AST 3043 Practice Quiz

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  • 1/111 Questions

    According to what is today known as Kepler's First Law of planetary motion (actually his second), a given planet moves in an orbit around the Sun that is

    • An ellipse with the Sun at one focus
    • An ellipse with the Sun at the center
    • A tri-oval with the Sun at the center
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About This Quiz


The universe is a very interesting place and getting to understand its secrets and how it came to be is a very important course to undertake. The quiz below is designed to test out how much you understood from classes before the AST exam. Give it a shot and keep revising.

AST 3043 Practice Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which of the following of Kepler's works contains the so-called Harmonic Law, the Third Law of Planetary Motion?

    • Cosmographic Myster

    • Harmony of the World

    • New Astronomy

    Correct Answer
    A. Harmony of the World
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Harmony of the World" because this work by Kepler is where he introduces and explains his Harmonic Law, also known as the Third Law of Planetary Motion. In this book, Kepler describes his theory that the planets' distances from the sun are related to their orbital periods, establishing a mathematical relationship between the two. This law was a major breakthrough in understanding the motion of celestial bodies and laid the foundation for future advancements in the field of astronomy.

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  • 3. 

    According to what is today known as Kepler's Second Law of planetary motion (actually his first), a given planet moves fastest in its orbit around the Sun at

    • Aphelion

    • Apogee

    • Perigee

    • Perihelion

    Correct Answer
    A. Perihelion
    Explanation
    According to Kepler's Second Law of planetary motion, a planet moves fastest in its orbit around the Sun at perihelion. This is because perihelion is the point in a planet's orbit where it is closest to the Sun. As the planet gets closer to the Sun, the gravitational pull becomes stronger, causing the planet to accelerate and move faster in its orbit.

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  • 4. 

    In the simplified Earth-centered epicyclic system we discussed in class, the deferent for an inferior planet is identical in size to

    • The planet's orbit around the Sun

    • The Earth's orbit around the Sun

    Correct Answer
    A. The Earth's orbit around the Sun
    Explanation
    In the simplified Earth-centered epicyclic system, the deferent for an inferior planet is identical in size to the Earth's orbit around the Sun. This means that the planet's orbit around the Sun is the same size as the Earth's orbit around the Sun. This is because in this system, the Earth is at the center and the planets revolve around it in smaller circles called epicycles. The deferent is the larger circle that encompasses the epicycle, and for an inferior planet, it is the same size as the Earth's orbit around the Sun.

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  • 5. 

    The instrument that could be used either to tell the time of night or to correct the altitude of Polaris, the Pole Star, to get the altitude of the actual north celestial pole was the

    • Camera obscura

    • Nocturnal

    • Triquetrum

    Correct Answer
    A. Nocturnal
    Explanation
    A nocturnal is an instrument that can be used to determine the time of night or correct the altitude of Polaris to find the altitude of the actual north celestial pole. It consists of a circular or rectangular dial with a small hole in the center through which the Pole Star can be observed. By aligning the position of the Pole Star with the corresponding hour on the dial, one can determine the time of night. Additionally, by measuring the angle between the Pole Star and the horizon, the altitude of the north celestial pole can be calculated, which can be used for navigation or astronomical observations.

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  • 6. 

    Copernicus used observations (his own and a few of Walther's) to determine

    • The distances of the planets from the Sun in actual length units (like kilometers)

    • The sizes of the planets (besides the Earth)

    • The distances of the planets from the Sun in astronomical units (i.e., relative to Earth's distance)

    Correct Answer
    A. The distances of the planets from the Sun in astronomical units (i.e., relative to Earth's distance)
    Explanation
    Copernicus used observations to determine the distances of the planets from the Sun in astronomical units, which are relative to Earth's distance. This means that he measured the distances based on the average distance between the Earth and the Sun, rather than using actual length units like kilometers. By using this method, Copernicus was able to establish a standardized measurement system that allowed for easier comparison and understanding of the distances between the planets and the Sun.

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  • 7. 

    The idea that Mercury and Venus go around the Sun while everything else goes around the Earth was suggested by

    • Heraclides

    • Georg Peurbach

    • Philolaus

    Correct Answer
    A. Heraclides
    Explanation
    Heraclides suggested the idea that Mercury and Venus go around the Sun while everything else goes around the Earth.

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  • 8. 

