Earth And Beyond: Trivia Facts! Quiz

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  • 1/40 Questions

    Our solar system includes;

    • 8 stars
    • 8 planets
    • 8 suns
    • 8 moons
    • 8 days
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About This Quiz


Have you ever wondered about the many mysteries surrounding the earth and its composition? Earth science can help you to understand the world better. Some of the information you learn about in this quiz includes which planet is farthest from the sun, which planet has the most moons, a solar and lunar eclipse, and the layer of gases covering the earth. This quiz will take you to the planet and beyond.

Earth And Beyond: Trivia Facts! Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which of these 'planets' is now classified as a dwarf planet?

    • Mercury

    • Pluto

    • Venus

    • Earth

    Correct Answer
    A. Pluto
    Explanation
    Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the definition of a planet, and Pluto did not meet the criteria. It is now considered a dwarf planet because it has not cleared its orbit of other debris. This reclassification sparked controversy and debate among astronomers and the general public.

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  • 3. 

    The force that pulls objects toward each other is known as;

    • The coriolis effect

    • Gravity

    • Rotation

    • Nucleolis

    Correct Answer
    A. Gravity
    Explanation
    Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward each other. It is a fundamental force of nature that causes objects with mass to be attracted to each other. This force is responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the sun, objects falling to the ground, and even the formation of galaxies. The other options listed, such as the Coriolis effect, rotation, and nucleolis, are not forces that pull objects toward each other and are therefore incorrect.

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  • 4. 

    Whic of these planets has rings around it?

    • Pluto

    • Venus

    • Saturn

    • Mars

    Correct Answer
    A. Saturn
    Explanation
    Saturn has rings around it. These rings are made up of ice particles, dust, and rocks. They orbit around Saturn due to the planet's gravity. The rings are visible from Earth and have been studied extensively by scientists. Other planets, such as Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune, also have rings, but Saturn's rings are the most prominent and well-known.

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  • 5. 

    The layer of gases that covers the Earth is called;

    • Space

    • The biosphere

    • The solar system

    • The atmosphere

    Correct Answer
    A. The atmosphere
    Explanation
    The layer of gases that surrounds the Earth is known as the atmosphere. It is composed of various gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of other gases. The atmosphere plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature, protecting it from harmful radiation, and providing the necessary gases for life to exist. It is responsible for weather patterns, climate, and the overall conditions on our planet.

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  • 6. 

    Which planet is known as 'the red planet'?

    • Mars

    • Earth

    • Jupiter

    • Saturn

    Correct Answer
    A. Mars
    Explanation
    Mars is known as 'the red planet' because of its reddish appearance. The planet's surface is covered in iron oxide, also known as rust, which gives it a distinct reddish color. Additionally, Mars' atmosphere contains dust particles that reflect sunlight and contribute to its reddish hue. These factors combined make Mars easily recognizable and earned it the nickname 'the red planet'.

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  • 7. 

    How long does it take the Earth to revolve around the Sun?

    • 365.25 days

    • 24 hours

    • 23.5 hours

    • 28 days

    Correct Answer
    A. 365.25 days
    Explanation
    The correct answer is 365.25 days. This is because it takes the Earth approximately 365.25 days to complete one orbit around the Sun. This extra quarter of a day is why we have a leap year every four years, where an additional day is added to the calendar in February. This adjustment helps to keep our calendar in sync with the Earth's orbit around the Sun.

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  • 8. 

    Which of these planets is closest to the Sun?

    • Jupiter

    • Neptune

    • Uranus

    • Saturn

    Correct Answer
    A. Jupiter
    Explanation
    Jupiter is the correct answer because it is the closest planet to the Sun out of the options given. While it is true that Mercury is actually the planet closest to the Sun, it is not listed as one of the options. Out of the given options, Jupiter is the closest planet to the Sun. Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn are all located further away from the Sun.

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  • 9. 

    Because the number of days in a year is not a whole number, every 4 years we have a...

