympiad
Theoretical Test
Astronomy Model Answers

A1. Atmosphere of Planets

See table: + 0.5 points for each correct marking, -0.2 for each wrong marking.

A2. For winter solstice, aw = 90

For summer solstice (in northern tropical region), as = 180 (90 + )
= 90 +
Using these, Inclination of the Earth's axis, = 23o 26'
Latitude of Mysore, = 12o 17'
(1.5 points for each of the four steps)

A3. Pluto and charon:

3 G(M pl + M ch )T 2 9 G M pl T 2
(a) By Kepler's Third Law, a = 0 = (1.5 points)
4 2 32 2
Hence a 0=1.9610 7 m (1.5 points)
(b) The distance of barycentre from Pluto will be a0/9. (1 point)
7
a 1.96510
By comparing, a:b = = =1.83 (1 points)
b 91.195106
(c) One should try to resolve the Pluto-charon system, when the Pluto is closest to the Earth as
thats when the angular separation will be highest. (0.5 point)
Let us say we are using optical wavelengths around 550nm (a slightly better approximation
will be to use blue end of visible light around 400 nm)
1.22 1.22 d pl
D= = 15 cm (1.5 points)
a0

A4. H-R diagram

(a) Star of Largest Diameter B Star of Smallest Diameter C (2 points)

(b) D and F (1 point)

(c) A, E and F (1.5 points)

(d) C (1 point)

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 (Theory Test - Astronomy)

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

Practical Test
Astronomy Questions
Time: 90 Minutes Maximum Marks: 34

Instructions:
1. Please write your student code on the cover page as well as on the top right of
every page of answer sheet / calculations sheets.
2. Please write your answers legibly. Illegible answers will be counted as incorrect.
3. Please write your final answers in appropriate boxes in the main answer sheet.
For numerical questions, show the calculations on blank calculation sheets
provided.
4. For numerical questions, you may attempt part of the answer even if you don't
know the final result. There will be stepwise marking.
5. You can get as many calculations sheets as you want. Just raise your hand to ask
for extra sheets. The volunteers will bring extra sheets to your table.
6. Write question number clearly at the top of the calculations sheet.
7. Read the entire question group carefully before starting to answer. Each question
has a point value assigned and indicated on the right hand side of the question.
8. Any inappropriate examination behaviour will result in your withdrawal from the
IESO.

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 Practical Test - Astronomy

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

1. Construct a Sundial for Mysore (Latitude = +12 o 16' N, Longitude = 77o 33'E). You can
ignore corrections due to equation of time.
Materials given: a square plastic board of size of 40 cm x 40 cm, a 1 metre long metal
rod, 2 nut bolts, a 30 cm scale and marker pens to make Sundial markings on the
plasticboard. Use the following procedure.
To make a simple Sundial, you should make the shadow of the rod fall in the equatorial
plane. For this, push the rod through the hole at the centre of the board.
Now put this device on a flat surface such that it rests on a board edge and one end of the
rod. The board should be exactly perpendicular to the rod. For this, fix the nut bolts on
the rod on both the sides of the board. The other end of rod should be pointing towards
the north celestial pole. Write your student code on the plastic board. Show this
arrangement to the examiner. (1 point)
(a) Measure length of the rod from the end towards the North Celestial Pole to the board
and write on the answer sheet. Mark North facing and South facing sides of the
board with letters N and S respectively. (3 points)
(b) Mark lines showing the direction of the shadow of the rod on the board for the
winter solstice day. Make markings for every 2 hours. (4 points)
(c) Mark the similar lines for summer solstice day. (3 points)
(d) Where do you expect the shadow of the rod will be seen on the equinox days? Write
answer as N (North side) / S (South side) / B (both sides) / X (neither side).(1 point)

2. You are given a sky map which shows sky for 24 hours x 120 degrees. You are also given
a list of all constellations with their IAU designations. Assume that today is the date of
closing ceremony i.e. 19th September 2013 and you are told that it is a full moon day.
(2 points each)
(a) Mark the Celestial Equator on the map at appropriate place. Denote it with letter 'Q'.
(b) Mark the Ecliptic (apparent path of the Sun over one year) on the map at appropriate
place. Denote it with letter 'E'.
(c) Mark the Sun's position on the map for the noon of given day. Denote it with letter
'S'.
(d) Mark the Moon's position on the map for the noon of given day. Denote it with letter
'M'.
(e) Write the three letter IAU code of the constellation you will observe on the zenith at
the time of Moonrise. Mark the position of the zenith on the map as 'Z'.
(f) Write the three letter IAU code of the constellation you will observe on the nadir at
the time of Moonrise. Mark the position of the nadir on the map as 'N'.

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 Practical Test - Astronomy

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

3. Picture 1 shows star trails captured by an Astronomy Olympiad student.

(a) Identify constellation(s) in the picture. Write the three letter IAU code of the
constellation(s) in your answer sheet. There are more than one constellations / parts
of constellations visible in the picture. Identify as many as you can. (4 points)
(b) Write the letters from the following table, corresponding to the stars, if they are
present in the picture. (2 points)
A. Deneb D. Dubhe G. Denebola
B. Rigel E. Algol H. Mizar
C. Spica F. Regulus I. Betelgeuse
(c) Let us assume that stars numbered as 1 and 2 have nearly the same Right Ascension
(R.A.) Find exposure time of the photograph. (4 points)

Picture 1: Photo Credit: Mr. Chiraag Juwekar. Taken on 25/03/2012

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 Practical Test - Astronomy

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

List of Constellations with IAU Codes

No. Constellation Code No. Constellation Code No. Constellation Code

1 Andromeda And 31 Cygnus Cyg 60 Orion Ori
2 Antlia Ant 32 Delphinus Del 61 Pavo Pav
3 Apus Aps 33 Dorado Dor 62 Pegasus Peg
4 Aquarius Aqr 34 Draco Dra 63 Perseus Per
5 Aquila Aql 35 Equuleus Equ 64 Phoenix Phe
6 Ara Ara 36 Eridanus Eri 65 Pictor Pic
7 Aries Ari 37 Fornax For 66 Pisces Psc
8 Auriga Aur 38 Gemini Gem 67 Pisces Austrinus PsA
9 Bootes Boo 39 Grus Gru 68 Puppis Pup
10 Caelum Cae 40 Hercules Her 69 Pyxis Pyx
11 Camelopardalis Cam 41 Horologium Hor 70 Reticulum Ret
12 Cancer Cnc 42 Hydra Hya 71 Sagitta Sge
13 Canes Venatici CVn 43 Hydrus Hyi 72 Sagittarius Sgr
14 Canis Major CMa 44 Indus Ind 73 Scorpius Sco
15 Canis Minor CMi 45 Lacerta Lac 74 Sculptor Scl
16 Capricornus Cap 46 Leo Leo 75 Scutum Sct
17 Carina Car 47 Leo Minor LMi 76 Serpens Ser
18 Cassiopeia Cas 48 Lepus Lep 77 Sextans Sex
19 Centaurus Cen 49 Libra Lib 78 Taurus Tau
20 Cepheus Cep 50 Lupus Lup 79 Telescopium Tel
21 Cetus Cet 51 Lynx Lyn 80 Triangulum Tri
22 Chamaleon Cha 52 Lyra Lyr 81 Triangulum Australe TrA
23 Circinus Cir 53 Mensa Men 82 Tucana Tuc
24 Columba Col 54 Microscopium Mic 83 Ursa Major UMa
25 Coma Berenices Com 55 Monoceros Mon 84 Ursa Minor UMi
26 Corona Australis CrA 56 Musca Mus 85 Vela Vel
27 Corona Borealis CrB 57 Norma Nor 86 Virgo Vir
28 Corvus Crv 58 Octans Oct 87 Volans Vol
29 Crater Crt 59 Ophiucus Oph 88 Vulpecula Vul
30 Crux Cru

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 Practical Test - Astronomy

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

This is colour inverted copy of the central part of the picture in the question paper.

