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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is a division of the astronomical science that is concerned with getting data, in contrast with theoretical astrophysics, which is mainly concerned with finding out the measurable implications of physical models?

2. Where was Vasco da Gama from?

3. What word means small or tiny?

4. What was the epicenter of the burgeoning interest in seaward adventures, according to the author in Chapter 3: "The Discovery of the Earth"?

5. When did Galileo Galilei die?

Short Essay Questions

1. What aspects of the cosmos confused ancient astronomers, according to the author in Chapter 1: "The Dome of Heaven"?

2. How did the rise of Christianity impact the sciences according to the author in Chapter 2: "Raising (and Lowering) the Roof"?

3. How are the early years of Copernicus described in Chapter 4: "The Sun Worshipers"? What and where did he study?

4. What theory did Copernicus work tirelessly to prove, according to the author Chapter 4: "The Sun Worshipers"? When were his ideas published?

5. Where did the pursuit of science evolve after the rise of Christianity, according to the author in Chapter 2: "Raising (and Lowering) the Roof"?

6. What was the major problem with astronomical units, as described by the author in Chapter 7: "A Plumb Line to the Sun"?

7. Where was the epicenter of sea exploration, according to the author in Chapter 3: "The Discovery of the Earth"? Who established an astronomical observatory and navigational institute at this time?

8. What did Galileo attempt do bring physics into the study of in Chapter 5: "The World in Retrograde"?

9. How does the author describe the ancient civilizations' perception of space in Chapter 1: "The Dome of Heaven"?

10. What had remained a major problem for explorers at sea as described by the author in Chapter 7: "A Plumb Line to the Sun"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the life and work of Aristotle. When and where did Aristotle live? With whom and where did he study? Upon whose work did Aristotle base his model of the universe? What did he add to this model?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the early models of the universe as discussed in Chapter 2: "Raising (and Lowering) the Roof." How did these systems differ from how the universe is modeled today? How did the concept of inertia change this view?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the theories of Isaac Newton, Rene Descartes, and Plato. How was Newton influenced by Descartes and Plato? What advancements did Newton make on the theories of the earlier astronomers and philosophers? Also discuss Newton's fascinations with religion, alchemy and magic. How did these interests conflict with his scientific interests?

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