    • Neap tide

    • Leap year

    • Soalr eclipse

    • Lunar eclipse

    Correct Answer
    A. Leap year
    Explanation
    A leap year is a year that contains an extra day, February 29th, which is added to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the Sun. This is necessary because the Earth takes approximately 365.25 days to complete one orbit around the Sun. By adding an extra day every four years, we can account for the extra 0.25 days, ensuring that our calendar remains accurate over time. Therefore, the correct answer is "leap year".

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  • 10. 

    What might you find between Jupiter and Mars?

    • Asteroids

    • Stars

    • MIR

    • The canteen

    Correct Answer
    A. Asteroids
    Explanation
    Between Jupiter and Mars, you would find asteroids. Asteroids are small rocky objects that orbit the Sun and are located primarily in the asteroid belt, which is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. These asteroids vary in size and composition and are remnants from the early formation of the solar system. They are often referred to as minor planets and can range from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter.

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  • 11. 

    When one object travels in a circle around another object, it is  ____________ around that object.

    • Rotating

    • Orbiting

    • Encircling

    • Encompassing

    Correct Answer
    A. Orbiting
    Explanation
    When one object travels in a circle around another object, it is orbiting around that object.

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  • 12. 

    The highest tide would occur during;

    • The full moon

    • The first quarter

    • The second quarter

    • The waning cresent

    Correct Answer
    A. The full moon
    Explanation
    During a full moon, the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned in such a way that the gravitational pull of the sun and moon combine, leading to higher tides. This alignment causes the highest tide, known as a spring tide, where the high tide is at its maximum and the low tide is at its minimum. Therefore, the highest tide would occur during the full moon.

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  • 13. 

    A person that studiesthe science of space is called

    • An astrologer

    • An astronomer

    • A scientologist

    • A saturnologist

    Correct Answer
    A. An astronomer
    Explanation
    An astronomer is a person who studies the science of space. They observe celestial objects such as stars, planets, and galaxies, and analyze their movements and properties. They use telescopes and other instruments to gather data and conduct research to understand the universe better. Astrologers, on the other hand, study the positions and movements of celestial bodies to make predictions about human behavior and events, which is considered a pseudoscience. Scientologists are followers of the religious movement called Scientology, and a saturnologist is not a recognized term.

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  • 14. 

    The Galaxy we live in is called;

    • The Earth

    • The Solar System

    • The Milky Way

    • The Universe

    Correct Answer
    A. The Milky Way
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the Milky Way. The Milky Way is the name of the galaxy that contains our solar system, including the Earth. It is a spiral galaxy that is part of a larger group of galaxies known as the Local Group. The Milky Way is named after the band of light that is visible in the night sky, which is caused by the concentration of stars and other celestial objects in our galaxy.

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  • 15. 

    The shape of the Milky Way is described as;

    • A circle

    • A spiral

    • A square

    • A triangle

    Correct Answer
    A. A spiral
    Explanation
    The shape of the Milky Way is described as a spiral. This is because observations and studies of the galaxy have shown that it has a spiral structure, with arms that extend outwards from a central bulge. The spiral shape is formed by the rotation of stars, gas, and dust around the galactic center. This structure is common in many other galaxies as well, and it is believed to be a result of gravitational interactions and the conservation of angular momentum.

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  • 16. 

    The longest day of the Earth year (in daylight hours) is the;

    • Summer solstice

    • Winter solstice

    • Spring solstice

    • Autumn solstice

    Correct Answer
    A. Summer solstice
    Explanation
    The summer solstice is the correct answer because it is the day with the longest period of daylight in the Earth year. This occurs when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined towards the sun, resulting in the sun being at its highest point in the sky and the longest duration of daylight. The other options, winter solstice, spring solstice, and autumn solstice, do not have as much daylight as the summer solstice.

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  • 17. 

    Which of these planets is furthest from the Sun?