Practical Test
Astronomy Answer Sheet

1. Sundial
(a) Length of the rod = (d)

2. (e) IAU code =

(f) IAU code =

3. Star Trails
(a) Constellation Names

(b) Star Letters

(c) Exposure time =

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 Practical Test - Astronomy

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 Practical Test - Astronomy

7th International Earth Science Olympiad Student Code:

Sheet for numerical calculations (write question number clearly)

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 Practical Test - Astronomy

7th International Earth Science Olympiad

Practical Test
Astronomy Model Answers

1. Sundial
Length of the rod from end to the board = 8.0 cm (7.5 cm)

2. (e) IAU code Oph (We will also accept Her - 0.75)
(f) IAU code Lup (We will also accept Ori - 0.75)

3. Star Trails
(a) UMa (1.5 points), CVn (1 point), Leo, LMi, Dra (0.5 point each)

(b) Star Letters D, H

(c) Exposure time = 30 minutes

Numerical Calculations

Question 1:
(a) As the rod should point to NCP, length of the rod on the ground side should be
x = 20 / tan () = 92 cm, where is the latitude.
Thus, the length on the other side is 8.0 cm. (may be 7.5 cm, given plastic board is 0.5 cm thick)
(2 points)
Marking N and S (1 point)
(b) winter solstice markings should be on side marked by S (1 point)
Marking local noon shadow line (0.6 points)
Symmetric markings for other lines at 30 degrees (0.4 points each)
(c) Realising that Summer Solstice markings will be on the other side of the board (1.5 points)
Actual markings for Summer Solstice (1.5 points)
(d) B (1 point)

Question 3 (c)
Connecting start and end points for trails of a few stars (at least 3) and drawing their perpendicular
bisectors to find NCP (1.5 points)
Measuring the angle subtended by these trails at the NCP as 7.5 degrees (6-9 degrees accepted)
(1 point)
Estimating exposure time as 30 minutes (1.5 point)

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 Practical Test - Astronomy

7th International Earth Science Olympiad

Mysore, India, September 11 19, 2013 Practical Test - Astronomy

INTERNATIONAL EARTH SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

ASTRONOMY PROBLEMS 2012

IESO 2012 Written TEST ASTRONOMY
Name_____________________________ Nationality __________________________
1. The duration of spring and summer in the southern hemisphere is 178.7 days, whilst the
duration of autumn and winter is 186.5 days (the opposite is valid for the northern
hemisphere). This apparently strange fact is related to: (1.pt)
(A) The magnetic field of the Sun affects the velocity of the Earth when it approaches the
perihelion
(B) The fact that the Earth changes its velocity in accordance to Keplers Second Law
(C) The precession of the Earth
(D) The Earth is in its perihelion in July
2. If you were at the North Pole, Polaris would be ... (1.pt)
(A) at your zenith
(B) at your northern horizon
(C) below the horizon
(D) It depends on the time of day
3. The magnifying power of a (refracting) telescope can be calculated ...(1.pt)
(A) using sophisticated computer simulations
(B) from the focal lengths of the two lenses
(C) from the diameters of the two lens
(D) from the price of the telescope
4. For similar tidal amplitudes in different geographic locations, the surface of beach covered
by the water during each tidal cycle is related to: (1.pt)
(A) The absolute value of low tide above mean sea level
(B) The slope of the beach
(C) The influence of local winds on the tide
(D) The influence of the local temperature
5. Right ascension is the sky's equivalent to the Earth's ... (1.pt)
(A) Latitude
(B) Longitude
(C) Altitude
(D) Meridian
6. Azimuth is the ___?(1.pt)
(A) angle, measured in degrees, above the nearest horizon
(B) horizontal direction (angle) or bearing of an object in the sky
(C) point in the sky (on the "celestial sphere") directly overhead
(D) great circle on the celestial sphere that passes through your zenith and also through both
celestial poles
7. If your latitude is 30 , what is the most southerly declination of a star to be circumpolar?
(2.pt)
(A) +90
(B) +60
(C) +30
(D) -30
8. The amount of light that a telescope can collect is limited by the telescope's ...(1.pt)
(A) chromatic aberration
(B) focal point
(C) aperture
(D) eyepiece
9. What is the correct term for the time taken for any object in the Solar System (such as the
Moon) to return to the same position relative to the Sun as seen from Earth? (1.pt)
(A) year
(B) solar time
(C) sidereal period
(D) synodic period

10. The color of a star is mainly due to its ...(1.pt)

(A) surface temperature
(B) composition
(C) distance
(D) twinkling
11. A superior planet can be seen to retrograde when it is near ...(1.pt)
(A) conjunction
(B) quadrature
(C) opposition
(D) the Moon
12. When a planet is less than one astronomical unit (AU) from Earth AND shares the same
AR as the Sun, that planet must be ...(1.pt)
(A) Venus
(B) Mercury
(C) at superior conjunction
(D) at inferior conjunction
13. An inferior planet at its greatest eastern elongation is best seen ...(2.pt)
(A) around midnight
(B) around noon
(C) just after sunset
(D) just before sunrise
14. Two optical telescopes A & B are used to observe the same celestial object. (Assume both
have the same transmission rate.)

telescope A B

diameter 25 cm 100 cm

To obtain the same number of photons, what would be the exposure of telescope A to have the
same amount of photons obtained by telescope B? (2.pt)
(A) 4 times
(B) 8 times
(C) 16 times
(D) 32 times
15. The star Alpha Centauri is approximately 4.0x1013 km away from Earth. If Alpha Centauri
moves closer like the Moon (about 4.0 x105 km away), about how much brighter is Alpha
Centauri than before? (2.pt)
(A) 108 times
(B) 1012 times
(C) 1016 times
(D) 1024 times
16. If the Sun set below your western horizon about 6 hours ago, and the Moon is barely
visible on the eastern horizon. Which phase of the Moon would this be? (2.pt)
(A) Full Moon
(B) First Quarter
(C) New Moon
(D) Third Quarter
17.If we have our own aircraft and want to fly directly from Albany, Australia (351 South,
11753 East) to Olavarria (3652South, 605 West), with shortest distance, we will pass
through the following region: (2.pt)
(A) Antarctic
(B) South Africa
(C) Hawaii
(D) New Zealand
18. Dating impact craters
From time to time, the planets are struck by bodies coming from the space. The impact of
these bodies on Mercurys surface results in circular structures known as an impact
craters. The superimposing relationships between craters provide a useful tool for relative
dating of these structures. Please carefully analyze the photo below. Which of the options
below is the correct sequence from oldest to youngest? : (2.pt)

