Pearson Edexcel GCSE Astronomy Paper 1 Question Paper and Mark Scheme Combined (1AS0/01: Naked‑eye Astronomy)

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Pearson Edexcel GCSE Astronomy Paper 1 Question Paper and Mark Scheme Combined (1AS0/01: Naked‑eye Astronomy)

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Pearson Edexcel GCSE Astronomy Paper 1 Question Paper and Mark Scheme Combined (1AS0/01: Naked‑eye Astronomy)

Paper 1 is the first written examination of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Astronomy qualification (1AS0). This paper focuses on Naked-eye Astronomy, assessing what can be observed from Earth without the use of telescopes. It contributes 50% of the total GCSE Astronomy grade.

Paper 1 examines students’ understanding of celestial motions, sky observations, the appearance of astronomical objects, and the fundamental principles of observational astronomy.

✔ What the Paper Covers

🌙 Observing the Night Sky

Constellations and asterisms
Celestial sphere concepts
Angular distances and sky coordinates
Apparent motion of stars due to Earth’s rotation
Circumpolar stars

🌞 The Sun, Moon, and Earth

Phases of the Moon
Eclipses (solar and lunar)
Seasons and Earth’s axial tilt
Solar observations

🌍 Planetary and Solar System Science

Features of the solar system
Planet orbits and retrograde motion
Asteroids, comets, and meteors
Geocentric vs heliocentric models

📐 Observation Skills (Naked-eye)

Planning observations
Using observational logs
Recording visual data
Limiting magnitude and visibility
Light pollution and seeing conditions

🧮 Mathematical & Analytical Skills

Scale, angles, and estimations
Interpreting diagrams, graphs, and sky maps
Applying astronomical formulae provided in the exam

✔ Structure of the Paper

Paper 1 includes:

Multiple-choice questions
Short-answer questions
Structured calculations
Data-response and diagram-based questions
Extended explanations

Students must demonstrate both factual knowledge and observational reasoning.

✔ Mark Scheme (Included in the Combined Document)

The combined question paper + mark scheme includes:

Correct answers with acceptable alternative wording
Step-by-step marking for mathematical problems
Unit requirements and working-out guidance
Scientific explanation criteria
Examiner notes for clarity and precision

The mark scheme rewards:

Accurate astronomical terminology
Correct interpretation of sky phenomena
Logical, clear scientific reasoning
Proper method and working in calculations

Paper 1 complements Paper 2 (1AS0/02: Telescopic Astronomy) to form the complete GCSE Astronomy assessment.

Specifications

Author	zeus999 team
Published	09 Dec 2025
Included files	PDF
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Astronomy Paper 1 Question Paper and Mark Scheme Combined GCSE Astronomy 1AS0 1AS0/01 Naked-eye Astronomy Astronomy Paper 1 Astronomy Exam Mark Scheme Edexcel Astronomy GCSE Science