2. one point, from Lecture 2, a group question, involves short answers

(a) .4 from Lectures 1 and 2, The essence of the lectures. In the future, I will ask your group to characterize a lecture in one phrase -- not just repeating the title of the lecture -- then discuss why you chose that phrase. As a warmup, I will characterize lectures 1 and 2 as "understanding how orbits determine what we see." What do I mean? (.2)
In discussing this, come up with a different characterization. State it. (.1)
Briefly justify it. (.1)

(b) .6 from Lecture 2, Changing Worldviews. Choose three specific features of Aristotle's worldview of the heavens which were challenged by Copernicus, Tycho, Kepler, and Galileo. Discuss how the later astronomers reached their conclusions. (.2 for each feature)

question 3(a), due Wednesday, September 17

3. one point, from Lectures 2-4, involves calculation

(a) .4 from Lecture 2, Kepler's Third Law. A new comet is discovered with a period of 125 years. Use Kepler's Third Law to find the size of the comet's orbit relative to Earth's orbit. You must show your work to get credit for your answer.

Revised September 1, 1997.