B
A C

(A) A - B - C
(B) A - C - B
(C) B - A - C
(D) B - C - A
IESO 2012 Written TEST ASTRONOMY
Name_____________________________ Nationality __________________________

(1) The full moon was photographed using a telescope equipped with a camera whose field of view
was too small, so that only part of the moon is visible. Recalling that the angular diameter of
the moon is about 30, using rulers and/or compass, estimate the field of view of this camera.
You must write down the whole process on this paper. (10 pts)
(2) In the image of Jupiter with its moons (taken from Hubble Space Telescope on March 28, 2004),
three shadows from the Io, Ganymede, and Callisto are visible, respectively, and two moons are
visible in this image, Io in the center and Ganymede at the upper right. However, Callisto is out
of the image.

Shadow of Ganymede Ganymede

Shadow of Io Io

(2-1) Callisto is out of the image. On the image above, draw an arrow pointing to where Callisto
would be located. (1 pt)
(2-2) The diameter of Io is 3646 km, and the diameter of Ganymede is 5262 km. What is the scale
(km/mm) of this image. (2 pts)
(2-3). Find the direction of light from Sun to Jupiter
Refer to the image and drawing on the page below. The image, taken from the Hubble Space
Telescope is shown on the upper-left side, and the circle on upper-right side is a view from the
northern sky of Jupiter, with the circle line representing the equator of Jupiter. The diameter of
Jupiter is 143000 km.
(i) Plot a circle, C, inside the equator circle of Jupiter, showing the latitude of the shadow of Io.
(2 pts)
(ii) Plot the position of the shadow of Io on circle C. (2 pts)
(iii) Draw the line through Io to the Earth. (1 pt)
(iv) The rays of light from the Sun to Jupiter and its moons are almost parallel. The radius of the
orbit of Io is about 422000 km. Draw a circle outside the equator circle representing the orbit
of Io. (1 pt)
(v) Mark a point representing the location of Io. (1 pt)
(vi) Draw a line from the shadow of Io to the direction of Sun. (1 pt)
(vii) Calculate the distance between Io and its shadow in km? (2 pts)
To Earth
INTERNATIONAL EARTH SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

ASTRONOMY PROBLEMS 2011

ASTRONOMY written test IESO 2011

Name__________________ Country ___________________________

1. Imagine that a new planet, named Pippo, is discovered beyond Pluto. Its revolution period is 320
years. What would be its average distance from the Sun in Astronomical Units (AU), assuming
circular orbit? _/1 pt.

a. 23.4 AU
b. 30.7 AU
c. 46.8 AU
d. 93.6 AU

2. A person weights 70 kg on Earth, if he goes to the surface of the Moon and Jupiter, he weights:
_/1 pt.

a. more on the Moon and Jupiter than on Earth

b. more on Jupiter and less on the Moon than on Earth
c. more on the Moon and less on Jupiter than on Earth
d. less on the Moon and Jupiter than on Earth

3. Given your passion for Astronomy, your friends have given you a sidereal watch as a present for
your birthday. At 10 a.m. you adjust it with the time of your clock. Following the time given by the
sidereal watch, when arriving at the railway station next day to catch the 8.00 a.m. train, you find
that the train is not there. What do you do? _/1.5 pt.

a. I wait for the train because it will be there in few minutes

b. I go home because the train has already left few minutes before my arrival
c. I wait for the train because it will be there in some hours
d. I guess the train has been cancelled today.

4. In a science fiction movie, the main character decides to look for his friends spaceship, lost on
Mars surface, using an optical telescope placed on the Earth. The resolution of the telescope is 1
arcsec and Mars is at a distance of 60 million km. What is the minimum size of the spacecraft to
allow him to see it? _/1,5 pt.

a. 2.90 m
b. 290.9 km
c. 290.9 m
d. 2.90 km

5. Looking at the given stellar map, can you estimate the position of the Sun as seen from Sirius,
using the same map? _/ 2 pt.

a. yes, the Sun is diametrically opposed to Sirius in the constellation of Hercules

b. no, the Sun is not visible from Sirius

1
c. yes, the Sun is diametrically opposed to Sirius in the constellation of Ursa Minor
d. yes, the Sun is diametrically opposed to Sirius in the constellation of the Octans

6. Assume the diameter of the Moon to be 20% smaller than the reality, what should the average
distance between the Earth and the Moon be, in order to still have total solar eclipses on the Earth?
_/1.5 pt.

a. 20% bigger than the reality

b. 80% smaller than the reality
c. 20% smaller than the reality
d. 80% bigger than the reality

7. The following illustration shows the HertzsprungRussell (H-R) diagram for an evolutionary
track of our Sun. The Sun currently locates at position A, but it will to move to position B after 5
billion years. (Assume the Sun is a blackbody and its current radius is 7x105km. 1AU=1.5x108km.)

(i) When the Sun evolves to B, what is its radius? Calculate it by using the information of the
diagram. _/1.5 pt.

a) 100 times larger

b) 57.8 times larger
c) 126.4 times larger
d) 157.3 times larger

(ii) Write your process of calculation. _/1.5 pt.

8. The synodic period of a certain asteroid is 8/7 years. Assume the Earth revolution speed is 30
km/s. Answer with the rounded-off figure below decimal point. In the assumption of circular orbit,
find:

(i) the period of the revolution of the asteroid (year) _/1 pt.

(ii) the radius of the revolution orbit (AU) _/1 pt.

2
(iii) the speed of the asteroid (km/s) _/1 pt.

TOTAL SCORE: 14.5

3
 IESO 2011 ASTRONOMY PRACTICAL TEST
STOP 11
NAME:-
_______________________________________________________________

COUNTRY:_________________________________________________________
___

On Friday, September 9, 2011, you will perform 3 trials. Each trial is individual, but in
some cases you will have to work together with some of the other participants. This is
what happens every day in science: you compete and cooperate at the same time with
other scientists, to get an higher level of shared knowledge.

ACT I: THE POLE STAR FOR MARS (60 minutes for each group of individual
participants)

Materials: Pocket torch light (red), paper, pencil, rubber

Remember that the celestial poles are the projection of the geographic poles onto the
sky. At the present time there is a star, visible from Earth with the naked eye, close to
the celestial North Pole: for this reason it is called Polaris. But what if you were at the
geographic North Pole of Mars?
The celestial North Pole of the red planet is not the same of the Earth. To do the
comparison, recall that the stars are so far that the imaginary designs of the
constellations remain the same as seen both from the Earth and Mars. So the
orientation of Mars' axis is such that its celestial North Pole has Right Ascension 21h
10m 42s and Declination +52.9. This means that is in the constellation of Cygnus.

