SOL Prep

Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe

Virginia SOL AS.3

Investigate and understand the evolution and structure of stars, galaxies, and the universe based on examining evidence.

Study AS.3 with SOL PrepBack to Earth Science II Astronomy

What students need to be able to do

  • Compare the information gained from different types of telescopes (radio, optical, infrared, ultraviolet, x-ray, gamma ray, neutrino, and space-based).
  • Explain how attributes of the electromagnetic spectrum are used to determine characteristics of astronomical objects.
  • Make, support, and evaluate a claim about how celestial observations resulted in the Nebular Theory of star formation.
  • Explain the relationship between the energy and luminosity of a star by constructing a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
  • Develop and use a model to explain the life stages of stars.
  • Explain how nucleosynthesis resulted in the chemical composition of the cosmos.
  • Describe the characteristics of the Milky Way Galaxy, including size, shape, rotation, stellar distribution, and our place within it.
  • Compare the evolution of galaxies based on their shape and content.
  • Compare techniques that are used to determine astronomical distances.
  • Make, support, and evaluate a claim about the characteristics of the universe (formation, age, composition, expansion, and structure).
  • Develop and use a model to explain the relationships among matter, energy, dark matter, and dark energy.