    The shape of an elliptical orbit is given by its

    • Semimajor axis

    • Eccentricity

    • Inclination

    Correct Answer
    A. Eccentricity
    Explanation
    The shape of an elliptical orbit is determined by its eccentricity. Eccentricity measures how elongated or circular an orbit is. A value of 0 represents a perfectly circular orbit, while a value closer to 1 indicates a highly elongated elliptical orbit. Therefore, the eccentricity of an orbit determines the shape of the ellipse. The semimajor axis and inclination, on the other hand, provide information about the size and orientation of the orbit respectively, but they do not directly determine its shape.

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  • 9. 

    The superiority of Kepler's {\it Rudolphine Tables} to the Alfonsine Tables and the Prutenic Tables was primarily because

    • They were newer and used more modern parameter values

    • Kepler was a much better mathematician than the others

    • They used a basically correct form (the ellipse) for the planetary orbits and the correct equation for their motion

    Correct Answer
    A. They used a basically correct form (the ellipse) for the planetary orbits and the correct equation for their motion
    Explanation
    The superiority of Kepler's Rudolphine Tables to the Alfonsine Tables and the Prutenic Tables was primarily because they used a basically correct form (the ellipse) for the planetary orbits and the correct equation for their motion. This means that Kepler's tables were more accurate and reliable in predicting the positions and motions of the planets compared to the other tables. The use of the correct form and equation allowed Kepler to make more precise calculations and observations, leading to a greater understanding of planetary motion.

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  • 10. 

    Eratosthenes was the first person to determine fairly accurately

    • The Moon's distance (in Earth radii) from its geocentric parallax

    • The Sun's distance (in Earth radii) from its geocentric parallax

    • The size of the Earth (specifically its circumference)

    Correct Answer
    A. The size of the Earth (specifically its circumference)
    Explanation
    Eratosthenes was the first person to determine fairly accurately the size of the Earth (specifically its circumference). He did this by measuring the angle of the shadow cast by a stick at different locations and comparing it to the distance between those locations. By using basic geometry and trigonometry, Eratosthenes was able to calculate the Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy for his time.

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  • 11. 

    Ptolemy's great work that contained his detailed mathematical models for the planetary motions was the

    • Tetrabiblos or Four Books

    • Matematike syntaxis or Mathematical Compilation

    • Planetary Hypotheses

    Correct Answer
    A. Matematike syntaxis or Mathematical Compilation
    Explanation
    Ptolemy's great work that contained his detailed mathematical models for the planetary motions was called "Matematike syntaxis" or "Mathematical Compilation". This work, also known as "The Almagest", presented Ptolemy's geocentric model of the universe, which stated that the Earth was at the center and all celestial bodies revolved around it. The "Mathematical Compilation" provided a comprehensive explanation of the motions of the planets, the prediction of their positions, and the calculation of their orbits. It was a significant contribution to the field of astronomy and had a profound influence on the understanding of celestial mechanics for centuries.

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  • 12. 

    Which of the following was definitely not associated with Islamic religious practice?

    • Etermination of the qibla

    • Sighting of the crescent moon to begin the month

    • Production of zij

    Correct Answer
    A. Production of zij
    Explanation
    The determination of the qibla and sighting of the crescent moon to begin the month are both important practices in Islamic religious practice. The determination of the qibla refers to the act of finding the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca for prayer. Sighting of the crescent moon is significant for determining the start of the Islamic lunar month. On the other hand, the production of zij refers to the creation of astronomical tables, which were used for various purposes including navigation and astrology, but it is not directly associated with Islamic religious practice.

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  • 13. 

    The observatory that was founded by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi was the

    • Maragha observatory

    • Istanbul observatory

    • Cairo observatory

    Correct Answer
    A. Maragha observatory
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Maragha observatory. Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, a Persian scientist and astronomer, founded the Maragha observatory in the 13th century. It was one of the most advanced observatories of its time and played a significant role in the development of astronomy. The observatory was known for its innovative instruments and observations, including the measurement of the Earth's axial tilt. It was a center for scientific research and education, attracting scholars from different regions. The Maragha observatory's contributions to astronomy and its impact on the advancement of scientific knowledge make it the correct answer.

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  • 14. 