(i) The most brilliant star of the constellation of Cygnus could be a good choice for the
martian North Pole star. Which way the modern terrestrial astronomers indicate it? For
the Martian sky watcher, who knows _/1 pt.

a. 1 Cyg
b. A Cyg
c. Cyg
d. Cyg

(ii) Look at the sky projected by the Planetarium on the inner surface of the dome. At
the zenith you have the North Pole of the ecliptic. Find Polaris and thus you know the
position of the Earths celestial North Pole. Please notice the scale on the celestial
meridian joining the Earths North Pole with the zenith: every step is 10. There is the
same scale also on the quarter of celestial meridian joining Mars North Pole with the
zenith. What can you say about the axial tilt of the Earth and Mars with respect to the
North Pole of the ecliptic? _/3 pt.

a. The axial tilt of Mars is twice the axial tilt of the Earth
b. The two planets have more or less the same axial tilt, but in different directions
c. The axial tilt of Mars is one half of the axial tilt of the Earth
d. The two planets have more or less the same axial tilt, but in opposite directions

1
(iii) Considering all the information you have collected, can you say something about
the inclination of the orbital plane of Mars with respect to that of the Earth, called the
ecliptic plane? _/3 pt.

a. The orbital plane of Mars has a slight inclination with respect to the Earths ecliptic
b. The orbital plane of Mars is exactly the same of the Earth and all the other planets
in the Solar System
c. The orbital plane of Mars is perpendicular to the Earths ecliptic
d. The orbital plane of Mars has an inclination of 45 with respect to to the Earths
ecliptic

2
ACT II: ILL FOLLOW THE SUN (45 minutes for each group of individual
participants)

Materials: Pencil, rubber, paper, chronometer, piece of chalk

In the Solar Laboratory in Modena you can look at the image of the Sun projected on a
blackboard without risks for your sight (remember: never look directly at the Sun!).
When the tracking of the telescope pointed toward the Sun is on, the image is still and
you can appreciate, for instance, if there are sunspots. When the tracking is off, the
Sun moves until it disappears from the blackboard. Even when not working, the
instrument is useful: the magnification of the Suns image allow you to measure the
time the Sun needs to cover a certain angular distance and thus the angular speed of
its apparent daily motion in the sky.

(i) The apparent angular diameter, in degrees, of the Sun as seen from the Earth is
about _/2 pt.

(ii) After taking the measurements in the Solar Laboratory, which is the angular speed
for the daily motion of the Sun, in degrees per hour, that you have found? Write your
calculation process. _/4 pt.

3
ACT III: NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN (45 minutes for each group of
individual participants)

Materials: Pencil, rubber, paper, aligned telescope with solar filter

Unless you use the filters as you have on your telescope for the practical test -- but
also in this case it is better not to look through it more than few seconds. This is
enough time as to point the telescope, already aligned with the celestial poles, toward
to the Sun. So you can find some quite interesting information about the position of
our star and the position of the celestial North Pole, even if its daytime!

(i) First complete the following scheme, inserting in the squares the cardinal points (N,
E already inserted, S, W) and in the rectangles the name of the local coordinates
(Altitude, Azimuth): _/2 pt

(ii) Now you can move the telescope, center the Sun and complete the following
table:

DATE OF THE OBSERVATION: _____________________ _/0.5 pt.

SUNS RIGHT ASCENSION: ________________________ _/1.5 pt.

SUNS DECLINATION: ____________________________ _/1 pt.

CELESTIAL NORTH POLE ALTITUDE: _________________ _/1 pt.

4
LATITUDE OF MODENA: __________________________ _/1 pt.

ACT II PLAN B: THE STARS LOOK DOWN (45 minutes for each group of
individual participants)

Materials: Pencil, rubber

And you look up all the same! Unluckily, the weather is not fine, but you can see the
stars: ok, it is only a drawing on your worksheet, but these are the same constellations
and stars that will be above your head tonight in Modena -- and that those nasty
clouds probably will not allow you to see
Can you identify the constellation indicated by the numbers?

1 is:_/1 pt. 2 is:_/1 pt. 3 is:_/1 pt. 4 is:_/1 pt. 5 is:_/1 pt.

a. Libra a. Cassiopeia a. Delphinus a. Ursa Major a. Ursa Major

b. Virgo b. Perseus b. Aquila b. Ursa Minor b. Ursa Minor
c. Scorpius c. Pegasus c. Lyra c. Draco c. Draco
5
d. Sagittarius d. Andromeda d. Cygnus d. Botes d. Botes

6
ACT III PLAN B: DISCOVER THE TELESCOPE (45 minutes for each group of
individual participants)

Materials: Pencil, rubber, paper, clock, aligned telescope with solar filter, ruler

Unluckily, the weather is not fine and it seems you can not use the telescope But it
has been already aligned by the responsible of the Planetarium in Modena. You can
find very quickly and easily some quite interesting information about the telescope
itself and the position of the celestial North Pole, even if its daytime and clouds do not
allow to look at the sky.

(i) First complete the following scheme, in the squares insert the cardinal points (N, E
already inserted, S, W) and in the rectangles the name of the local coordinates
(Altitude, Azimuth): _/2 pt

(ii) Now complete the following table:

DATE OF THE OBSERVATION: ___________________________________ _/0.5 pt.

CELESTIAL NORTH POLE ALTITUDE: ______________________________ _/1 pt.

LATITUDE OF MODENA: ________________________________________ _/1 pt.

REFLECTOR OR REFRACTOR TELESCOPE? __________________________ _/1 pt.

7
DIAMETER AND FOCAL LENGTH (mm): ____________________________ _/1.5 pt.

8
INTERNATIONAL EARTH SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

ASTRONOMY PROBLEMS 2010

ASTRONOMY
Students can use the table provided in the last page for solving the problems if necessary.

