Can You Pass The Hardest Astronomy Test?

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  • 1/24 Questions

    _____ is the largest planet in the Solar System.

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About This Quiz

Take this quiz and learn more about cosmology, planets, galaxies, asteroids, astro photography, the Big Bang and black hole!

Can You Pass The Hardest Astronomy Test? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The only planet in the Solar System that is capable of sustaining life is _____.

    Explanation
    Earth is the only planet in the Solar System that is capable of sustaining life because it has the right combination of factors necessary for life to exist. It has a suitable atmosphere that provides oxygen, water in liquid form, and a moderate climate. Earth also has a protective magnetic field that shields it from harmful solar radiation. Additionally, Earth's position in the habitable zone, the region around a star where conditions are ideal for life, further supports its ability to sustain life.

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  • 3. 

    The part of a shadow that is only partly illuminated; partial shadow.

    • Umbra

    • Penumbra

    Correct Answer
    A. Penumbra
    Explanation
    A penumbra refers to the part of a shadow that is only partially illuminated. It is the area where some light is blocked, but not all, resulting in a partial shadow. This is in contrast to an umbra, which refers to the fully shaded or darkened area of a shadow. Therefore, the correct answer is penumbra.

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  • 4. 

    _____ has the tallest known peak in the Solar System, Olympus Mons.

    Correct Answer
    Mars
    Explanation
    Mars has the tallest known peak in the Solar System, Olympus Mons. This volcano stands at a height of around 13.6 miles (22 kilometers), making it nearly three times the height of Mount Everest, the tallest peak on Earth. Olympus Mons is a shield volcano, characterized by its broad, gently sloping sides. Its size and height are attributed to the lack of tectonic plate movement on Mars, allowing the volcano to continuously erupt and build up over time.

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  • 5. 

    _____ is the 2nd largest planet.

    Correct Answer
    Saturn
    Explanation
    Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system, after Jupiter. It has a diameter of about 116,464 kilometers, making it significantly larger than all the other planets except for Jupiter. Saturn is known for its iconic rings, which are made up of ice particles, dust, and rocks. These rings give Saturn its distinct appearance and make it one of the most recognizable planets in our solar system.

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  • 6. 
    What moon phase is this? - ProProfs

    What moon phase is this?

    Correct Answer
    Full Moon
    Explanation
    The given answer "Full Moon" is the correct answer because a full moon is a lunar phase that occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, resulting in the moon appearing fully illuminated from Earth's perspective. This phase is characterized by a complete circle of light on the moon's surface, making it easily identifiable as a full moon.

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  • 7. 
    What kind of galaxy is this? - ProProfs

    What kind of galaxy is this?

    Correct Answer
    Spiral galaxy
    Spiral
    Explanation
    The given correct answer for this question is "Spiral galaxy." This suggests that the image or description provided in the question is likely showing a spiral galaxy. Spiral galaxies are characterized by their distinct spiral arms that radiate from a central bulge. These arms contain young stars, gas, and dust, giving them a spiral appearance. This type of galaxy is one of the most common in the universe and includes famous examples like the Milky Way.

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  • 8. 

    _____ is the closest planet to the Earth.

    Correct Answer
    Venus, venus
    Explanation
    Venus is often the closest planet to Earth due to its orbit being relatively close to ours. While the exact distance between Earth and Venus can vary as both planets move along their orbits, Venus typically comes closer to Earth than any other planet. However, due to their elliptical orbits, Mercury can sometimes be closer to Earth at certain points in their orbits.

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  • 9. 

    An eclipse that occurs when the moon's total shadow, or umbra, falls on Earth.

    • Solar Eclipse

    • Lunar Eclipse

    Correct Answer
    A. Solar Eclipse
    Explanation
    A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun's light and casting a shadow on the Earth. This shadow is divided into two parts: the penumbra, which is a partial shadow, and the umbra, which is the total shadow. In a solar eclipse, the moon's umbra falls on Earth, causing a temporary darkness or partial darkness in certain areas. This is different from a lunar eclipse, where the Earth's shadow falls on the moon.

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  • 10. 
    What moon phase is this? - ProProfs

    What moon phase is this?

    Correct Answer
    New Moon
    Explanation
    The given answer "New Moon" is correct because it is a phase of the moon where it appears completely dark or invisible from Earth. During this phase, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, with the side of the moon facing the Earth not illuminated by sunlight. This is the beginning of the lunar cycle and marks the start of a new moon phase.

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  • 11. 

    An eclipse that occurs when the moon passes into Earth's total shadow, or umbra.

    • Lunar Eclipse

    • Solar Eclipse

    Correct Answer
    A. Lunar Eclipse
    Explanation
    A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes into Earth's total shadow, or umbra. This happens when the Earth is directly between the sun and the moon, causing the moon to be in complete darkness. The Earth's atmosphere bends some sunlight, causing the moon to appear reddish during a total lunar eclipse. This phenomenon can only occur during a full moon when the sun, Earth, and moon are perfectly aligned.

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  • 12. 
    What moon phase is this? - ProProfs

    What moon phase is this?

    Correct Answer
    First Quarter
    Waxing Quarter
    Explanation
    The correct answer is First Quarter. The first quarter moon phase occurs when the moon is halfway between a new moon and a full moon. It appears as a half-moon shape in the sky, with the right side illuminated. Waxing Quarter is not a recognized moon phase.