    The approximate date of Aristarchus is

    • 350 BC

    • 250 BC

    • 150 AD

    Correct Answer
    A. 250 BC
    Explanation
    Aristarchus is believed to have lived around 250 BC based on historical records and archaeological evidence. He was a Greek astronomer and mathematician who made significant contributions to the understanding of the solar system. Aristarchus proposed the heliocentric model, suggesting that the Earth revolves around the Sun, which was a groundbreaking idea during his time. His work laid the foundation for later astronomers, such as Copernicus and Galileo, and his approximate date of 250 BC aligns with the timeline of ancient Greek scientific advancements.

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  • 15. 

    The hippopede as a means of representing retrograde motion was introduced by Eudoxus.  However, it didn't work for one of the following planets. Which one was it? 

    • Jupiter

    • Mars

    • Saturn

    Correct Answer
    A. Mars
    Explanation
    The hippopede was a geometric figure used by Eudoxus to represent the retrograde motion of planets. However, it failed to accurately explain the retrograde motion of Mars.

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  • 16. 

    According to Aristotle's philosophy, the natural motion of everything in the superlunary (i.e., celestial) part of the Universe is

    • Circular at constant speed, i.e. uniform circular motion

    • Vertical, either straight up or straight down

    • In a straight line at constant speed

    Correct Answer
    A. Circular at constant speed, i.e. uniform circular motion
    Explanation
    According to Aristotle's philosophy, the natural motion of everything in the celestial part of the Universe is circular at constant speed, which is known as uniform circular motion. This means that celestial bodies, such as the planets and stars, are believed to move in perfect circles at a constant speed. This idea was based on the observation that the celestial bodies appeared to move in a regular and predictable manner in the night sky. Aristotle's concept of uniform circular motion was influential in shaping early theories of astronomy and planetary motion.

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  • 17. 

    According to Aristotle, meteors must be located in the Earth's atmosphere because

    • They move too fast to be as far away as the Moon

    • They need the Earth's atmosphere to survive

    • Everything in the superlunary (celestial) realm is immutable (i.e., unchanging), whereas meteors appear and disappear

    Correct Answer
    A. Everything in the superlunary (celestial) realm is immutable (i.e., unchanging), whereas meteors appear and disappear
    Explanation
    According to Aristotle, meteors must be located in the Earth's atmosphere because everything in the superlunary (celestial) realm is immutable (i.e., unchanging), whereas meteors appear and disappear. This means that meteors do not belong to the celestial realm and therefore must be located in the Earth's atmosphere.

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  • 18. 

    Comets are a phenomenon in the upper level of Earth's atmosphere according to Aristotle because

    • They move in straight lines instead of in circles

    • They change, whereas everything in the superlunary region is immutable

    • Comets are not spherical and are therefore imperfect, so they belong to the sublunary region

    Correct Answer
    A. They change, whereas everything in the superlunary region is immutable
    Explanation
    According to Aristotle, comets are a phenomenon in the upper level of Earth's atmosphere because they change, whereas everything in the superlunary region is immutable. This means that comets exhibit a characteristic of change, which is not observed in the superlunary region where everything is considered to be unchanging or immutable. Aristotle believed that comets, being imperfect due to their non-spherical shape, belong to the sublunary region, which is the region below the Moon.

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  • 19. 

    The Earth's circumference was first determined, rather accurately, by

    • Hipparchus

    • Aristarchus

    • Eratosthenes

    Correct Answer
    A. Eratosthenes
    Explanation
    Eratosthenes is the correct answer because he was the first person to accurately calculate the Earth's circumference. He did this by measuring the angle of the sun's rays at two different locations and using trigonometry to calculate the distance between them. This method, known as the "Eratosthenes method," allowed him to estimate the Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy for his time.

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  • 20. 

    The term that applies to the direction towards Mecca for prayer in Islam is

    • Quibla

    • Zij

    • Hilal

    Correct Answer
    A. Quibla
    Explanation
    The term "quibla" refers to the direction towards Mecca for prayer in Islam. It is the direction that Muslims face when performing their daily prayers, as Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam. The word "quibla" is derived from the Arabic word "qiblah," which means "direction." Muslims around the world align themselves towards the Kaaba, the sacred building located in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, during their prayers. The correct answer is "quibla."

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  • 21. 

    The observatory that was founded by Taqi al-Din was the short-lived

    • Cairo Observatory

    • Maragha Observatory

    • Istanbul Observatory

    Correct Answer
    A. Istanbul Observatory
    Explanation
    Taqi al-Din founded the Istanbul Observatory.

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  • 22. 

