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Astronomy critical thinking questions

Author: Kay Kubat

Learning Target

I will be able to use my information learned from the seasons unit to answer the critical thinking questions.

Critical thinking clues

Remember a tilted axis does not received direct sunlight on all parts of the planet.

A rotating planet will have day and night and time zones, as the sun appears at different times on the planet.

A star gives off light and heat.

Revolution means that one object is moving around a larger more dense object, and seasons will be created if the axis is tilted.

Using the chart below, about six imaginary planets near an imaginary star, answer the critical thinking questions below.


  • Planet 185  has a tilted axis, rotates on its axis, and revolves around the star
  • Planet 212  has a tilted axis, rotates on its axis,  does not revolve around the star
  • Planet 415  has a tilted axis, does not rotate on its axis, and does not revolved around the star
  • Planet 689  does not have a tilted axis, does not rotate on its axis and does not revolve around the star
  • Planet 235  does not have a tilted axis,  does not rotate on its axis and does revolved around the star
  • Planet 576  does not have a tilted axis, does rotate on its axis, and does revolve around the star

Which planet(s) would have changing seasons?  Which planet would not?

Which planet(s) would the sun rise and set just once each year?

Which planet(s) would the sun reach the same midday altitude each and every day?

Which planet(s) would not need time zones?

Make a copy after downloading the questions and share the answers with me.

Source: Heath Publishing