Geography ยท Physics
Geodesy and Celestial Mechanics
1,049 Questions
Geodesy and celestial mechanics questions explore Earth measurements, great circles, and planetary motions. These concepts form a crucial part of physical geography and astronomy in competitive exams. Practice these questions to grasp longitudinal and latitudinal calculations.
Longitude and latitude calculationsGreat circle conceptEarths axial precessionLagrangian pointsAtmosphere boundary
Geodesy and Celestial Mechanics Questions
What is the term used to describe the position of a celestial body in relation to the Earth's axis?
-
Declination
-
Right Ascension
-
Latitude
-
Longitude
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Declination is the angular distance of a celestial body north or south of the celestial equator. It is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
What is the term used to describe the position of a celestial body in relation to the Earth's equator?
-
Right Ascension
-
Declination
-
Latitude
-
Longitude
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Right Ascension is the angular distance of a celestial body east of the vernal equinox. It is measured in hours, minutes, and seconds.
What is the term used to describe the position of a celestial body in relation to the Earth's surface?
-
Latitude
-
Longitude
-
Altitude
-
Azimuth
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Latitude is the angular distance of a celestial body north or south of the Earth's equator. It is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
What is the term used to describe the position of a celestial body in relation to the Earth's horizon?
-
Altitude
-
Azimuth
-
Latitude
-
Longitude
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Altitude is the angular distance of a celestial body above the horizon. It is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
What is the term used to describe the position of a celestial body in relation to the Earth's prime meridian?
-
Longitude
-
Latitude
-
Altitude
-
Azimuth
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Longitude is the angular distance of a celestial body east or west of the Earth's prime meridian. It is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
What is the term used to describe the movement of the Earth's axis?
-
Precession
-
Nutation
-
Revolution
-
Rotation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Precession is the movement of the Earth's axis. It is caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon.
How did the Polynesians use the concept of zero in their navigational system?
-
To mark their positions on a map
-
To calculate the distance between two islands
-
To determine the direction of the wind
-
To predict the weather
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Polynesians used the concept of zero to mark their positions on a map. They would place a marae at the center of their map, and then they would use other marae to mark the positions of islands and other landmarks.
How did the Polynesians use the concept of the square root in their navigation?
-
They used it to calculate the distance between two islands
-
They used it to determine the direction of the stars
-
They used it to predict the weather
-
They used it to measure the height of waves
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Polynesians used the concept of the square root to calculate the distance between two islands. They would use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the square root of the sum of the squares of the distances between the two islands.
Which standard defines the coordinate system and datum used for geospatial data in India?
-
IS 14900:2017
-
IS 15680:2017
-
IS 17269:2017
-
IS 18931:2017
A
Correct answer
Explanation
IS 14900:2017 defines the coordinate system and datum used for geospatial data in India.
What is the horizontal datum used for geospatial data in India?
-
World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84)
-
Indian Geodetic Datum 1960 (IGD60)
-
Everest 1830 (E1830)
-
Modified Everest 1830 (ME1830)
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The horizontal datum used for geospatial data in India is Indian Geodetic Datum 1960 (IGD60).
What is the approximate thickness of the Earth's crust?
-
10-20 km
-
30-40 km
-
50-60 km
-
70-80 km
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Earth's crust is relatively thin, ranging from 10 to 20 kilometers in thickness.
What is the approximate thickness of the Earth's mantle?
-
2,900-3,000 km
-
2,700-2,800 km
-
2,500-2,600 km
-
2,300-2,400 km
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Earth's mantle is approximately 2,900 to 3,000 kilometers thick.
What is the approximate thickness of the Earth's atmosphere?
-
10-20 km
-
30-40 km
-
50-60 km
-
100-120 km
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Earth's atmosphere extends approximately 100 to 120 kilometers above the surface.
What is the mathematical term for the point in an astrological chart where two planets are in signs that are 90 degrees apart?
-
Conjunction
-
Opposition
-
Square
-
Trine
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The mathematical term for the point in an astrological chart where two planets are in signs that are 90 degrees apart is square.
What is the mathematical term for the point in an astrological chart where two planets are in signs that are 120 degrees apart?
-
Conjunction
-
Opposition
-
Square
-
Trine
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The mathematical term for the point in an astrological chart where two planets are in signs that are 120 degrees apart is trine.