    In the Greek way of reckoning, a superior planet's period of revolution around its epicycle is

    • Its sidereal

    • Its synodic period

    • The sidereal year

    Correct Answer
    A. Its synodic period
    Explanation
    The synodic period refers to the time it takes for a planet to return to the same relative position with respect to the Earth and the Sun. In the Greek way of reckoning, a superior planet's period of revolution around its epicycle is based on its synodic period. This means that the planet's orbit is measured based on how long it takes for it to appear in the same position in the sky as seen from Earth.

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  • 23. 

    The famous House of Wisdom was located in which city?

    • Baghdad

    • Damascus

    • Toledo (Modern Spain)

    Correct Answer
    A. Baghdad
    Explanation
    The famous House of Wisdom was located in Baghdad. It was an important center of learning and scholarship during the Islamic Golden Age. Scholars from various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy gathered in the House of Wisdom to translate and study ancient Greek, Persian, and Indian texts. The House of Wisdom played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting knowledge from different cultures, making significant contributions to the advancement of science and intellectual development.

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  • 24. 

    Samarkand Observatory, where for the first time since Ptolemy positions were measured for a large number of stars, was established and directed by

    • Ulugh Beg

    • Abd al-Rahman Ibn Yunus

    • Nasir al-Din al-Tusi

    Correct Answer
    A. Ulugh Beg
    Explanation
    Ulugh Beg is the correct answer because he established and directed the Samarkand Observatory, where positions were measured for a large number of stars for the first time since Ptolemy. This indicates that Ulugh Beg played a significant role in advancing astronomical observations and calculations.

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  • 25. 

    The basic problem with Ptolemy's model for the Moon's motion, namely that it had the Moon's distance varying by a factor of two, was first resolved by

    • Nasir al-Din al-Tusi

    • Ulugh Beg

    • Ibn al-Shatir

    Correct Answer
    A. Ibn al-Shatir
    Explanation
    Ibn al-Shatir resolved the basic problem with Ptolemy's model for the Moon's motion by proposing a new model that accounted for the Moon's distance varying by a factor of two.

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  • 26. 

    The first extensive European series of astronomical observations of high quality for the time was made by

    • Walther

    • Copernicus

    • Burdian

    Correct Answer
    A. Walther
  • 27. 

    Copernicus was dissatisfied with the Ptolemaic system primarily because

    • He thought the heliocentric theory would be simpler, as in fact his system was

    • The equant violated the principle of uniform circular motion

    • It was seriously inaccurate by Copernicus's time

    Correct Answer
    A. The equant violated the principle of uniform circular motion
    Explanation
    Copernicus was dissatisfied with the Ptolemaic system primarily because the equant violated the principle of uniform circular motion. The equant was a point in the Ptolemaic system where the center of a planet's epicycle was offset, causing the planet to move at varying speeds along its orbit. This violated the principle of uniform circular motion, which stated that celestial bodies should move at a constant speed in perfect circles. Copernicus believed that the heliocentric theory would be simpler and more accurate, as it did not require the use of the equant.

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  • 28. 

    The significance of Tycho's measurements of the "new star" of 1572 at that time was that

    • He discovered the first supernova

    • They showed that Aristotle was wrong about the superlunary region never changing

    • For the first time the actual distance of a star had been determined

    Correct Answer
    A. They showed that Aristotle was wrong about the superlunary region never changing
    Explanation
    Tycho's measurements of the "new star" of 1572 showed that Aristotle was wrong about the superlunary region never changing. This is significant because it challenged the prevailing belief that the heavens were perfect and unchanging. Tycho's discovery provided evidence that celestial bodies could undergo change and that the Aristotelian model of the universe was incomplete. This paved the way for a new understanding of the cosmos and laid the foundation for the development of modern astronomy.

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  • 29. 

    Which feature of Ptolemy's models did Copernicus object to most strongly?

    • Eccentric

    • Equant

    • Epicycle

    Correct Answer
    A. Equant
    Explanation
    Copernicus objected most strongly to the feature of equant in Ptolemy's models. The equant was a point off-center from the Earth, around which the celestial bodies were believed to move at a uniform speed. Copernicus disagreed with this concept as it violated the principle of uniform circular motion, which he believed to be essential in explaining the movement of celestial bodies. Instead, Copernicus proposed a heliocentric model, where the Sun was at the center and the planets revolved around it in perfect circles.

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  • 30. 

