Astronomy Knowledge Quiz! Trivia

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1/15 Questions

What famous constellation is also a chariot in China and a bear for Native Americans?
- Sagittarius
- The Big Dipper
- The Big Bopper
- The Seven Wise Men

About This Quiz

Explore the cosmos with the Astronomy Knowledge Quiz! Trivia. Dive into questions about constellations, the Sun's size, meteoroids, black hole singularities, planet formation in the Pleiades Cluster, and compare planetary sizes. Perfect for enhancing your understanding of the universe.

2.

What size star is the Sun?
- Small
- Dwarf
- Large
- Medium
Correct Answer

A. Medium

Explanation

The Sun is classified as a medium-sized star. This is because it falls within the range of sizes for stars, with smaller stars being classified as dwarf stars and larger stars being classified as giant or supergiant stars. The size of a star is determined by its mass, and the Sun's mass is considered to be average compared to other stars in the universe. Therefore, the correct answer is medium.

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0
3.

What are the small bits of metal and rock that orbit the Sun called?
- Meteoroids
- Pulsars
- Meteors
- Nebulae
Correct Answer

A. Meteoroids

Explanation

Meteoroids are small bits of metal and rock that orbit the Sun. They are smaller than asteroids and can range in size from tiny grains to several meters in diameter. These objects are often remnants from the formation of the solar system or fragments from collisions between larger bodies. When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up, it is called a meteor. If it survives the journey through the atmosphere and lands on Earth's surface, it is then called a meteorite.

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4.

What is the impossibly small point in a black hole where all matter converges called?
- Sun
- Gravity
- Singularity
- Star Power
Correct Answer

A. Singularity

Explanation

A singularity is an impossibly small point in a black hole where all matter converges. It is a region of infinite density and zero volume, where the laws of physics as we know them break down. In this point, the gravitational pull becomes infinitely strong, causing space and time to become distorted. The concept of a singularity is derived from general relativity and is believed to exist at the center of a black hole, where the mass is concentrated.

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1
5.

What star cluster known as the "seven sisters" shows evidence of planet formation?
- Trapezium Cluster
- Wild Duck Cluster
- Pleiades Cluster
- NGC 6603 Cluster
Correct Answer

A. Pleiades Cluster

Explanation

The Pleiades Cluster, also known as the "seven sisters," shows evidence of planet formation. This cluster is a young open star cluster located in the constellation of Taurus. It consists of hundreds of stars, including several hot, young stars surrounded by protoplanetary disks, which are believed to be the early stages of planet formation. Studies have revealed the presence of dust and gas in these disks, indicating the potential for the formation of planets within the Pleiades Cluster.

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6.

Which of these planets is largest?
- Mercury
- Uranus
- Earth
- Neptune
Correct Answer

A. Uranus

Explanation

Uranus is the correct answer because it is the seventh planet from the Sun and has a larger diameter than Mercury, Earth, and Neptune. Despite being smaller in mass compared to Neptune, Uranus has a larger volume, making it the largest planet among the given options.

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7.

What was the first man made object to leave the solar system?
- Pioneer 10
- Apollo 11
- Pioneer 11
- Voyager 6
Correct Answer

A. Pioneer 10

Explanation

Pioneer 10 was the first man-made object to leave the solar system. Launched in 1972, it was a NASA space probe designed to study Jupiter and its moons. After completing its mission, Pioneer 10 continued its journey into deep space. It crossed the orbit of Neptune in 1983, becoming the first spacecraft to reach such a distance from the Sun. It continued to transmit data until 2003 when its power supply depleted. Pioneer 10's historic achievement of leaving the solar system marked a significant milestone in space exploration.

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0
8.

Who first performed accurate measurements of the orbit of Mars?
- Tycho Brahe
- Pierre Simon De Laplace
- Isaac Newton
- Galileo Galilei
Correct Answer

A. Tycho Brahe

Explanation

Tycho Brahe was the first to perform accurate measurements of the orbit of Mars. He meticulously observed and recorded the positions of Mars over a long period of time, which allowed him to determine its orbit with great precision. His observations laid the foundation for later astronomers, including Johannes Kepler, who used Brahe's data to develop the laws of planetary motion. Brahe's work revolutionized our understanding of celestial mechanics and paved the way for future advancements in the field of astronomy.

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9.

