Milky Way Galaxy Quiz
This is a review quiz to check student understanding concerning some of the major components of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Select the two main components of the Milky Way Galaxy from the list
- A.
Halo
- B.
Disk
- C.
Bulge
- D.
Spiral arms
- E.
Spherical
- F.
Cluster
Correct Answer(s)
B. Disk
E. SphericalExplanation
The two primary components of the Milky Way Galaxy are the disk component which is composed of all the matter within the plane of the galaxy's rotation. This includes dust, gas, open star clusters, and stars. The spherical component contains all of the material distributed around the center of our galaxy including the halo and the nuclear bulge.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The most prominent feature of the Milky Way Galaxy are these long curves of bright stars, star clusters and gas and dust.
- A.
Nuclear bulge
- B.
Globular cluster
- C.
Spiral arms
- D.
Halo
Correct Answer
C. Spiral armsExplanation
The most notable feature of a spiral galaxy such as the Milky Way Galaxy are the spiral arms that wind outward. These arms have a bluish color to them because they contain hot, blue stars; clouds of dust and gas; and very young star clusters. This gives us a clue that the regions of the spiral arms contain the conditions necessary for star formation.Rate this question:
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- 3.
There is evidence that supports the existence of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy is named Sagittarius A* (SgrA*). Astronomers have used large infrared telescopes to track the paths of stars that orbit extremely quickly in the area surrounding region of SgrA*. Using the size and period of the orbit of the stars, astronomers are able to calculate the mass at the center where SgrA* is located. The large mass of 3.7 million solar masses led scientists to conclude that only object that could have this large of a mass is a black hole.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Extra mass is found in the Milky Way Galaxy in an area that extends ten times farther than the edge of the visible disk. This region is sometimes called a ___________ __________.
Correct Answer
dark halo, galactic corona
galactic corona, dark haloExplanation
Evidence suggests that this dark halo may contain up to two trillion solar masses. Some of this mass is composed of dim stars and white dwarfs. But the majority of the mass is thought to be an unknown substance that does not produce light. Astronomers call this form of matter, dark matter.Rate this question:
- 5.
Watch the following video about data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. Scientists have recently discovered a gigantic, mysterious structure in our Milky Way Galaxy. After viewing, write a short explanation of what the structures are and how you think they may have developed.
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Feb 02, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 04, 2012Quiz Created by
Odtanner1
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