    The only star catalogue which used newly-measured star positions instead of rehashing Ptolemy's was produced at

    • Maragh Observatory

    • Samarkand Observatory

    • Baghdad under Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi

    Correct Answer
    A. Samarkand Observatory
    Explanation
    The Samarkand Observatory is the correct answer because it was the only star catalogue that used newly-measured star positions instead of relying on Ptolemy's data. This means that the astronomers at the Samarkand Observatory conducted their own measurements and observations to determine the positions of the stars, rather than simply rehashing the information from Ptolemy's earlier work. This demonstrates a commitment to scientific accuracy and advancement in the field of astronomy.

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  • 31. 

    The standard planetary tables in use in Europe for several centuries until after the time of Copernicus were the

    • Toledo Tables

    • Alfonsine Tables

    • Sultanic Tables

    Correct Answer
    A. Alfonsine Tables
    Explanation
    The Alfonsine Tables were the standard planetary tables used in Europe for several centuries until after the time of Copernicus. These tables were compiled under the patronage of King Alfonso X of Castile in the 13th century. They provided detailed astronomical data and calculations for predicting the positions of the planets and other celestial bodies. The Alfonsine Tables played a significant role in advancing the understanding of astronomy during the Middle Ages and were widely used by astronomers and navigators for their accuracy and reliability.

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  • 32. 

    The first extensive (that is, over several decades) European series of astronomical observations of high quality for the time was made by

    • Bernhard Walther

    • Jean Buridan

    • Regiomontanus, also known as Johannes Mueller

    Correct Answer
    A. Bernhard Walther
    Explanation
    Bernhard Walther is the correct answer because he was a German astronomer who made significant contributions to the field during the 15th century. He collaborated with Johannes Müller, also known as Regiomontanus, to observe and record astronomical data with high precision. Their observations laid the foundation for future advancements in astronomy and helped improve the accuracy of astronomical calculations. Jean Buridan, on the other hand, was a French philosopher and scholar who made contributions to various fields but not specifically to astronomy.

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  • 33. 

    He instrument that could be used for directly measuring the ecliptic coordinates of a star or planet was the

    • Equatorial armillary

    • Nocturnal

    • Zodiacal armillary

    Correct Answer
    A. Zodiacal armillary
    Explanation
    The zodiacal armillary is an instrument that could be used for directly measuring the ecliptic coordinates of a star or planet. The ecliptic coordinates refer to the position of an object in the sky relative to the ecliptic plane, which is the apparent path of the Sun throughout the year. The zodiacal armillary is specifically designed to measure celestial coordinates and is equipped with rings or circles representing the celestial equator, ecliptic, and other important reference points. By aligning the instrument with a star or planet and reading the corresponding coordinates, astronomers can determine its exact position in the sky.

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  • 34. 

    The approximate date of the translation of the Almagest into Arabic is

    • 1270 AD

    • 830 AD

    • 150 AD

    Correct Answer
    A. 830 AD
    Explanation
    The approximate date of the translation of the Almagest into Arabic is 830 AD. This means that around the year 830 AD, the Almagest was translated from its original language into Arabic.

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  • 35. 

    According to Aristotle's philosophy, the natural motion of everything in the superlunary (that is, celestial) part of the Universe is

    • Circular at constant speed, that is, uniform circular motion

    • In a straight line in any direction at constant speed

    • Vertical, either up for light elements (air,fire) or down for heavy elements (earth, water)

    Correct Answer
    A. Circular at constant speed, that is, uniform circular motion
    Explanation
    According to Aristotle's philosophy, the natural motion of everything in the superlunary part of the Universe is circular at constant speed, which means it follows uniform circular motion. This means that celestial objects, such as the planets and stars, move in perfect circles at a constant speed. Aristotle believed that this circular motion was the most perfect and divine form of motion, and it was the natural state for celestial bodies. This idea was influential in shaping the understanding of motion and the universe during Aristotle's time.

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  • 36. 

    Sacrobosco (John of Holywood) was the author of which of the following university textbooks?

    • Treatise on the Sphere

    • New Theory of the Planets

    • Theory of the Planets

    Correct Answer
    A. Treatise on the Sphere
    Explanation
    Sacrobosco, also known as John of Holywood, was the author of the university textbook "Treatise on the Sphere." This book was a significant work in the field of astronomy and was widely used as a teaching tool in medieval universities. It provided a comprehensive explanation of the celestial sphere and its movements, including topics such as the equinoxes, solstices, and the positions of the stars. The book played a crucial role in shaping the understanding of astronomy during that time period.