    • Earth

    • Mars

    • Venus

    • Mercury

    Correct Answer
    A. Mars
    Explanation
    Mars is the furthest planet from the Sun among the given options. While Earth is the third planet from the Sun, Mars is the fourth. Venus and Mercury are closer to the Sun than both Earth and Mars. Therefore, Mars is the correct answer.

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  • 18. 

    The Moons period of revolution about the Earth is;

    • Approximately 28 days

    • Approximately 1 day

    • Approximately 1 year

    • Approximately 28 years

    Correct Answer
    A. Approximately 28 days
    Explanation
    The Moon's period of revolution about the Earth is approximately 28 days. This means that it takes about 28 days for the Moon to complete one orbit around the Earth. This is known as the lunar month or the synodic month. The Moon's revolution period is shorter than a year because it is orbiting the Earth, while the Earth is orbiting the Sun. The Moon's revolution period is also shorter than a day because it is moving in the same direction as the Earth's rotation, causing it to take slightly longer than a day to return to the same position in the sky.

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  • 19. 

    Apart from the Moon, tides are also affected by 

    • People

    • The Sun

    • Boats

    • MIR

    Correct Answer
    A. The Sun
    Explanation
    Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon. However, the Sun also has an influence on tides due to its gravitational force. Although the Sun's gravitational pull is only about 46% as strong as the Moon's, it still has a noticeable effect on tides. When the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, during a new moon or full moon, their combined gravitational forces result in higher high tides and lower low tides, known as spring tides. So, the Sun does affect tides along with the Moon.

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  • 20. 

    Which of these planets has the most moons?

    • Mars

    • Mercury

    • Venus

    • Saturn

    Correct Answer
    A. Saturn
    Explanation
    Saturn has the most moons among the given options. It is known to have at least 82 moons, making it the planet with the highest number of moons in our solar system. These moons vary in size and shape, with the largest being Titan. The presence of a large number of moons around Saturn is believed to be due to its strong gravitational pull, which captures and retains smaller objects in its orbit.

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  • 21. 

    Which of the following is the correct order for a solar eclipse?

    • Earth Moon Sun

    • Sun Moon Earth

    • Earth Sun Moon

    Correct Answer
    A. Sun Moon Earth
    Explanation
    A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the sunlight and casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. Therefore, the correct order for a solar eclipse is Sun, Moon, Earth.

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  • 22. 

    Earth makes on complete rotation every;

    • 12 hours

    • 23 hours 56 minutes

    • 365 days

    • 365.25 days

    Correct Answer
    A. 23 hours 56 minutes
    Explanation
    Earth makes one complete rotation on its axis every 23 hours and 56 minutes. This period of time is known as a sidereal day. It is slightly shorter than a solar day, which is the time it takes for the Sun to appear in the same position in the sky. The difference between the two is caused by Earth's orbit around the Sun. As Earth orbits, it needs a little extra time to catch up to the Sun, resulting in a solar day that is about 4 minutes longer than a sidereal day.

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  • 23. 

    What is the largest object in our Solar System?

    • The Earth

    • Jupiter

    • The Kuiper belt

    • The Sun

    Correct Answer
    A. The Sun
    Explanation
    The Sun is the largest object in our Solar System. It is a massive ball of hot, glowing gases, primarily made up of hydrogen and helium. It has a diameter of about 1.4 million kilometers, which is about 109 times the diameter of Earth. The Sun's immense size and gravitational pull allow it to hold all the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets in our Solar System in its orbit.

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  • 24. 

    What causes tides?

    • The planets

    • Fish. big ones.

    • The wind

    • The Moon

    Correct Answer
    A. The Moon
    Explanation
    The Moon causes tides. This is because of its gravitational pull on the Earth's oceans. The Moon's gravitational force is strongest on the side of the Earth that is closest to it, causing a bulge in the ocean. At the same time, the Moon's gravitational force is also pulling the Earth away from the water on the opposite side, creating another bulge. These bulges result in the rise and fall of the ocean's surface, causing the phenomenon known as tides.

