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	Proficient Academic Tutor
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