UPCAT General Science (Extended) — Astronomy & the PlanetsSlides
Astronomy & the Planets slides, sized for screen and print. Flip through them for a five-minute pre-mock refresh, or print the deck for on-paper annotation. Either way, the slides cover Astronomy & the Planets at the depth University of the Philippines tests for the UPCAT 2026.
Exam context
For the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, University of the Philippines tests General Science (Extended) under a "Extended coverage for UP Science programs" label, with Astronomy & the Planets in the 5th slot across 6 chapters. UPCAT candidates must clear the UPG ≤ 2.2 typical cut on the 2026 paper, which draws about 20 General Science (Extended) questions. Date to watch: Mid-2026 (announced by UP Admissions).
Astronomy & the Planets - Slides
Astronomy is the fascinating scientific study of celestial bodies and everything that exists outside Earth's atmosphere. This chapter explores the cosmos, from our nearest star the Sun to distant planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial objects. We'll discover how scientists have studied space throughout history and learn about the laws that govern planetary motion in our solar system.
Slides
What is Astronomy?
Astronomy helps us understand our place in the universe by studying objects and phenomena beyond our planet. From ancient civilizations tracking star movements to modern space telescopes, humans have always been curious about the cosmos.
Notes
Astronomy is fundamental to understanding our universe and has practical applications in navigation, timekeeping, and space exploration.
Topic
Introduction to Astronomy
Slide Id
S1
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mermaid
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1
Mermaid Diagram
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mindmap root((Astronomy)) Celestial Bodies Stars Planets Moons Asteroids Study Methods Observation Telescopes Space Missions Mathematical Models Applications Navigation Calendar Systems Space Exploration Understanding Universe
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Mind map showing the scope and methods of astronomy
Types of Stars by Color and Temperature
Stars appear in different colors based on their surface temperature. The hottest stars burn blue-white, while cooler stars appear red. Our Sun is a medium-temperature yellow star, which is perfect for supporting life on Earth.
Notes
Remember: Hotter stars are blue and have shorter lifespans, while cooler red stars live longer but produce less energy.
Topic
Stellar Classification
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S2
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mermaid
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2
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart LR A[Blue Stars] --> B[37000°F+] C[Yellow Stars] --> D[~10000°F] E[Red Stars] --> F[<5500°F] B --> G[Hottest] D --> H[Medium] F --> I[Coolest] G --> J[Short Lifespan] H --> K[Moderate Lifespan] I --> L[Long Lifespan]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Temperature and lifespan relationship of different colored stars
Key Celestial Bodies
Our solar system contains many different types of objects. Each has unique characteristics and origins, helping us understand how the solar system formed billions of years ago.
Notes
Understanding these different objects helps explain the formation and evolution of our solar system.
Topic
Solar System Objects
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S3
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mermaid
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3
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Solar System Objects] --> B[Planets] A --> C[Satellites] A --> D[Small Bodies] C --> E[Natural Moons] C --> F[Artificial Satellites] D --> G[Asteroids] D --> H[Comets] D --> I[Meteors] G --> J[Rocky Objects] H --> K[Frozen Gases] I --> L[Space Fragments]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Classification of celestial bodies in our solar system
Stellar Evolution: From Birth to Death
Stars have life cycles just like living things. They are born from gas clouds, live by burning fuel through nuclear fusion, and eventually die in spectacular ways depending on their mass.
Notes
A star's final fate depends on its initial mass - more massive stars have more dramatic deaths.
Topic
Stellar Evolution
Slide Id
S4
Visual Type
mermaid
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4
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> Nebula Nebula --> MainSequence: Nuclear fusion starts MainSequence --> RedGiant: Fuel depleting RedGiant --> WhiteDwarf: Low mass star RedGiant --> Supernova: High mass star Supernova --> NeutronStar: Medium remnant Supernova --> BlackHole: Massive remnant WhiteDwarf --> [*] BlackHole --> [*]
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
Life cycle of stars showing different evolutionary paths
Special Stellar Objects
These extreme objects represent the most fascinating phenomena in the universe. They help scientists understand the fundamental laws of physics under extreme conditions.
Notes
These objects were predicted by Einstein's theories before being discovered, showing how mathematics can predict reality.
Topic
Exotic Stellar Objects
Slide Id
S5
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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5
Mermaid Diagram
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sequenceDiagram participant S as Massive Star participant SN as Supernova participant NS as Neutron Star participant P as Pulsar participant BH as Black Hole S->>SN: Core collapse SN->>NS: Medium mass remnant SN->>BH: Very high mass remnant NS->>P: If spinning rapidly P-->>Space: Radio wave pulses
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Formation sequence of exotic stellar objects
Structure of the Sun
The Sun is a complex structure with different layers performing different functions. Nuclear fusion in the core provides all the energy that eventually reaches Earth as heat and light.