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  • 37. 

    The approximate date of Aristotle is

    • 350 BC

    • 250 BC

    • 150 AD

    Correct Answer
    A. 350 BC
    Explanation
    Aristotle is believed to have lived from 384 BC to 322 BC, so the approximate date of Aristotle would be around 350 BC. This is the closest option to his actual lifespan.

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  • 38. 

    The Counter-Earth was a feature of the cosmology associated with the school of

    • Aristotle

    • Pythagoras

    • Plato

    Correct Answer
    A. Pythagoras
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Pythagoras because he believed in the concept of a Counter-Earth. According to Pythagorean cosmology, there were ten celestial bodies, including Earth, arranged in a specific order. The Counter-Earth was believed to be a hypothetical celestial body located on the opposite side of the Earth, which remained invisible to humans due to its position. This concept was later rejected by modern scientific understanding, but it was influential in ancient Greek philosophy and cosmology.

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  • 39. 

    In the modern way of reckoning (with respect to the fixed stars), a superior planet's period of revolution around its epicycle is

    • Its synodic period

    • The sidereal year

    • Its sidereal (orbital) period

    Correct Answer
    A. The sidereal year
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the sidereal year. In the modern way of reckoning, a superior planet's period of revolution around its epicycle is measured in terms of the sidereal year. The sidereal year is the time it takes for the planet to complete one orbit around the Sun, relative to the fixed stars. This is different from the synodic period, which is the time it takes for the planet to return to the same position relative to the Sun and Earth. The sidereal (orbital) period refers to the time it takes for the planet to complete one orbit around the Sun, regardless of its position relative to Earth.

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  • 40. 

    Which short-lived observatory was founded at almost exactly the same time as that of the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, at the end of what we have called Islamic astronomy?

    • Istanbul Observatory

    • Maragha Observatory

    • Cairo Observatory

    Correct Answer
    A. Istanbul Observatory
    Explanation
    The Istanbul Observatory is the correct answer because it was founded at almost the same time as Tycho Brahe's observatory. This suggests that both observatories were established during the same period in history, known as Islamic astronomy.

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  • 41. 

    One of Aristotle's arguments against the idea that the Earth revolves around the Sun was the

    • Argument ad hominem

    • Argument of parallax

    • Argument of fall

    Correct Answer
    A. Argument of parallax
    Explanation
    The argument of parallax was one of Aristotle's arguments against the idea that the Earth revolves around the Sun. Parallax refers to the apparent shift in the position of an object when viewed from different angles. Aristotle argued that if the Earth were moving around the Sun, there should be a noticeable parallax effect when observing the stars from different locations. However, since no such parallax was observed, Aristotle concluded that the Earth must be stationary.

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  • 42. 

    Who of the following suggested a heliocentric theory of the Universe?

    • Aristarchus

    • Hipparchus

    • Aristotle

    Correct Answer
    A. Aristarchus
    Explanation
    Aristarchus is the correct answer because he was the ancient Greek astronomer who proposed the heliocentric theory of the Universe. He suggested that the Sun was at the center of the Universe, with the Earth and other planets orbiting around it. This theory challenged the prevailing geocentric model proposed by Aristotle, which stated that the Earth was at the center of the Universe. Aristarchus' heliocentric theory was a significant step towards our modern understanding of the solar system.

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  • 43. 

    The person who persuaded Copernicus to publish his On the Revolutions was

    • Osiander

    • Rheticus

    • Martin Luther

    Correct Answer
    A. Rheticus
    Explanation
    Rheticus was the person who persuaded Copernicus to publish his On the Revolutions. Rheticus was a mathematician and astronomer who recognized the importance of Copernicus' work and encouraged him to share it with the world. He played a crucial role in convincing Copernicus to publish his revolutionary heliocentric theory, which challenged the prevailing geocentric model of the universe. Without Rheticus' persuasion, Copernicus may not have published his groundbreaking work, and the scientific understanding of the cosmos may have been delayed.

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  • 44. 

