Asteroid Quiz: Learn About Space with Fun

1. Which of the following is the first asteroid to be discovered?

Ceres

Juno

Pallas

Vesta

Ceres is the correct answer because it was the first asteroid to be discovered. It was discovered by Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi on January 1, 1801. Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and was initially classified as a planet. However, it was later reclassified as an asteroid due to its small size. Its discovery marked the beginning of a new era in astronomy, as it led to the identification of other asteroids in the solar system.

Explanation

Ceres is the correct answer because it was the first asteroid to be discovered. It was discovered by Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi on January 1, 1801. Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and was initially classified as a planet. However, it was later reclassified as an asteroid due to its small size. Its discovery marked the beginning of a new era in astronomy, as it led to the identification of other asteroids in the solar system.

2. When was the first planetoid discovered?

1801

1853

1789

1805

In 1801, the first planetoid was discovered.

Explanation

In 1801, the first planetoid was discovered.

3. 243 Ida was discovered when?

August 28, 1993

July 28, 1993

April 28, 1993

September 28, 1993

Ida was discovered on August 28, 1993.

Explanation

Ida was discovered on August 28, 1993.

4. Who discovered the first asteroid?

The Celestial Police

Johann Schröter

Sir William Herschel

Giuseppe Piazzi

Giuseppe Piazzi is credited with discovering the first asteroid. In 1801, Piazzi observed a small celestial object that he initially thought was a comet. However, after tracking its movement over several nights, he realized that it was a new type of celestial body. He named it Ceres, and it was later classified as the first asteroid. Piazzi's discovery paved the way for further exploration and understanding of these small rocky objects in our solar system.

Explanation

Giuseppe Piazzi is credited with discovering the first asteroid. In 1801, Piazzi observed a small celestial object that he initially thought was a comet. However, after tracking its movement over several nights, he realized that it was a new type of celestial body. He named it Ceres, and it was later classified as the first asteroid. Piazzi's discovery paved the way for further exploration and understanding of these small rocky objects in our solar system.

5. Vesta, Juno, and Pallas were discovered between which years?

1801-1808

1708-1718

1853-1867

1805-1821

Vesta, Juno, and Pallas were discovered between 1801-1808. This means that these three celestial bodies were observed and identified by astronomers during this time period.

Explanation

Vesta, Juno, and Pallas were discovered between 1801-1808. This means that these three celestial bodies were observed and identified by astronomers during this time period.

6. The dog-bone shaped asteroid was discovered when?

1759

1885

1880

1777

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Explanation

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7. The first Apollo asteroid was discovered by who?

Giuseppe Piazzi

Max Wolf

William F. Denning

Sir William Herschel

Max Wolf is the correct answer because he discovered the first Apollo asteroid. The Apollo asteroids are a group of near-Earth asteroids that have orbits which cross Earth's orbit. Max Wolf, a German astronomer, made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and is credited with the discovery of numerous asteroids, including the first Apollo asteroid.

Explanation

Max Wolf is the correct answer because he discovered the first Apollo asteroid. The Apollo asteroids are a group of near-Earth asteroids that have orbits which cross Earth's orbit. Max Wolf, a German astronomer, made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and is credited with the discovery of numerous asteroids, including the first Apollo asteroid.