A. Multiple Choice

1. Suppose you see a new planet in the night sky. Based on observations, you find that the
planet is close to the Sun, with maximum elongation of 30 degrees. Given that the maximum
elongations of Venus and Mercury are 46 and 23 degrees respectively, you can conclude that :
a. the orbit of the planet is closer to the Sun than that of Mercury
b. the orbit of the planet is located between those of Mercury and Venus
c. the orbit of the planet is located between those of Venus and Earth
d. the position of the planet can not be determined from the given data
e. all the answers above are incorrect
[1 point]

2. For an astronaut who is standing on the surface of the Moon facing the Earth, which one of
the following statements is correct?

a. The Earth will always appear as a full disk

b. The length of one day and one night is equal to the synodic period of the Moon seen by an
observer on the Earth

c. The length of the day is half of the sidereal period of the Moon orbiting the Earth

d. The duration between Earth rise and Earth set is the same as the duration between New Moon
and Full Moon on the Earth

e. The surface of the Earth facing the Moon is always the same so that only one side of the Earth
is visible from the Moon

[1.5 points]

3. How would the length of the solar day change if the direction of the Earths rotation is
suddenly reversed while maintaining the direction of revolution?
a. It would be 4 minutes longer than before
b. It would be 4 minutes shorter than before
c. It would be 8 minutes longer than before
d. It would be 8 minutes shorter than before
e. It would not change, but remains the same as before
[1.5 points]

4. According to stellar evolution theory, the Sun will evolve into the red giant stage in a few
billion years. How would the average temperature on the surface of the Earth change compared
to the present temperature, in the time when the Sun becomes a red giant with a radius of
1.12107 km and its temperature drops to 2900 K ? Assume that the current radius of the Sun is
7105 km, its surface temperature is 5800 K and neglect the possible change of the albedo of the
Earth.

a. Becomes four times the present temperature

b. Becomes twice the present temperature

c. Becomes half the present temperature

d. Becomes a quarter of the present temperature

e. No change

[2 points]

5. The parallax of a star measured on the Earth is 0.05 arc-seconds. Determine its parallax if we
measure it from Jupiter (heliocentric distance of Jupiter is 5.2 AU).
a. 1.00 arc- seconds
b. 0.52 arc- seconds
c. 0.33 arc- seconds
d. 0.26 arc- seconds
e. 0.15 arc- seconds
[1.5 points]
6. If the mass of the Sun increases by two times its present value, and the planets remain in their
present orbits, then the Earths period of revolution will be about:
a. 423 days
b. 365 days
c. 321 days
d. 258 days
e. 147 days
[1.5 points]

7. If the perihelion of comet Halley is 8.9 1010 meters and its period is 76 years, then the
eccentricity of Halley is:
a. 0.567
b. 0.667
c. 0.767
d. 0.867
e. 0.967
[1.5 points]

8. A particular spectral line of a star is observed at 4999 . According to laboratory

experiments, this spectral line should appear at 5000 . What is the velocity of this star
relative to the observer?

a. 60 km/s approaching the observer

b. 60 km/s receding the observer
c. 75 km/s approaching the observer
d. 75 km/s receding the observer
e. The star does not move relative to the observer
[1.5 points]

B. Essay
1. Some time ago, there was a rumour that the planet Mars as seen from the Earth would appear
as big as the Moon (about 0.5). The following data are given. The semi-major axis and
eccentricity of the Earth are aE = 1 AU and eE = 0.017 respectively and those of Mars are aM =
1.5 AU, eM = 0.093, and the radius of Mars is R = 3393.4 km. Determine the maximum
angular diamater of Mars and justify the rumour (answer with a RIGHT or WRONG).
To answer these you have to
a. Draw a sketch of the situation.
b. Show the formula(s) that will be used.
c. Show the calculations and the final results.
[5 points]

2. On January 15, 2010, there was an annular eclipse, where at maximum 97% of Solar disk
was covered by the Moon. At that time the Earth was very close to its perihelion. The
following data are given. The semi major axis of the Earths orbit is 1.5108 km, the solar
radius is 7105 km, eccentricity 0.017 and the radius of the Moon is 1.738103 km.
What is the distance of the Moon from the Earth ?

(Show the formula(e), calculations and the final results)

[3 points]
Table of constants and units
Constants Symbols Values
Solar luminosity L
3.86 x 1026 Js-1 = 3.86 x 1026 watt
Solar constant F
1.368 x 103 Jm-2
Universal gravitational constant G 6.67 x 10-11 Nm2kg-2
Earths gravitational acceleration g 9.8 ms-2
Earth mass M 5.98 x 1024kg
Lunar mass M
7.34 x 1022kg
Solar mass M
1.99 x 1030kg
Stefan-Boltzmann constant 5.68 x 10-8 Js-1m-2K-4
Astronomical Unit AU 1.496 x 1011 m
Moon-Earth average distance D 3.84 x 108 m
Earth radius R 6.37 x 106 m
Solar radius R
6.96 x 108 m
Sidereal year 365.256 days = 3.16 x 107 s
Solar effective temperature T
5880 K
Light year Ly 9.5 x 1015 m
Parsec pc 3.26 Ly
8
Speed of light c 3 x 10 m/s
 IESO 2010
Astronomy Practical Test
Yogyakarta, 19-28 September 2010

Plan A; Good weather

Time: 15 minutes

Problem:
Night observation using telescope with eye piece (coordinates of the
location: South 07 55.0144, East 110 34.344). Find and look carefully
Jupiter (RA: 23h 56m 32s; Dec: -0200659) and Galilean satellites
a. Please select a suitable (provided) eye-piece for viewing all
Galilean satellites in one field of view
(20 points)
b. Draw the positions of Jupiter satellites with the proper orientation
on the provided answer sheet. How many satellites of Jupiter are
seen?
(60 points)
c. Give marking the N-S and E-W directions on your answer sheet
(20 points)

Plan B: Bad weather

Time: 10 menit

Problem:
1. Mark by names or numbers (1, 2 and 3) on the printed sky map, the
positions of the bright stars as listed below (15 minutes)
1. Antares (Alpha Scorpii)
(RA: 16h 29m 24.461s; Dec: -260 25 55.209)
2. Vega (Alpha Lyra)
(RA: 18h 36m 56.336s; Dec: +380 47 01.290)
3. Arcturus (Alpha Bootis)
(RA: 14h 15m 39.672s; Dec: +190 10 56.67)
(total point for three stars 40)
2. Draw the ecliptic line in the map and identify the position of Mars
(10 for ecliptic and 10 for Mars)
3. Calculate the hour angle of Jupiter (RA: 23h 56m 32s; Dec: -0200659) in
the sky at 8.00 PM local time. (coordinates of the location : South 07
55.0144, East 110 34.344 )
(20)(5 minutes)
4. Point the telescope to the direction of Jupiter (RA: 23h 56m 32s; Dec: -
0200659) and show to the jury (coordinates of the location : South 07
55.0144, East 110 34.344 )
(20)
INTERNATIONAL EARTH SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

ASTRONOMY PROBLEMS 2009

 3rd IESO Written Test

Astronomy (total of 20 pts)

15. The diameter of the Moon is about a quarter of that of the Earth, and the diameter of the
Sun is about 100 times of that of the Earth. The distance from the Earth to the Sun is about
400 times of the distance from the Earth to the Moon. At each astronomical event, which
of the following bright shapes will be observed? Choose one suitable item from A to D.