    Kepler's book in which he presented the first two laws of planetary motion, at least for the case of Mars, was

    • Mysterium cosmographicum or Cosmographic Mystery

    • Astronomia nova or New Astronomy

    • Harmonices mundi or Harmony of the World

    Correct Answer
    A. Astronomia nova or New Astronomy
    Explanation
    Kepler presented the first two laws of planetary motion, specifically for the case of Mars, in his book "Astronomia nova" or "New Astronomy". This book was published in 1609 and it laid the foundation for his later work on the laws of planetary motion. In "Astronomia nova", Kepler introduced his first law, known as the law of ellipses, which states that the planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one of the foci. He also presented his second law, known as the law of equal areas, which describes the speed at which a planet moves in its orbit.

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  • 45. 

    Copernicus was especially unhappy about the equant in Ptolemy's models because

    • There was no actual object located there, just empty space

    • He believed the Earth ought to be at the center of the deferents

    • It violated the principle of uniform circular motion

    Correct Answer
    A. It violated the principle of uniform circular motion
    Explanation
    Copernicus was especially unhappy about the equant in Ptolemy's models because it violated the principle of uniform circular motion. This principle stated that celestial bodies should move in perfect circles at a constant speed. The equant, however, introduced a point in the orbit where the speed of the celestial body would change, which contradicted the principle of uniform circular motion. Copernicus believed that the Earth ought to be at the center of the deferents, but this was not the main reason for his dissatisfaction with the equant. Additionally, the fact that there was no actual object located at the equant did not directly contribute to his unhappiness with it.

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  • 46. 

    Kepler's first book, in which he "explained" the distances of the planets from the Sun in the Copernican system, was

    • Mysterium cosmographicum or Cosmographic Mystery

    • Harmonices mundi or Harmony of the World

    • Astronomia nova or New Astronomy

    Correct Answer
    A. Mysterium cosmographicum or Cosmographic Mystery
    Explanation
    Kepler's first book, Mysterium cosmographicum or Cosmographic Mystery, was where he "explained" the distances of the planets from the Sun in the Copernican system. This book presented his theory of the "cosmic architecture" and proposed that the distances between the planets were determined by the five Platonic solids nested within each other. Kepler believed that this arrangement was divinely ordained and provided a harmonious and geometrically pleasing explanation for the structure of the solar system. Thus, the correct answer is Mysterium cosmographicum or Cosmographic Mystery.

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  • 47. 

    The superiority of Kepler's Rudolphine Tables to the Alfonsine Tables and the Prutenic Tables was primarily because

    • Kepler was a much better mathematician than the others

    • They were newer and used more modern parameter values

    • They used a basically correct form (the ellipse) for the planetary orbits

    Correct Answer
    A. They used a basically correct form (the ellipse) for the planetary orbits
    Explanation
    The superiority of Kepler's Rudolphine Tables to the Alfonsine Tables and the Prutenic Tables was primarily because they used a basically correct form (the ellipse) for the planetary orbits. This means that Kepler's tables were based on a more accurate understanding of the shape of planetary orbits, which allowed for more precise calculations and predictions. In contrast, the other tables may have used outdated or less accurate models for the orbits, leading to less accurate results. Kepler's superior mathematical skills or the age of the tables are not mentioned as reasons for their superiority.

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  • 48. 

    The first of the Greeks to consider the Universe as an object for speculation regarding its nature was (as far as we know)

    • Plato

    • Pythagoras

    • Thales

    Correct Answer
    A. Thales
    Explanation
    Thales is considered the first Greek philosopher to speculate about the nature of the Universe. He believed that the fundamental substance of the Universe was water and that all things originated from it. Thales' ideas laid the foundation for future philosophical and scientific inquiry, influencing later thinkers like Plato and Pythagoras. While both Plato and Pythagoras made significant contributions to philosophy and science, Thales predates them in terms of considering the Universe as a subject of speculation.

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  • 49. 

    The hippopede or figure-eight was introduced by Eudoxus to represent the

    • Variable motion in longitude

    • Retrograde motion

    • Motion in latitude

    Correct Answer
    A. Retrograde motion
    Explanation
    The hippopede or figure-eight curve was introduced by Eudoxus to represent retrograde motion. Retrograde motion refers to the apparent backward motion of a celestial object in its orbit, as observed from Earth. This phenomenon occurs when Earth overtakes and passes the slower-moving outer planets, causing them to temporarily appear to move in the opposite direction in the sky. The figure-eight curve accurately depicts this complex motion, making it a suitable representation for retrograde motion.

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  • Current Version
  • Apr 23, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Nov 04, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Nicosaya88

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