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  • 13. 

    Darkest part of shadow of moon or Earth.

    • Umbra

    • Penumbra

    Correct Answer
    A. Umbra
    Explanation
    The term "umbra" refers to the darkest part of a shadow, specifically the part where no direct light can reach. In the context of the question, it is asking for the darkest part of the shadow of the moon or Earth. Therefore, the correct answer is "umbra."

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  • 14. 
    What kind of galaxy is this? - ProProfs

    What kind of galaxy is this?

    Correct Answer
    Irregular galaxy
    Irregular
    Explanation
    The given answer, "Irregular galaxy, Irregular," suggests that the galaxy in question is an irregular galaxy. Irregular galaxies are characterized by their lack of a distinct shape or structure, unlike spiral or elliptical galaxies. They often have a chaotic appearance with no defined spiral arms or central bulge. These galaxies typically contain young stars, dust, and gas, indicating ongoing star formation. The repetition of the term "Irregular" in the answer reinforces the classification of the galaxy as an irregular galaxy.

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  • 15. 

    _____ has the highest winds recorded in the Solar System.

    Correct Answer
    Neptune
    Explanation
    Neptune has the highest winds recorded in the Solar System. This is because Neptune is the eighth and farthest known planet from the Sun. Its atmosphere is composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, with traces of methane, which gives it a blue color. The winds on Neptune can reach speeds of up to 1,500 miles per hour, making them the most powerful in the Solar System. These extreme winds are believed to be caused by the planet's fast rotation and its deep atmosphere.

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  • 16. 

    An average star turns into a red giant, then into planetary nebula, then into a white dwarf.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    As a star ages and exhausts its nuclear fuel, it expands and becomes a red giant. Eventually, the outer layers of the red giant are expelled, forming a planetary nebula. The remaining core of the star then collapses and becomes a white dwarf. This sequence of events, from red giant to planetary nebula to white dwarf, is a common evolutionary path for average stars. Therefore, the statement that an average star turns into a red giant, then into a planetary nebula, then into a white dwarf is true.

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  • 17. 

    A massive star turns into a red supergiant, then either a black hole or a neutron star, and then a supernova.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    A massive star turns into a red supergiant, then into a supernova, and then either a black hole or a neutron star.

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  • 18. 
    What kind of galaxy is this? - ProProfs

    What kind of galaxy is this?

    Correct Answer
    Elliptical galaxy
    Elliptical
    Explanation
    The given answer "Elliptical galaxy" is the correct explanation for the type of galaxy shown. Elliptical galaxies are characterized by their smooth and elongated shape, lacking the spiral arms and disk structure seen in spiral galaxies. They are composed mostly of older stars and have little to no ongoing star formation. The term "elliptical" alone is not specific enough to describe the type of galaxy, so the phrase "elliptical galaxy" provides a more accurate and complete explanation.

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  • 19. 

    What constellation is Polaris in?

    Correct Answer
    Ursa Minor
    Explanation
    Polaris, also known as the North Star, is located in the constellation Ursa Minor. Ursa Minor is a small constellation that contains Polaris at its tip, which makes it a useful reference point for navigation and locating the North Pole.

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  • 20. 
    What moon phase is this? - ProProfs

    What moon phase is this?

    Correct Answer
    Waning Crescent
    Explanation
    The moon phase shown in the question is a waning crescent. A waning crescent occurs when the illuminated portion of the moon is decreasing, and only a small crescent shape is visible. This phase occurs just before the new moon and is characterized by a thin, sliver-like shape of the moon.

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  • 21. 

    _____ has relatively calm weather patterns.

    Correct Answer
    Uranus
    Explanation
    Uranus has relatively calm weather patterns because it has a thick atmosphere composed mainly of hydrogen and helium. This atmosphere creates a stable environment with minimal turbulence and storm activity. Additionally, Uranus has a low internal heat source, which further contributes to its calm weather patterns.

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  • 22. 
    What moon phase is this? - ProProfs

    What moon phase is this?

    Correct Answer
    Waxing Crescent
    Explanation
    The given answer "Waxing Crescent" is the correct moon phase for the image or description provided. Waxing Crescent refers to the phase when the moon is partially illuminated, with less than half of its surface visible from Earth. It is the phase that occurs after the New Moon and before the First Quarter. In this phase, the illuminated portion of the moon is increasing, but less than half of it is visible, resembling a crescent shape.

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  • 23. 

    What is the order of the planets?

    Correct Answer
    Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune, 'Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, 'Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune', 'Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus and Neptune'
    Explanation
    These are the eight recognized planets in our Solar System, listed in order of their distance from the Sun. The first four (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) are known as the terrestrial planets, while the last four (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) are gas giants (Jupiter and Saturn) and ice giants (Uranus and Neptune).

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  • 24. 
    What moon phase is this? - ProProfs

    What moon phase is this?

    Correct Answer
    Last Quarter
    Waning Quarter
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Last Quarter. The moon phase shown in the question is the last quarter, also known as the third quarter. This phase occurs when the moon is exactly halfway between the full moon and the new moon. During this phase, the left half of the moon is illuminated and the right half is in shadow. Waning Quarter is not a correct term for a moon phase, so it is not the correct answer.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Aug 29, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 21, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Mikejc

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