(A) (B) (C) (D)

(i) solar eclipse (0.5 pt)

Answer:
(ii) lunar eclipse (0.5 pt)
Answer:
(iii) In the future, people will be able to watch a solar eclipse on the surface of the moon.
Which of A to D patterns would the shape of the Sun be observed on the moon?
(0.5 pt)
Answer:
(iv) Under the condition of (iii), what phenomenon is seen then from the Earth? (0.5 pt)
(A) Solar eclipse (B) Lunar eclipse (C) Earth eclipse
Answer:

16. At the present time, the energy of the Sun is generated by thermonuclear fusion reactions
in the central core. The thermonuclear processes convert four nuclei X into a heavier
nucleus and also produce energy. What is the nucleus X? (1 pt)
(A) Hydrogen (B) Helium (C) Oxygen (D) Carbon (E) Uranium
Answer:

17. If the temperature inside the umbra of a sunspot is 1500 K cooler than the solar
photosphere (its temperature ~ 5800 K) outside the sunspot, let B1 be the energy flux out
of the umbra and B2 be the energy flux from the area surrounding the sunspot. What
will be the ratio, B2/B1? (1 pt)
(A) 0.004 (B) 1.35 (C) 0.74 (D) 3.31 (E) 223
Answer:

18. Circle the leap year(s) in the following list. (0.5 pt)

1890 1972 1998 2000 2002 2100

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 3rd IESO Written Test

19. There are four celestial objects shown in the following pictures. Arrange the size of
objects from the smallest to the largest. Fill your answer in A, B, C and D. (1 pt)
( )<( )<( )<( )
(A) Pleiades Star Cluster (B) Andromeda Galaxy

(C) Sun (D) Saturn

20. Continued from the preceding question, arrange the objects according to their distances
from the Earth in the ascending order. Fill your answer in A, B, C and D. (1 pt)
( )<( )<( )<( )

21. If we observe the planets through a telescope on the Earth, which planets images will
appear to be similar to the lunar phase, . Circle the planets. (1 pt)

Mercury Venus Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune

22. The celestial coordinates of Vega are R.A. 18h 36m 56.2s and Dec +38 47 1. Assume
the Sun passes the meridian at noon (12:00:00), on which date will Vega transit the
meridian at midnight (00:00:00)? Note that the vernal and autumnal equinoxes in 2009
are March 20 and September 23, respectively. (2 pts) (Show calculation with your answer)
Answer:

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 3rd IESO Written Test

23. The following photo shows the lunar surface of the side facing the Earth. Four surface
features are marked and they are Mare Imbrium, Crater Tycho, Crater Copernicus and
Montes Apenninus. Apply the cross-cutting principle to estimate the ages of these surface
features. Determine the relative age of these features from old to young. (1.5 pts)

The moon

(A) Crater Copernicus > Mare Imbrium > Montes Apenninus > Crater Tycho
(B) Crater Tycho > Crater Copernicus > Mare Imbrium > Montes Apenninus
(C) Mare Imbrium > Montes Apenninus > Crater Copernicus > Crater Tycho
(D) Montes Apenninus > Crater Copernicus > Mare Imbrium > Crater Tycho
(E) Montes Apenninus > Mare Imbrium > Crater Copernicus > Crater Tycho
Answer:

24. Any object as large as a star will collapse under its own weight unless some other force
stops it. The Sun has maintained its appearance for a long time. Under what condition is
the interior of the Sun in balance? (1 pt)
(A) The interaction of the atoms prevents the gravitational collapse.
(B) The repulsive forces between ions prevent the gravitational collapse.
(C) The strong forces in nuclei prevent the gravitational collapse.
(D) The thermal pressure prevents the gravitational collapse.
(E) The magnetic field prevents the gravitational collapse.
Answer:

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 3rd IESO Written Test

25. The synodic period for outer planets can be determined by the time interval between two
successive oppositions. Based on observations, the synodic period of the Mars is about
779.9 days. The Earths revolution period is 365.2564 days. What is the revolution period
of the Mars in days ? (2 pts) (Show calculation with your answer)

26. Nowadays, astronomers believe that the solar system formed from a cloud of interstellar
gas and dust about 4.6 billion years ago. The pictures below show the representative
stages in the phases of the formation. Arrange the order of the pictures to demonstrate
the formation process. (2 pts)

Figure (a). The Sun became hotter and drifted Figure (d). The protosun has begun to
the gas from the inner region, leaving shine, with a flattened disk of gas
heavier debris revolving in orbits. and dust surrounding it.

Figure (b). The planets have been accreting in Figure (e). The protosun formed at the
their orbits. center and the cloud rotated faster.

Figure (c). A cold, slowly rotating cloud

Figure (f). The planets were formed and
began to contract under its own gravity.
orbit the Sun.

Answer: ( c ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( f )

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 3rd IESO Written Test

27. The following diagram gives the predicted positions of the four moons relative to Jupiter.
The number 1, 2, 3 and 4 indicate the tracks of Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto
respectively. The width defined by the two lines marks the visual disk of Jupiter. The
E and W give the east and the west as view from the Earth. The ordinate marks the date.
Now, we have a photo of Jupiter and its moons taken in 2008 October but the date is
unknown. Use the predicted diagram to allocate the four moons and to estimate the date
for photography.

Answer: The photo was taken at the night of 2008 Oct. ( ) (1 pt)
The satellites are a: ( ) ; b: ( ) ; c: ( ) ; d: ( ) (1 pt)

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 3rd IESO Written Test

28. The apparent magnitude of a star is a measure of how bright the star appears to be. This
depends on its luminosity and distance. On the other hand, the absolute magnitude of a
star is the brightness defined that if the star were 10 parsecs (pc) from the Earth, which is
independent of the stars actual distance. The table presents apparent magnitude and
distance of four stars. Calculate their absolute visual magnitude (give the answers in two
decimal places, e.g. the format XX.XX) and answer the following questions.

(i) Use the data in the table to find out which star is actually the brightest? (0.5 pt)
Answer:

(ii) Among these stars, which star has a luminosity about 100 times brighter than the Sun?
(0.5 pt)
Answer:

(iii)
Star apparent visual magnitude distance(pc) absolute visual magnitude
A 2.1 29.75
B 0.5 42.94
C 0.8 19.94
D -0.7 95.09
Sun -26.7 4.83

(Each answer in the table is 0.25 pt)

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 3rd IESO Practical Test

The 3rd International Earth Science Olympiad

Practical Test - Astronomy

18 September 2009
Taipei, Taiwan

Student Name: Nationality:

Mentors Signature:

1 / 11
 3rd IESO Practical Test

To seldom speak is the essence of nature. Why the winds and storm do not last whole
day? Because the earth that manifests the winds and storm is constantly changing.

Laozi Tao Te Chin 4th Century BC

In the south, there was a man of extraordinary views, named Huang Liao, who asked
Shi how it was that the sky did not fall nor the earth sink, and what was the cause of
wind, rain, and the thunder's roll and crash. Shi made no attempt to evade the
questions, and answered him without any exercise of thought, talking about all things.

Zhuangzi Tian Xia 4th Century BC.

2 / 11
 3rd IESO Practical Test

Instructions for the practical test (Astronomy):

z Please write name and nationality in English on the cover page.

z The time allotted for this examination is 1.5 hours.

z Write your answers legibly. Illegible answers will not be graded.

z Keep your answers short and focus on the key points.

z Write your answers on the white test booklet provided. There is no separate
answer sheet.

z You can use the calculator provided to perform the calculation.

z You may respond to questions either in English, your native language, or a

combination of both.

z Read the entire question group carefully before starting to answer.

