Ch 17: CBASE Science: Basics of Astronomy
About This Chapter
CBASE Science: Basics of Astronomy - Chapter Summary
Discover the basics of astronomy through these video lessons, which are presented online for your convenience. Study in preparation for answering questions on the science subject area of the College BASE examination. While watching the educational lessons, you'll explore the beginnings of the universe, acquire information about our galaxy and solar system, and examine the life cycles and classifications of stars and dwarf planets. The chapter also includes lessons on the parts and features of comets, meteorites and the sun. After you've absorbed these details, you could be able to:
- Explain the Big Bang Theory and the timeline of the universe
- Discuss the differences between the solar system, the universe and the galaxy
- Name our solar system's four inner planets and four outer planets
- Describe the solar system's dwarf planets
- Classify stars by their colors and sizes
- Understand the characteristics of asteroids
- Identify the sun's layers and the moon's phases
These videos will allow you to pause, go back or skip forward as you learn the details of basic astronomy in preparation for the College BASE examination. The online lessons are professionally narrated by experienced instructors. Access this information 24/7 when you utilize your mobile technology. Take the self-assessment quizzes and the practice examination to ensure your retention. You can locate an ask-an-expert feature on the Dashboard area. You'll receive personalized support when you submit your questions on astronomy there.

1. Origins of the Universe: The Big Bang and Expanding & Contracting Universes
Students will learn the origins of the universe, the Big Bang theory, the timeline of the universe, how the universe is still expanding to this day, and what astronomers expect the universe to look like in the future.

2. Solar System, Galaxy, & Universe: Definitions & Difference
Want to learn what the universe, galaxy, and solar system are as well as some cool facts about each one? This lesson will give you an overview of what these three things are in a relatable fashion.

3. Inner Planets of the Solar System: Mercury, Venus, Earth & Mars
Take a tour of the four inner planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. Known as the terrestrial planets, find out what makes each of them unique and how they are different from the outer planets, the gas giants.

4. Outer Planets of the Solar System: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
Take a tour of the outer planets of our solar system: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Find out what makes each of these gas giants unique and learn about Pluto, a dwarf planet.

5. Dwarf Planets of the Solar System: Pluto, Eris, Haumea & Ceres
Discover why Pluto had to leave the league of planets and was downgraded to a dwarf planet. Learn the definitions for planet and dwarf planet. Find out about the currently classified dwarf planets in our solar system: Pluto, Eris, Ceres, Haumea and Makemake.

6. Types of Stars by Size, Color and Life Cycle
Learn to identify the different sizes and colors of stars and how they relate to the star life cycle. In this lesson, we'll talk about spectral classification, how many stars there are of each type and the approximate color of the different classes of stars.

7. Asteroids, Meteorites & Comets: Definitions and Characteristics
This lesson will cover the definitions and characteristics of asteroids, comets and meteorites. It will also explore what impact they have had on Earth and the impact they might have in the future.

8. Structure of the Sun
Discover the layers of the sun, including the core, radiative zone, convective zone, photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. Find out which layers you can see from Earth. Investigate what sunspots and solar flares are.

9. Moon Phases: Names & Sequence
This lesson will go over the phases of the moon. The full moon, new moon, waxing, waning, and gibbous phases and the order in which they occur and what they look like are discussed.
Earning College Credit
Did you know… We have over 200 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.
To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page
Transferring credit to the school of your choice
Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.
Other Chapters
Other chapters within the CBASE: Practice & Study Guide course
- CBASE English: Critical Reading
- CBASE English: Literary Periods & Movements
- CBASE English: Important Authors in Literature
- CBASE English: Writing Processes
- CBASE English: Writing Grammar & Mechanics
- CBASE English: Essay Writing
- CBASE Math: Basic Concepts & Vocabulary
- CBASE Math: Solving Word Problems
- CBASE Math: Statistics & Probability
- CBASE Math: Basic Algebra
- CBASE Math: Basic Geometry
- CBASE Science: Scientific Research Methods
- CBASE Science: Scientific Methods
- CBASE Science: Basics of Life Science
- CBASE Science: Basics of Physical Science
- CBASE Science: Basics of Earth Science
- CBASE Social Studies: Ancient History
- CBASE Social Studies: World History
- CBASE Social Studies: Major Historical Movements
- CBASE Social Studies: Key Figures in History
- CBASE Social Studies: Early American History
- CBASE Social Studies: Modern American History
- CBASE Social Studies: American Government
- CBASE Social Studies: Geography & Culture
- CBASE Social Studies: Political & Economic Structures
- CBASE Social Studies: Social Science Research
- CBASE Flashcards