UPCAT General Science (Extended) — Astronomy & the PlanetsConcept Map
If you learn better by seeing ideas connected visually, this concept map of Astronomy & the Planets is built for you. Every UPCAT General Science (Extended) question draws on these relationships, so building this map mentally is half the battle when you sit for UPCAT 2026.
Exam context
The University of the Philippines College Admission Test is conducted by University of the Philippines and is scheduled for Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions). The General Science (Extended) subtest is marked as "Extended coverage for UP Science programs" in the official pattern, and Astronomy & the Planets appears in position 5th of 6 in the UPCAT General Science (Extended) review rotation. Passing mark: UPG ≤ 2.2 typical. Recent UPCAT 2026 papers have drawn roughly 20 questions from this subject.
Astronomy & the Planets - Concept map
Central Concept
Astronomy and the Solar System
Related Concepts
Concept
Stars and Stellar Objects
Sub Concepts
- Star classification by color and temperature
- Star lifecycle stages
- Stellar remnants
- The Sun's structure and regions
Relationship To Central
Stars are the fundamental energy sources and building blocks of the universe, including our Sun
Concept
Planetary System
Sub Concepts
- Planet characteristics and classification
- Terrestrial vs gas giant planets
- Planetary properties and data
- Planetary formation theories
Relationship To Central
Planets are the major bodies orbiting stars, forming complete solar systems
Concept
Small Solar System Bodies
Sub Concepts
- Asteroids and asteroid belt
- Comets and their composition
- Meteors and meteoroids
- Natural satellites and moons
Relationship To Central
Smaller objects that complete the solar system structure and provide insight into formation
Concept
Orbital Mechanics
Sub Concepts
- Kepler's three laws of planetary motion
- Elliptical vs circular orbits
- Gravitational forces and effects
- Orbital periods and distances
Relationship To Central
The physical laws governing how objects move in space and relate to each other
Concept
Earth-Moon System
Sub Concepts
- Moon phases and lunar cycle
- Tidal effects and gravitational influence
- Solar and lunar eclipses
- Earth's place in the solar system
Relationship To Central
Our local cosmic environment demonstrating key astronomical principles
Concept
Historical Astronomy Models
Sub Concepts
- Geocentric model development
- Heliocentric model revolution
- Key astronomical discoveries
- Scientific method in astronomy
Relationship To Central
The evolution of human understanding of cosmic structure and organization
Concept Connections
To
The Sun
From
Stars and Stellar Objects
Strength
strong
Relationship
The Sun is our local star demonstrating stellar properties and behavior
To
Planetary System
From
Orbital Mechanics
Strength
strong
Relationship
Kepler's laws govern how planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths
To
Orbital Mechanics
From
Earth-Moon System
Strength
strong
Relationship
Moon's orbit and phases demonstrate gravitational and orbital principles
To
Planetary System
From
Small Solar System Bodies
Strength
moderate
Relationship
Asteroids, comets, and meteors are remnants of planetary formation
To
Orbital Mechanics
From
Historical Astronomy Models
Strength
strong
Relationship
Scientific method led to discovery of true orbital mechanics
To
Stellar Remnants
From
Star Classification
Strength
strong
Relationship
Star color and temperature determine their evolutionary endpoint
To
Orbital Mechanics
From
Planetary Properties
Strength
strong
Relationship
Planet distance affects orbital period following Kepler's third law
To
Earth-Moon-Sun System
From
Moon Phases
Strength
strong
Relationship
Phases result from changing angles between Earth, Moon, and Sun
To
Orbital Alignment
From
Solar Eclipses
Strength
moderate
Relationship
Eclipses occur when Sun, Moon, and Earth align in specific configurations
To
Solar System Formation
From
Nebular Theory
Strength
strong
Relationship
Explains how our solar system formed from a collapsing dust and gas cloud
Previous chapter
Atmosphere, Weather & Climate
Next chapter
Ecology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Species Relationships
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