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  • 25. 

    When the moon gets between the sun and the Earth, the moon may block the sun's light making it dark even during the day. This is called;

    • Night

    • A lunar eclipse

    • A solar eclipse

    • Day

    Correct Answer
    A. A solar eclipse
    Explanation
    When the moon gets between the sun and the Earth, it can block the sun's light, causing darkness during the day. This phenomenon is known as a solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the moon casts a shadow on the Earth, blocking the sunlight and creating a temporary darkness. This occurs when the moon aligns perfectly between the sun and the Earth, resulting in the moon blocking the sun's light from reaching certain areas on Earth.

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  • 26. 

    Which of these planets is not a terrestrial planet?

    • Earth

    • Mars

    • Venus

    • Neptune

    Correct Answer
    A. Neptune
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Neptune because it is not a terrestrial planet. Terrestrial planets are rocky planets that are similar in composition to Earth, Mars, and Venus. Neptune, on the other hand, is a gas giant and belongs to the category of outer planets or gas giants. It is composed primarily of hydrogen and helium and does not have a solid surface like terrestrial planets.

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  • 27. 

    When the Earth faces away from the Sun, that side experiences;

    • Winter

    • Summer

    • Day

    • Night

    Correct Answer
    A. Night
    Explanation
    When the Earth faces away from the Sun, that side experiences night. This is because the rotation of the Earth causes different parts of the planet to be exposed to sunlight at different times. When a particular region is facing away from the Sun, it is in the shadow of the Earth, resulting in darkness and the absence of sunlight. This period is known as night.

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  • 28. 

    When a planet spins around on an axis it is called;

    • Orbit

    • Revolution

    • Rotation

    • Ellipse

    Correct Answer
    A. Rotation
    Explanation
    Rotation refers to the spinning of a planet around its axis. This movement causes day and night on the planet as different parts are exposed to sunlight. Orbit refers to the path a planet takes around the sun, while revolution refers to the complete orbit of a planet around the sun. Ellipse is a geometric shape and is not directly related to the spinning of a planet.

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  • 29. 

    The Earth  __________ around the sun.

    • Rotates

    • Flies

    • Eclipses

    • Revolves

    Correct Answer
    A. Revolves
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "revolves" because it accurately describes the movement of the Earth around the sun. The term "revolves" indicates that the Earth orbits or circles around the sun in a regular and predictable manner. This movement is known as revolution and is responsible for the changing seasons and the length of a year on Earth.

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  • 30. 

    Which of these planets is not a gas giant?

    • Neptune

    • Venus

    • Jupiter

    • Uranus

    Correct Answer
    A. Venus
    Explanation
    Venus is not a gas giant because it is primarily composed of rocky material and has a solid surface. Gas giants, on the other hand, are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium gases and do not have a solid surface. Therefore, Venus does not fit the characteristics of a gas giant planet.

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  • 31. 

    Which of these is correct for a lunar eclipse?

    • Sun Moon Earth

    • Earth Moon Sun

    • Sun Earth Moon

    Correct Answer
    A. Sun Earth Moon
    Explanation
    A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon. During this event, the Earth's shadow is cast onto the Moon, causing it to darken or appear reddish. Therefore, the correct order for a lunar eclipse is Sun, Earth, Moon.

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  • 32. 

    The Earth's axis is on a  ______ degree angle compared to it's orbit.

    • 30.5

    • 28.3

    • 23.5

    • 60

    Correct Answer
    A. 23.5
    Explanation
    The Earth's axis is tilted at a 23.5-degree angle compared to its orbit. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons on Earth as different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

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  • 33. 

    There are many craters on Mercury because...