Each question has a point value assigned, for example, (1 pt).

z For some questions, you may be asked to provide your answer on the figures.
Please do so carefully.

z Any inappropriate examination behavior will result in your withdrawal from

IESO.

3 / 11
 3rd IESO Practical Test

1. The rotation of the Sun

There are sunspots on the solar surface. They can be used to calculate the rate of the solar rotation,
based on a sunspots motion on the surface. The following figure shows the sunspots during June
30 - July 6, 2006 taken from the SOHO satellite images (listed in the following table). The
longitude is marked on the solar disc.

Date Time(h:m) Date Time(h:m)

6/30 17:36 7/04 18:05
7/01 19:02 7/05 17:36
7/02 17:36 7/06 20:12
7/03 17:36

4 / 11
 3rd IESO Practical Test

(1) Lets set June 30, 00:00 to be day 0.000, i.e. t = 0.000 for June 30, 00:00. Record t in
Table 1. (0.6 pts)

(2) Measure the longitude of the sunspot for each date marked, and record in Table 1. (1.2 pts)

Table 1
Time t(days) Longitude Time t(days) Longitude
6/30 17:36 0.733 -42.2 7/04 18:05
7/01 19:02 7/05 17:36
7/02 17:36 7/06 20:12
7/03 17:36

(3) Using the data in Table 1, plot longitude (in degrees) vs. time (in days) on the
graph paper on the next page. (4.2 pts)
(4) Draw a line of best fit on the graph.
(i) Calculate the slope of the line of best fit (straight line). (2 pts)
Answer:
(ii) Calculate the rotation period of the Sun. (2 pts)
Answer:
Note: Include the correct unit in both answers.

5 / 11
3rd IESO Practical Test

6 / 11
 3rd IESO Practical Test

2. Telescope operations

Go to the telescopes that are already set up and look for the specification of the telescope and
two eyepieces.

(1) Complete the following Table. (1.2 pt)

Telescope Eyepieces

Aperture cm Type Focal length Magnification

Focal length mm mm

Focal ratio (f/) mm

** A judge will grade how you operate the telescope.

(2) Step-by-step operation (3.8 pts)

(3) Observing the Sun (3 pts)

Warning: You must not look at the Sun through a telescope or a finder
scope without the solar filter! Otherwise it will cause severe
damage to your eyes or permanent blindness.
If it is rainy or cloudy, find any distant building, then adjust the telescope to point to
the distant building, and adjust the focus to see it clearly.

(4) Taking a photo of the Sun (2 pts)

When you have finished the above procedure, raise your hand, and the judge will let you return to
your seat.

7 / 11
 3rd IESO Practical Test

3. Calculating the Earths precession

The Earth rotates as a top and Earths axis of

rotation traces out a cone with an angle shown in
Figure 1. That means the Earths axis is moving
along a circle. This is called precession. The
celestial pole rotates about the fixed pole of the
ecliptic with a circle of radius about 23.5 and a
period of about 25,800 years.

Figure 1

Figure 2 (and a transparent sheet) is the region near Polaris. Figure 3 and Figure 4 are the star
tracks around Polaris on the nights of March 10, 1980 and May 20, 2009, respectively.

Star B

Star A

Figure 2

8 / 11
 3rd IESO Practical Test

Figure 3 The region of Polaris

9 / 11 at March 10, 1980.
 3rd IESO Practical Test

Figure 4 The region of Polaris at May 20, 2009.

(1) Determine the position of the North Celestial Pole and mark it on

(i) March 10, 1980 (Figure 3) (2 pts)

(ii) May 20, 2009 (Figure 4) (2pts)

(2) Overlap the transparent sheet (Figure 2) with Figure 3, and mark the position of the
North Celestial Pole determined in Figure 3 on the transparent sheet using a marker
pen. (1 pt)

(3) Overlap the transparent sheet (Figure 2) with Figure 4, and mark the position of the
North Celestial Pole determined in Figure 4 on the transparent sheet using a marker
pen. (1 pt)

(4) Measure the interval, x, between the positions of the North Celestial Pole in 1980
and 2009 on the transparent sheet.

(i) x = ( ) mm (1 pt)

(ii) Use thex to calculate the Earths precession ( ) mm/year. (1 pt)

[show your calculation]

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 3rd IESO Practical Test

(5) The angular separation of star A and star B in Figure 2 (or transparent sheet) is 6195.

Use this information to calculate the scale of Figure 2, ( ) arcsec/mm.

(1 pt)
[show your calculation]

(6) Use your results from the previous questions to calculate the Earths precession,
( ) arcsec/year. (1 pt)
[show your calculation]

11 / 11
INTERNATIONAL EARTH SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

ASTRONOMY PROBLEMS 2008

IESO 2008 Written Test 8

15. A recent partial lunar eclipse was observed during the night of August 16th, 2008. The
composite images were recorded during the eclipse from Athens, Greece, showing a
large part of the umbra (dark part of the earth's shadow). An angular diameter of the
lunar image is 31. You may need a ruler, a compass, and a calculator to answer the
questions below. (5 pts in total)

a) Using this picture, calculate an approximate angular diameter of the umbra. Show
how you obtained your answer by drawing on the figure above.
(2 pts)

b) Using the sidereal period of the Moon (about 27.5 days) and the distance between the
Earth and the Moon (about 380,000 km), calculate the approximate duration time of
this lunar eclipse. (3 pts)
IESO 2008 Written Test 9

16. An icy body in an elliptical orbit around the sun is observed from Earth. At perihelion it
has a distance to the sun of 40 AU, an albedo of 0.6 and a magnitude of 20. At aphelion
it has a distance to the sun of 60 AU and an albedo of 0.7. What magnitude do you
expect the icy body to have at aphelion? Draw a diagram and show all calculations.
(4 pts)

17. Sean is in Manila and driving his car to the north at noon. He has trouble seeing the car
moving in front of him because the sun's rays are reflected from the back window glass
and the glare is in his eyes. The back window glass of the car A forms an angle with the
ground of 52 18as shown in the picture below. The arrow AB is parallel to the ground. .
(6 pts in total)
IESO 2008 Written Test 10

a) In this situation, what is the altitude of the sun? (2 pts)

b) The latitude of Manila is 14 36 N. What is the declination of the sun on this date.
(2 pts)

c) Estimate the dates when this situation occurs. (2 pts)

IESO 2008 Written Test 11

18. The Orionid meteor shower radiant can be found in RA 6h 20m and Dec +16 as
indicated in the map below: (5 pts in total)

a) If the sun is at RA 13h 45m and Dec -10 45', at what time will the radiant transit?
Assume that both the equation of time and the standard correction due to latitude are
equal to zero. (3 pts)

b) At what latitude should an observer be for the radiant to pass exactly at his/her zenith?
(2 pts)
IESO 2008 Practical Test 7

5. This set of questions tries to show the Keplers third law using the images of Uranus and its
moons. Figure (1) shows the images of Uranus taken by Hubble Space Telescope in 1997,
and the time interval between left and right images was 90 minutes. There are 8 moons
revolving around Uranus as seen in the images.