Notes
Energy takes thousands of years to travel from the Sun's core to its surface, but only 8 minutes to reach Earth.
Topic
Solar Structure
Slide Id
S6
Visual Type
mermaid
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6
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Sun Structure] --> B[Interior] A --> C[Surface] A --> D[Atmosphere] B --> E[Core - Nuclear Fusion] B --> F[Radiative Zone] B --> G[Convection Zone] C --> H[Photosphere - Visible Surface] D --> I[Chromosphere - Red Layer] D --> J[Corona - Hot Outer Layer] J --> K[Solar Wind]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Hierarchical structure of the Sun from core to outer atmosphere
Planet Classification and Characteristics
Planets in our solar system fall into distinct categories based on their composition, size, and location. The inner planets are small and rocky, while outer planets are large and gaseous.
Notes
The distinction between planet types helps us understand how they formed and evolved differently based on their distance from the Sun.
Topic
Planetary Classification
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S7
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mermaid
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7
Mermaid Diagram
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pie title Planet Types in Solar System "Terrestrial Planets" : 4 "Gas Giants" : 2 "Ice Giants" : 2 "Dwarf Planets" : 1
Type
mermaid_pie
Description
Distribution of planet types in our solar system
Inner Planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars
The inner planets share similar rocky compositions but have very different conditions. Their proximity to the Sun and atmospheric differences create unique environments on each world.
Notes
Venus rotates backwards (retrograde) compared to most planets, possibly due to an ancient collision.
Topic
Inner Planets
Slide Id
S8
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
8
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR Sun --> A[Mercury<br/>Closest, No Atmosphere] Sun --> B[Venus<br/>Hottest, Thick Atmosphere] Sun --> C[Earth<br/>Life, Water, Moderate] Sun --> D[Mars<br/>Red, Cold, Thin Atmosphere] A --> E[0 moons] B --> F[0 moons] C --> G[1 moon] D --> H[2 moons]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Inner planets showing distance from Sun and key characteristics
Outer Planets: Gas and Ice Giants
The outer planets are much larger than inner planets and are made primarily of hydrogen, helium, and other light elements. They all have ring systems and many moons.
Notes
All outer planets have rings, though Saturn's are most visible. Jupiter's moon Europa may have a subsurface ocean.
Topic
Outer Planets
Slide Id
S9
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
9
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart TD A[Outer Planets] --> B[Gas Giants] A --> C[Ice Giants] B --> D[Jupiter<br/>67+ moons, Great Red Spot] B --> E[Saturn<br/>62+ moons, Prominent Rings] C --> F[Uranus<br/>27+ moons, Tilted 98°] C --> G[Neptune<br/>13+ moons, Strongest Winds] D --> H[Largest Planet] E --> I[Lowest Density] F --> J[Coldest Planet] G --> K[Most Distant]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Classification and characteristics of outer planets
Our Moon: Earth's Natural Satellite
The Moon is unusually large compared to Earth, making the Earth-Moon system almost like a double planet. It formed about 4.5 billion years ago, possibly from debris after a Mars-sized object hit early Earth.
Notes
The Moon is slowly moving away from Earth at about 3.8 cm per year, making days longer over millions of years.
Topic
The Moon
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S10
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none
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10
Mermaid Diagram
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none
Phases of the Moon
Moon phases occur because we see different amounts of the Moon's sunlit side as it orbits Earth. The cycle takes about 29.5 days to complete, called a lunar month.
Notes
The word 'month' comes from 'Moon' - ancient calendars were based on lunar cycles of about 29.5 days.
Topic
Lunar Phases
Slide Id
S11
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
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11
Mermaid Diagram
Code
flowchart LR A[New Moon] --> B[Waxing Crescent] B --> C[First Quarter] C --> D[Waxing Gibbous] D --> E[Full Moon] E --> F[Waning Gibbous] F --> G[Last Quarter] G --> H[Waning Crescent] H --> A A --> I[Not Visible] E --> J[Fully Lit]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Complete lunar cycle showing all eight phases of the Moon
Historical Models of the Solar System
Our understanding of the solar system evolved over centuries. Each scientist built upon previous work, using better observations and mathematical tools to develop more accurate models.
Notes
It took courage for scientists to challenge the Earth-centered model, which was supported by religious and political authorities.
Topic
Historical Models
Slide Id
S12
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mermaid
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12
Mermaid Diagram
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timeline title Evolution of Solar System Models 100 AD : Ptolemaic Model : Earth-centered 1543 : Copernican Model : Sun-centered circular 1609 : Galileo Observations : Telescope evidence 1619 : Kepler Laws : Elliptical orbits 1687 : Newton Gravity : Mathematical foundation
Type
mermaid_timeline
Description
Timeline of major developments in understanding our solar system
Kepler's Three Laws of Planetary Motion
Kepler's laws describe the mathematical relationships governing planetary motion. They were revolutionary because they showed that celestial motion follows precise mathematical rules, laying groundwork for Newton's law of gravity.