What was the first probe to land on Venus?
- Venera 9
- Venera 4
- Viking 1
- Mariner 4
Correct Answer

A. Venera 9

Explanation

Venera 9 was the first probe to successfully land on Venus. It was part of the Soviet Union's Venera program and was launched on June 8, 1975. Venera 9 reached Venus on October 22, 1975, and it became the first spacecraft to send back images of the planet's surface. The probe transmitted data for about 53 minutes before succumbing to the extreme conditions on Venus, including high temperatures and pressures. Venera 9's successful landing and transmission of data marked a significant milestone in space exploration and our understanding of Venus.

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10.

Which astronomer is credited with first observing Pluto?
- Patrick Moore
- Percival Lowell
- Carl Sagan
- Clyde Tombaugh
Correct Answer

A. Clyde Tombaugh

Explanation

Clyde Tombaugh is credited with first observing Pluto. He was an American astronomer who discovered Pluto in 1930 while working at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona. Tombaugh's discovery was a significant milestone in the field of astronomy, as Pluto was the first object to be discovered in the Kuiper Belt. His meticulous observations and dedication to his work led to the identification of this distant celestial body, earning him recognition and acclaim in the scientific community.

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11.

How many planets in our solar system have rings?
- 3
- 4
- 1
- 10
Correct Answer

A. 4

Explanation

There are four planets in our solar system that have rings: Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune. Saturn is the most well-known for its prominent ring system, but the other three planets also have rings, although they may be less visible or less extensive. Therefore, the correct answer is 4.

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12.

Which of Mars' moons rises and sets twice in one Earth day?
- Phobos
- Both
- Deimos
- None Of These
Correct Answer

A. Phobos

Explanation

Phobos is the correct answer because it is the only moon of Mars that rises and sets twice in one Earth day. This is due to its close proximity to Mars and its fast orbital period. Deimos, the other moon of Mars, has a longer orbital period and therefore rises and sets only once in one Earth day.

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13.

How big is Mercury's diameter?
- 4,812 Miles
- 1781 Miles
- 2,743 Miles
- 3,031 Miles
Correct Answer

A. 3,031 Miles

Explanation

Mercury's diameter is 3,031 miles. Diameter refers to the distance across a sphere, passing through its center. In this case, it represents the distance across Mercury from one side to the other, through its center.

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14.

Which Apollo flight was the first to orbit the moon?
- Apollo 1
- Apollo 13
- Apollo 8
- Apollo 15
Correct Answer

A. Apollo 8

Explanation

Apollo 8 was the first Apollo flight to orbit the moon. This mission took place in December 1968 and was a significant milestone in the Apollo program. The crew of Apollo 8, consisting of Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders, became the first humans to leave Earth's orbit and travel to the moon. They successfully entered lunar orbit, completing 10 orbits before returning safely to Earth. This mission paved the way for future Apollo missions, including the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.

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15.

Who first devised a possible way to terraform Mars?
- Copernicus
- Robert Zubrin
- Chris McKay
- James Lovelock
Correct Answer

A. Robert Zubrin

Explanation

Robert Zubrin is the correct answer because he is known for his work on proposing a possible way to terraform Mars. He is the founder of The Mars Society and has written extensively on the subject, including his book "The Case for Mars: The Plan to Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must." Zubrin's ideas and research have been influential in the field of Mars exploration and colonization, making him a key figure in the development of potential methods for terraforming the planet.

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Current Version
Mar 20, 2023

Quiz Edited by
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Mar 14, 2015

Quiz Created by
Alfredhook3

Astronomy Knowledge Quiz! Trivia

What famous constellation is also a chariot in China and a bear for Native Americans?

Quiz Preview

What size star is the Sun?

What are the small bits of metal and rock that orbit the Sun called?

What is the impossibly small point in a black hole where all matter converges called?

What star cluster known as the "seven sisters" shows evidence of planet formation?

Which of these planets is largest?

What was the first man made object to leave the solar system?

Who first performed accurate measurements of the orbit of Mars?

What was the first probe to land on Venus?

Which astronomer is credited with first observing Pluto?

How many planets in our solar system have rings?

Which of Mars' moons rises and sets twice in one Earth day?

How big is Mercury's diameter?

Which Apollo flight was the first to orbit the moon?

Who first devised a possible way to terraform Mars?