Figure (1) The images of Uranus

In order to figure out the motion of these 8 moons, the two images in Figure (1) were
overlapped and combined to form a single image shown in Figure (2). Assume that the
orbits of the 8 moons are circular and lying on the same plane with the same inclination
angle. (Note: you are observing the plane of the circular orbits from an angle so that they
appear as ellipses.) Using a ruler, a protractor and a compass, measure the radius of each
orbit (R) in mm and estimate the period of revolution (T) of each orbit in hours. Note that
the periods of all 8 moons are less than 24 hours. The procedure below described by steps
a) to g) on the next page was used to find the information that is in Table 1. Use the same
procedure to complete Table 1. (3 pts total)
IESO 2008 Practical Test 8

Figure (2) The motion of Uranus moons

a) Find the center of Uranus and mark it as the origin of an x and y axis.
b) Find the observed elliptical orbit of Portia using its track in figure (2).
c) Draw the approximate elliptical orbit on figure (2).
Note: Keep the center of ellipse at origin.
d) Draw the circular orbit from the observed ellipse orbit found in steps b) and c).
Note: Keep the length of the semi major axis in the ellipse to be the same as the radius
of the circular orbit.
e) Find the first and the second positions (90 minutes apart) of Portia at the circular orbit
you drew.
Note: Draw perpendicular lines from the y axis, passing through Portias two images in
figure (2). Find two points on the circular orbit by intersecting these two perpendicular
lines with the circular orbits.
f) Find the angular difference between the two points in the circular orbit.
Note: Draw two lines from the origin to the two points you found in step e).
IESO 2008 Practical Test 9

g) Calculate the orbital period in hours.

Note: The two images were taken 90 minutes apart.

1) Complete the table below for both Portia and Puck (2 pts)

Table 1
R(mm)
Angular
radius of T(hour)
Moons difference() R3 T2
circular Period of orbit
in 90 minutes
orbit
Belinda 54 34 15.88 157464 252.2

Bianca 41

Cressida 44.5 44.2 12.22 88121 149.3

Desdemona 45 43 12.56 91125 157.7
Juliet 46.5 41 13.17 100545 173.5

Portia

Puck

Rosalind 50 38 14.21 125000 201.9

2) Plot a graph to show Keplers third law. On the graph paper, plot the data points on
Table 1 showing the relationship of R3 and T2 of the 7 moons. Draw the best straight
line that fits Keplers third law in your graph. (0.5 pt)

3) Estimate the period of Bianca using graph made in question 2). [The radius of Biancas
circular orbit is 41 mm.] (0.5 pt)
IESO 2008 Practical Test 10

6. Telescope Practical Section

1) Operation (3 pts)
Please go to the station where parts of telescopes can be found. Take one set of telescope
parts and set it up as following steps.
** A proctor will evaluate how you set up the telescope.
a) Mount the telescope to the tripod firmly. (0.5 pt)
b) Adjust the tripod, set the equatorial mount oriented to the north. (0.5 pt)
[See the direction mark on the ground]
c) Adjust the tripod using the bubble level on it. (0.5 pt)
d) Adjust the angle of the equatorial mount based on the latitude of Manila, 14 36.(0.5 pt)
e) Balance the main telescope with the weight. (0.5 pt)
f) Balance the telescope parts which consist of the main telescope, the finder, and the eyepiece.
(0.5 pt)

2) Find the the diameter and focal length of the main telescope and complete Table 2 (2 pts)
Diameter of main telescope = ( ) cm
Focal length of main telescope = ( ) mm
Table 2.

eyepiece magnification
Or 6 mm
Or 12 mm
K 25 mm

When you finish questions above, please raise your hand and the proctor will let you go back
to your seat.

3) Usually, the pupil of human eye will enlarge to 8 mm in a dark place for about 15-20 minutes.
If a person observes a faint star with magnitude 6.0, what magnitude of a heavenly object can
he/she observe with this telescope? (1 pt)
INTERNATIONAL EARTH SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

ASTRONOMY PROBLEMS 2007

VI. On a clear day and night, a person in the northern hemisphere wants to observe celestial objects in
the southern sky. Answer the questions using the figure and the data below. [10 pts]

1. Canopus: Right Ascension (R.A.) = 06h 24m,

Declination (Dec.) = -52.7(2000.0)
2. Vernal Equinox: March 21st.
Autumn Equinox: September 23rd.
3. The Sun's meridian transit occurs at 12 noon.
1) Mark the Sun's location on March 21st in the above figure. (2 pts)

2) What is the observer's latitude if he/she saw Canopus in 3 highest altitude above the horizon
during the whole year, at the time of meridian transit. Show your calculations. (4 pts)

3) If someone wants to observe Canopus at the time of its meridian transit at 9 pm, which is the best
day, i.e., month and day? Show your calculations. (4 pts)

VII. Figure 1 shows the four positions of the Earth orbiting around the Sun, whereas Fig. 2 displays
the path of the Sun projected on the celestial hemisphere. [10 pts]
 Fig. 1. The Earth around the Sun

Fig. 2. The path of the Sun projected on the celestial hemisphere.

1) Briefly describe the changes of the Sun's altitude at noon observed by a person at 40 north
latitude when the Earth is at positions A, B, C, and D. (4 pts)
Astronomy
Figure 1 shows a typical reflector, and Figure 2, a refractor. Tables 1 and 2 are basic
specifications of two small telescopes and a CCD camera, which are commonly used in
astronomical observations.
 Figure 1. Reflector Figure 2. Refractor

Table 1. Basic specifications of the reflector (Figure 1) and the refractor (Figure 2).

Specifications Reflecting Telescope Refracting Telescope

Optical System Newtonian Achromatic Multi-coated lens

Aperture 200 mm 125 mm

Focal Length 900 mm 1200 mm

Mount German Equatorial German Equatorial

Table 2. Specifications of the CCD camera.

Array (pixels) 10241024

Pixel size (m) 24

Digital resolution 16-bit

Dark current 1e/pixel/sec at -20

Dynamic range 86 db

Referring to the tables and figures above, answer the following questions.
1) Fill in each blank with the most appropriate letter from (A) to (L), which indicates each
part of the telescopes (24 points).

Reflector Refractor
Finder Scope
Balance Weight
Optical Tube
Eye piece
Objective Lens/Mirror
Polar Axis

2) Calculate the focal ratios (f-ratios or f-numbers) of the two telescopes. Show your
calculations. (26 points).

3) What is the ratio of the light-gathering power of the two telescopes? Show your
calculations. (20 points)

4) What is the ratio of the theoretical resolving power of the two telescopes? Show your
calculations. (10 points).

5) If you take an image of the Moon at the primary focus of the reflector, calculate the
diameter of the Moons image. Do the same calculation for the refractor. (Note: Assume that
the angular diameter of the Moon is 0.5.) (20 points).