    • It has no water

    • It has no atmosphere

    • It has no moon

    • It is too big

    Correct Answer
    A. It has no atmosphere
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that Mercury has no atmosphere. This lack of atmosphere means that there is no protection from meteoroids and other space debris, causing them to directly impact the surface and create craters. Without an atmosphere to burn up or slow down these objects, they collide with the planet's surface at high speeds, resulting in the formation of numerous craters.

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  • 34. 

    The Moons period of rotation (how ofter it rotates 360 degrees) is

    • Approximately 28 days

    • Approximately 1 day

    • Approximately 1 year

    • Approximately 28 years

    Correct Answer
    A. Approximately 28 days
    Explanation
    The correct answer is approximately 28 days because the moon takes about 28 days to complete one full rotation on its axis. This is known as its period of rotation. This is why we always see the same side of the moon facing Earth.

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  • 35. 

    During a solar eclipse the darkest part of the Moons shadow is called the;

    • Penumbra

    • Dark bit

    • Umbra

    • Solundra

    Correct Answer
    A. Umbra
    Explanation
    During a solar eclipse, the darkest part of the Moon's shadow is called the "umbra." This is the region where the Moon completely blocks the Sun's light, resulting in a total eclipse. The umbra is the area of complete darkness and is surrounded by the penumbra, which is a lighter region where only a portion of the Sun's light is blocked. Solundra and "dark bit" are not accurate terms used to describe the darkest part of the Moon's shadow during a solar eclipse.

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  • 36. 

    Which of the following is not a dwarf planet?

    • Pluto

    • Eris

    • Makemake

    • Phobos

    Correct Answer
    A. Phobos
    Explanation
    Phobos is not a dwarf planet. It is actually a moon of the planet Mars. The other options, Pluto, Eris, and Makemake, are all officially recognized as dwarf planets by the International Astronomical Union.

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  • 37. 

    Which is the closest planet to Earth?

    • Venus

    • Mars

    • Jupiter

    • Mercury

    Correct Answer
    A. Venus
    Explanation
    Venus is the closest planet to Earth because it is the second planet from the Sun, while Earth is the third. Venus is located between Earth and Mercury, making it the closest planet to us. Mars and Jupiter are further away from Earth, so they are not the correct answers.

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  • 38. 

    The next phase after the full Moon is

    • The waxing crescent

    • The waning crescent

    • The gibbous waning moon 3/4

    • The gibbous waxing moon 3/4

    Correct Answer
    A. The gibbous waning moon 3/4
    Explanation
    The next phase after the full Moon is the gibbous waning moon 3/4. This phase occurs when more than half of the Moon's illuminated surface is visible from Earth, but less than a full Moon. The term "waning" indicates that the illuminated portion of the Moon is decreasing in size. The term "gibbous" describes the shape of the Moon, which appears to be more than a half circle but less than a full circle. The "3/4" indicates that approximately three-quarters of the Moon's visible surface is illuminated.

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  • 39. 

    A tide that is higher than usual and happens during the full or new moon is called a;

    • Neap tide

    • Spring tide

    • Low tide

    • Winter tide

    Correct Answer
    A. Spring tide
    Explanation
    A tide that is higher than usual and happens during the full or new moon is called a spring tide. This occurs because the gravitational forces of the moon and sun align, causing a greater gravitational pull on the Earth's oceans. As a result, the high tides are higher and the low tides are lower during a spring tide.

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  • 40. 

    During the first and last quarter we get small tides called;

    • Spring tides

    • Winter tides

    • Neap tides

    • Low tides

    Correct Answer
    A. Neap tides
    Explanation
    During the first and last quarter of the lunar cycle, the gravitational forces of the sun and the moon are acting on the Earth in different directions. This causes a decrease in the tidal range, resulting in smaller tides known as neap tides. Neap tides occur when the high tides are lower and the low tides are higher than usual. This happens because the gravitational pull of the sun partially cancels out the gravitational pull of the moon, resulting in weaker tidal forces.

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  • Apr 08, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Jun 10, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Jwcscience

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