Study Questions • Discussion Topics Activity 1: Chart the Sun Activity 2: Build a Sundial Quizzes

Egyptians and the Sky 1. On the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere, the Sun is at its southernmost point in the sky is at its northernmost point in the sky stays in the sky for the longest time of the year is at its northernmost point and stays in the sky for the longest time 2. Where on the horizon does the Sun rise on the first day of summer? southeast northeast northwest due east 3. What time of year can you stand near the Sphinx and see the Sun set between the two largest pyramids of Giza? the first day of spring the first day of summer the first day of winter January 1 4. What celestial objects could be seen through the "shafts" found in the Great Pyramid? The Sun and the Moon The Big Dipper and the star Sirius The Pole Star and the Belt of Orion The Big Dipper and the Pleiades 5. What was the importance of the star Thuban in the days of ancient Egypt? It was the star closest to the North Celestial Pole It was the brightest star in the sky It was in the Belt of Orion It rose just before the Sun did on the first day of Spring 6. Why does the star that marks the North Celestial Pole keep changing? Because the pole star may explode, and a new one must be assigned Because the axis of the Earth wobbles Because our solar system is constantly moving to different parts of the galaxy none of the above 7. What celestial events did the Egyptians use to predict when the Nile was going to flood? The close approach of Jupiter and Saturn to the Moon When the days and nights were of equal length When the Big Dipper pointed downward, "dumping" water into the Nile When the star Sirius rose with the Sun 8. The Egyptians saw the Milky Way as a heavenly river the body of the serpent god Set the smoke from the gods' campfires the road to the palace of Nut, goddess of the sky 9. What modern name is given to the star the Egyptians called Sothis? Polaris Betelgeuse Rigel Sirius 10. What is so special about the North Celestial Pole? It is always marked by the brightest star in the sky It is the "hub" around which the other stars appear to turn The Sun is found there on the first day of summer It always rises as the Sun is setting Score = Correct answers: