Trivia Quiz On Planets, Stars, And Galaxies!
A trivia quiz on planets, stars, and galaxies is exactly what you need if you are a lover for astronomy. The quiz is designed to help you out when it comes some of the basics when it comes to our universe and others like it. Take up the quiz below and be on the lookout for others just like it. All the best!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
If a start is more massive, it is likely to have____.
- A.
A longer life.
- B.
A shorter life.
- C.
No life.
- D.
To live forever.
Correct Answer
B. A shorter life.Explanation
A start that is more massive is likely to have a shorter life because the higher mass leads to a higher rate of nuclear fusion reactions in the star's core. This results in a faster consumption of fuel and a shorter lifespan compared to less massive stars. The increased mass also leads to higher internal pressures and temperatures, causing the star to burn through its nuclear fuel more quickly and eventually exhaust its energy source. Therefore, a more massive star is expected to have a shorter lifespan.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram plots the____.
- A.
Absolute magnitude verses the apparent magnitude.
- B.
Mass verses absolute magnitude.
- C.
Luminosity verses surface temperature.
- D.
Surface temperature verses mass.
Correct Answer
C. Luminosity verses surface temperature.Explanation
The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is a graphical representation that plots the luminosity of stars against their surface temperature. This diagram allows astronomers to classify and study different types of stars based on their position on the diagram. The luminosity of a star is a measure of its total energy output, while the surface temperature is a measure of the star's color and determines its spectral type. By plotting these two variables, the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram provides valuable information about the life cycle, evolution, and characteristics of stars.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The band on the Hertzprung- Russell diagram that runs from the upper left (high luminosity, high surface temperature) to the lower right (low luminosity, low surface temperature) is called____.
- A.
Super Giants.
- B.
White dwarfs.
- C.
Common sequence.
- D.
Main sequence.
Correct Answer
D. Main sequence.Explanation
The band on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram that runs from the upper left to the lower right represents the main sequence. This is where the majority of stars, including our Sun, are located. The main sequence is characterized by stars that are fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores, resulting in a stable balance between gravitational forces and nuclear reactions.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Giant stars have diameters____.
- A.
10 to 100 times greater then the suns.
- B.
100 to 150 times greater than the sun.
- C.
10 to 100 million times greater than the sun.
- D.
100 to 150 million times greater than the sun.
Correct Answer
A. 10 to 100 times greater then the suns.Explanation
Giant stars have diameters that are 10 to 100 times greater than the sun's diameter.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Super Giants are_____.
- A.
Very dim.
- B.
Always 500 times greater than our sun.
- C.
Relatively cool in temperature.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
C. Relatively cool in temperature.Explanation
Super Giants are relatively cool in temperature. Super Giants are a type of star that are larger and more massive than our sun. Despite their size, they have relatively low surface temperatures compared to other types of stars. This is because their immense size allows them to radiate heat more efficiently, resulting in cooler temperatures.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Stars that are nearing the end of their life and were once red giants are called______.
- A.
Red dwarfs.
- B.
Dead stars.
- C.
Purple Trolls.
- D.
White dwarfs.
Correct Answer
D. White dwarfs.Explanation
Stars that are nearing the end of their life and were once red giants are called white dwarfs. Red dwarfs are small, cool stars that are still in the main sequence phase of their lives. Dead stars is a general term that could refer to any star that has reached the end of its life, including white dwarfs. Purple Trolls is not a scientific term and has no connection to stars. Therefore, the correct answer is white dwarfs.Rate this question:
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- 7.
A star begins its life in a cloud of gas and dust. The cloud is called a ____.
- A.
Nebula.
- B.
Neutron.
- C.
Galaxy.
- D.
Pulsar.
Correct Answer
A. Nebula.Explanation
A star begins its life in a cloud of gas and dust called a nebula. Nebulas are vast interstellar clouds of gas and dust that can span hundreds of light-years across. Within these nebulae, gravity causes the gas and dust to come together and form dense regions, eventually leading to the birth of a star. Nebulas are often colorful and beautiful, with intricate patterns and shapes. They play a crucial role in the formation and evolution of stars in the universe.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Glowing areas in the birth place of a star are called____.
- A.
Pulsars.
- B.
Nebulas.
- C.
Protostars.
- D.
Orions.
Correct Answer
C. Protostars.Explanation
Glowing areas in the birth place of a star are called protostars. Protostars are young, developing stars that are still in the process of accumulating mass and undergoing gravitational collapse. These regions emit light and heat as they gather material from surrounding gas and dust clouds. Nebulas, on the other hand, are vast clouds of gas and dust in space. Pulsars are highly magnetized, rotating neutron stars that emit beams of electromagnetic radiation. Orions is not a term related to the glowing areas in the birth place of a star.Rate this question:
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- 9.
When a large star explodes as a supernova, most of the time it creates____.
- A.
Other little stars.
- B.
Comets.
- C.
Elements such as lead, copper, uranium and many more.
- D.
Nebulas.
Correct Answer
C. Elements such as lead, copper, uranium and many more.Explanation
When a large star explodes as a supernova, it releases an enormous amount of energy and heat. This intense energy causes the fusion of lighter elements into heavier ones, creating new elements such as lead, copper, uranium, and many more. These newly formed elements are then dispersed into space, contributing to the enrichment of interstellar matter and the formation of new stars and planetary systems.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The result of gases after a star explodes is called a ____.
- A.
Planetary nebula.
- B.
Supernova.
- C.
Gaseous core.
- D.
Shock wave.
Correct Answer
A. Planetary nebula.Explanation
A planetary nebula is the result of gases after a star explodes. During this explosion, the outer layers of the star are expelled into space, forming a glowing, expanding shell of gas and dust. The intense radiation from the dying star ionizes the gas, causing it to emit colorful light. This phenomenon creates the beautiful and intricate shapes often seen in planetary nebulae. A supernova, on the other hand, is a catastrophic explosion that occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life, causing it to collapse and release an enormous amount of energy. Gaseous core and shock wave do not accurately describe the result of a star explosion.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What is the most abundant gas in the solar system?
- A.
Helium.
- B.
Iron.
- C.
Dust.
- D.
Hydrogen
Correct Answer
D. HydrogenExplanation
Hydrogen is the most abundant gas in the solar system. This is because hydrogen is the primary component of stars, including the Sun, which makes up the majority of the mass in the solar system. Additionally, hydrogen is also present in large quantities in gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn. Its abundance in the solar system is due to its simple atomic structure and its ability to easily form compounds with other elements.Rate this question:
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- 12.
When a star like the sun begins to die, its core temperature ______.
- A.
Increases.
- B.
Stays the same.
- C.
Decreases.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Increases.Explanation
As a star like the sun begins to die, its core temperature increases. This is because as the star runs out of fuel, the core contracts and heats up, causing the temperature to rise. This increase in temperature leads to the expansion of the outer layers of the star, resulting in the star becoming a red giant. Therefore, the correct answer is "Increases."Rate this question:
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- 13.
The remains of a star after a supernova is ____.
- A.
A quasar or a cloud.
- B.
A neutron star or blackhole.
- C.
A white dwarf or blue giant.
- D.
A black hole or white dwarf.
Correct Answer
B. A neutron star or blackhole.Explanation
After a supernova, the remains of a star can either form a neutron star or a black hole. A neutron star is a highly dense celestial object composed mainly of neutrons, while a black hole is formed when the core of a massive star collapses under its own gravity, creating a region of spacetime with extremely strong gravitational forces. Both neutron stars and black holes are possible outcomes of a supernova, depending on the mass of the original star.Rate this question:
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- 14.
A pulsar is a ____.
- A.
Dead star.
- B.
A new-born star.
- C.
A rapidly spinning neutron star.
- D.
A rapidly spinning white dwarf.
Correct Answer
C. A rapidly spinning neutron star.Explanation
A pulsar is a rapidly spinning neutron star. Neutron stars are formed when a massive star undergoes a supernova explosion and collapses under its own gravity. The collapse causes the core of the star to become extremely dense, with most of its protons and electrons combining to form neutrons. As the neutron star spins rapidly, it emits beams of electromagnetic radiation, which can be detected as regular pulses from Earth. This is why it is called a pulsar.Rate this question:
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- 15.
A black hole is ____.
- A.
All of the below.
- B.
The densest object in the universe.
- C.
A very strong gravitational force.
- D.
The remnants of a star at least 15 times as massive as the sun.
Correct Answer
A. All of the below.Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the below." This means that a black hole is all of the following: the densest object in the universe, a very strong gravitational force, and the remnants of a star at least 15 times as massive as the sun.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What is apparent magnitude?
- A.
The measure of how bright a star appears to be to an observer on Earth.
- B.
A measure of how bright the star would be if all stars were at the same distance from Earth.
- C.
The brightness of a star.
- D.
How far away the star is from Earth.
Correct Answer
A. The measure of how bright a star appears to be to an observer on Earth.Explanation
Apparent magnitude is a measure of how bright a star appears to be to an observer on Earth. It takes into account the star's actual brightness as well as its distance from Earth. This measurement allows astronomers to compare the brightness of different stars as seen from our planet.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The Earth turns from___.
- A.
South to North.
- B.
West to East.
- C.
East to West.
- D.
North to south.
Correct Answer
C. East to West.Explanation
The Earth turns from East to West due to its rotation on its axis. This rotation causes the appearance of the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. This eastward rotation also affects the movement of the stars and other celestial bodies across the sky.Rate this question:
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- 18.
How far away is an Astronomical Unit from Earth to the Sun?
- A.
11 inches.
- B.
151, 000 km.
- C.
13 million km.
- D.
150 million km.
Correct Answer
D. 150 million km.Explanation
An Astronomical Unit (AU) is a unit of measurement used in astronomy to represent the average distance between the Earth and the Sun. The correct answer is 150 million km because this is the approximate value of one AU. It is important to note that the other options provided (11 inches, 151,000 km, and 13 million km) are incorrect and do not accurately represent the distance of an AU.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The sun's apparent magnitude is ____.
- A.
300.
- B.
-26.7.
- C.
2.5.
- D.
-1.45
Correct Answer
B. -26.7.Explanation
The sun's apparent magnitude is a measure of its brightness as observed from Earth. The magnitude scale is logarithmic, meaning that a decrease in magnitude by 1 corresponds to an increase in brightness by a factor of about 2.5. A negative magnitude indicates a very bright object, and the sun is the brightest object in our sky. With an apparent magnitude of -26.7, the sun is incredibly bright and easily visible during the day.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The Big Dipper is part of the constellation____.
- A.
Polaris.
- B.
Ursa Minor.
- C.
North Star.
- D.
Ursa Major.
Correct Answer
D. Ursa Major.Explanation
The Big Dipper is a well-known asterism that is part of the larger constellation Ursa Major. Ursa Major is also known as the Great Bear and is one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky. The Big Dipper is made up of seven bright stars that form a shape resembling a ladle or dipper, and it is often used as a navigational tool to find the North Star, Polaris, which is located in the constellation Ursa Minor. However, the Big Dipper itself is not part of the Ursa Minor constellation.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The hottest star has a ____ color.
- A.
Yellow.
- B.
Blueish White.
- C.
Green.
- D.
Red.
Correct Answer
B. Blueish White.Explanation
Blueish White is the correct answer because the hottest stars emit a high amount of energy, which causes them to appear blue or blueish white in color. As the temperature decreases, stars can appear yellow, green, or red, with red being the coolest. Therefore, the hottest star would have a blueish white color.Rate this question:
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- 22.
If two stars have the same temperature and are the same distance from Earth, the ____ star would be more luminous.
- A.
Bigger.
- B.
Smaller.
- C.
Imaginary.
- D.
Blue.
Correct Answer
A. Bigger.Explanation
If two stars have the same temperature and are the same distance from Earth, the bigger star would be more luminous. Luminosity is directly related to the size of a star, with bigger stars having higher luminosity. This means that a bigger star would emit more light and appear brighter to an observer on Earth compared to a smaller star.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Stars that change in brightness as they expand and contract are called____.
- A.
White dwarfs.
- B.
Pulsating stars.
- C.
Steady stars.
- D.
Red giant stars.
Correct Answer
B. Pulsating stars.Explanation
Pulsating stars are stars that change in brightness as they expand and contract. This variation in brightness is caused by the star's outer layers pulsating in and out, which affects the amount of light that reaches us. This phenomenon is often observed in certain types of stars, such as Cepheid variables and RR Lyrae stars. White dwarfs, steady stars, and red giant stars do not exhibit this pulsating behavior.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The sun is about____% hydrogen.
- A.
69%.
- B.
37%.
- C.
93%.
- D.
27%.
Correct Answer
A. 69%.Explanation
The correct answer is 69% because the sun is primarily composed of hydrogen, with about 69% of its mass being hydrogen. This is supported by scientific research and observations of the sun's composition.Rate this question:
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- 25.
The lower the stars magnitude number, the ____ the star is.
- A.
Brighter.
- B.
Lower.
- C.
Darker.
- D.
Higher.
Correct Answer
A. Brighter.Explanation
The stars magnitude scale is an inverse scale, meaning that the lower the magnitude number, the brighter the star appears to us. This scale was developed by ancient astronomers to measure the brightness of stars, with the brightest stars having a magnitude of 1 or 2, and the faintest stars having a magnitude of 6 or higher. So, a lower magnitude number indicates a brighter star.Rate this question:
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- 26.
The temperature of the Universe is gradually____.
- A.
Increasing.
- B.
Staying the same.
- C.
Decreasing.
- D.
Dissapearing.
Correct Answer
C. Decreasing.Explanation
The correct answer is "Decreasing." This is because the temperature of the Universe is gradually decreasing over time due to the expansion of space. As the Universe expands, the energy of photons (particles of light) is stretched, causing them to lose energy and cool down. This phenomenon is known as "cosmic cooling." Therefore, the temperature of the Universe is decreasing.Rate this question:
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- 27.
How many light years is the sun from the Milky Way's center?
- A.
26,000 Light Years.
- B.
42,000 Light Years.
- C.
16,000 Light Years.
- D.
18,000 Light Years.
Correct Answer
A. 26,000 Light Years.Explanation
The correct answer is 26,000 Light Years. This distance represents the approximate distance between the Sun and the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Light years are a unit of measurement used to describe astronomical distances, representing the distance that light travels in one year. Therefore, the Sun is located around 26,000 light years away from the center of our galaxy.Rate this question:
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- 28.
What is a galaxy?
- A.
The earth's orbit.
- B.
A single star.
- C.
The surface of the Moon.
- D.
A group of stars held together by gravity.
Correct Answer
D. A group of stars held together by gravity.Explanation
A galaxy is a vast collection of stars, along with gas, dust, and other celestial objects, that are held together by gravity. It is a massive system that can contain billions to trillions of stars, along with various types of star clusters, nebulae, and other astronomical components. Galaxies come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from spiral galaxies like our Milky Way to elliptical and irregular galaxies. The gravitational force between the stars within a galaxy keeps them bound together and allows the galaxy to maintain its structure over billions of years.Rate this question:
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- 29.
A _______ _____ is the full range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.
- A.
Electromagnetic spectrum.
- B.
Emission spectrum.
- C.
Absorption spectrum.
- D.
Black hole.
Correct Answer
A. Electromagnetic spectrum.Explanation
The correct answer is "Electromagnetic spectrum." The electromagnetic spectrum refers to the full range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. It encompasses all the different types of electromagnetic radiation and their respective wavelengths.Rate this question:
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- 30.
A ____ _______ is a star with more than 100 times the mass of our sun.
- A.
Giant.
- B.
Supernova.
- C.
Super giant.
- D.
Red dwarf.
Correct Answer
C. Super giant.Explanation
A super giant star is a star that has a mass of more than 100 times that of our sun. It is a massive and luminous star that is much larger and brighter than a regular giant star. Super giants are often found in the later stages of stellar evolution and can eventually explode in a supernova event.Rate this question:
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- 31.
An _____ _______ shows the wavelengths of visible light that a glowing gas emits.
- A.
Emission spectrum.
- B.
Absorption spectrum.
- C.
White dwarf.
- D.
Rainbow.
Correct Answer
A. Emission spectrum.Explanation
An emission spectrum is a display of the specific wavelengths of visible light that are emitted by a glowing gas. This spectrum is unique to each element or compound, allowing scientists to identify the presence of certain elements by analyzing the pattern of wavelengths. It is different from an absorption spectrum, which shows the wavelengths of light that are absorbed by a substance. A white dwarf is a type of star, and a rainbow is a natural phenomenon caused by the refraction and dispersion of sunlight through water droplets in the atmosphere.Rate this question:
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- 32.
What is a neutron star?
- A.
The super dense mass of the sun.
- B.
The super dense mass of neutrons that can result after the collapse of a massive star.
- C.
The moon's neutron balance between gravity and the surrounding stars.
- D.
A star with neutron friends.
Correct Answer
B. The super dense mass of neutrons that can result after the collapse of a massive star.Explanation
A neutron star is formed after the collapse of a massive star, where the core collapses under its own gravity. This collapse causes protons and electrons to combine and form neutrons, resulting in a super dense mass composed mainly of neutrons. Neutron stars are incredibly dense and have a strong gravitational pull, making them one of the densest objects in the universe.Rate this question:
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- 33.
A _____ _______ is the final stage of an extremely large star, with a gravitational field so intense that not even light can escape.
- A.
Earth's core.
- B.
The sun.
- C.
Neutron star.
- D.
Black hole.
Correct Answer
D. Black hole.Explanation
A black hole is the final stage of an extremely large star, where the gravitational field is so intense that not even light can escape. Earth's core and the sun do not possess such intense gravitational fields, and a neutron star is a dense celestial object, but not as extreme as a black hole. Therefore, the correct answer is black hole.Rate this question:
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- 34.
The Big Bang model states that _____.
- A.
God created everything.
- B.
Debris magically appeared from another galaxy to form the Milky Way.
- C.
That million's of stars collided and sent debris every were.
- D.
There was a great expansion from a small dense object.
Correct Answer
D. There was a great expansion from a small dense object.Explanation
The Big Bang model states that there was a great expansion from a small dense object. This theory suggests that the universe originated from a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature. Approximately 13.8 billion years ago, this singularity began to rapidly expand, leading to the formation of galaxies, stars, and other celestial bodies. The evidence for this expansion includes the observation of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the redshift of distant galaxies, which indicates that the universe is still expanding.Rate this question:
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- 35.
A very distant, extremely luminous celestial object that scientists consider to be a type of active galactic nuclei is a ___________.
Correct Answer
Quasar
quasar
qasar
qausarExplanation
A quasar is a very distant, extremely luminous celestial object that scientists consider to be a type of active galactic nuclei. It emits massive amounts of energy and can be observed from great distances. The variations in brightness and the presence of strong radio emissions distinguish quasars from other celestial objects.Rate this question:
- 36.
__________ _______ are yellow supergiants whose cycles of brightness range from 1-50 days, but mostly 5 days.
Correct Answer
Cepheid Variables
Cephied Variables
cephed variables
cepheid variables
ciphid variablesExplanation
Cepheid Variables are yellow supergiants that exhibit cycles of brightness ranging from 1-50 days, with the majority having a period of 5 days.Rate this question:
- 37.
________ is a neutron star that is spinning very rapidly.
Correct Answer
Pulsar
pulusar
plusar
plsar
pullsarExplanation
A pulsar is a type of neutron star that is spinning very rapidly. Neutron stars are the remnants of massive stars that have undergone a supernova explosion. When a neutron star spins rapidly, it emits beams of electromagnetic radiation from its magnetic poles. These beams are observed as regular pulses of radiation, hence the name "pulsar". The correct answer is "Pulsar" as it accurately describes this type of neutron star. The other variations of the word are misspellings or incorrect forms.Rate this question:
- 38.
A_____ ____ is a burst of light that results from the sudden collapse of an iron core of a massive star.
Correct Answer
Super Nova
super nova
Supernova
supernova
spuer novaExplanation
A supernova is a burst of light that occurs when the iron core of a massive star collapses.Rate this question:
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Sep 17, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 27, 2010Quiz Created by
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