Notes
Kepler discovered these laws by carefully analyzing decades of planetary observations made by Tycho Brahe.
Topic
Kepler's Laws
Slide Id
S13
Visual Type
mermaid
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13
Mermaid Diagram
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flowchart TD A[Keplers Laws] --> B[First Law<br/>Elliptical Orbits] A --> C[Second Law<br/>Variable Speed] A --> D[Third Law<br/>Period-Distance Relationship] B --> E[Not Perfect Circles] C --> F[Faster When Closer] D --> G[Farther = Longer Year] E --> H[Sun at One Focus] F --> I[Sweeps Equal Areas] G --> J[Mathematical Formula]
Type
mermaid_flowchart
Description
Kepler's three laws and their key implications
Solar System Formation and Objects
Understanding how our solar system formed helps explain why planets have different characteristics and why certain objects exist in specific regions. The nebular theory is supported by observations of star formation in other parts of the galaxy.
Notes
The composition gradient (rocky inner planets, icy outer planets) reflects temperature differences in the early solar nebula.
Topic
Solar System Formation
Slide Id
S14
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
14
Mermaid Diagram
Code
stateDiagram-v2 [*] --> Nebula: Gas and dust cloud Nebula --> Disk: Gravitational collapse Disk --> ProtoSun: Central condensation Disk --> Planetesimals: Outer disk particles ProtoSun --> Sun: Nuclear fusion begins Planetesimals --> Planets: Accretion Planetesimals --> Asteroids: Failed planets Planetesimals --> Comets: Outer icy bodies
Type
mermaid_stateDiagram
Description
Formation sequence of the solar system from nebular hypothesis
Eclipses and Celestial Events
Eclipses occur due to the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. They were historically significant for understanding the relative sizes and distances of celestial bodies and continue to provide opportunities for scientific research.
Notes
Never look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection - it can cause permanent eye damage.
Topic
Eclipses
Slide Id
S15
Visual Type
mermaid
Image Prompt
Slide Number
15
Mermaid Diagram
Code
sequenceDiagram participant S as Sun participant M as Moon participant E as Earth Note over S,E: Solar Eclipse S->>M: Sunlight blocked M->>E: Shadow cast E-->>Observer: Temporary darkness Note over S,E: Lunar Eclipse S->>E: Sunlight hits Earth E->>M: Earth shadow falls M-->>Observer: Moon appears red
Type
mermaid_sequence
Description
Sequence showing how solar and lunar eclipses occur
Chapter Summary: Key Concepts
This chapter introduced you to the vast field of astronomy, from the structure of our nearest star to the formation of our entire solar system. Understanding these concepts helps us appreciate both the uniqueness of Earth and our connection to the broader universe.
Notes
Astronomy connects physics, chemistry, and mathematics to understand the universe. Continue exploring these connections in advanced studies.
Topic
Chapter Summary
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S16
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mermaid
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16
Mermaid Diagram
Code
mindmap root((Astronomy & Planets)) Stars Classification by Color Life Cycles Exotic Objects Solar System Inner Planets Outer Planets Small Bodies Earth-Moon System Lunar Phases Eclipses Tidal Effects Historical Development Ancient Models Scientific Revolution Modern Understanding
Type
mermaid_mindmap
Description
Summary mind map of all major topics covered in the chapter
References
- BRAINBOX UPCAT AND OTHER COLLEGE ENTRANCE — Science Proficiency.pdf
- CET 2026 COMPREHENSIVE LECTURE NOTES — Science.pdf
- Kepler, J. (1619). Harmonices Mundi - Laws of Planetary Motion
- Newton, I. (1687). Principia Mathematica - Universal Law of Gravitation
- NASA Solar System Exploration - Planetary Data
- IAU (International Astronomical Union) - Planetary Definitions
In summary
Astronomy reveals the incredible scale and complexity of the universe while showing how scientific inquiry and mathematical analysis help us understand celestial phenomena. From the nuclear furnace of our Sun to the icy worlds at the edge of our solar system, each object tells part of the story of cosmic evolution. The historical development of astronomical models demonstrates how science progresses through observation, hypothesis, and mathematical description. As we continue to explore space with increasingly sophisticated tools, we gain not only knowledge about the universe but also perspective on our place within it. The study of astronomy cultivates scientific thinking, mathematical reasoning, and wonder about the cosmos that surrounds us.
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Atmosphere, Weather & Climate
Next chapter
Ecology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Species Relationships
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