Interesting And Unknown Facts About Solar System! Trivia Quiz
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
A large, gaseous planet with the lowest density and at least 47 moons is Saturn
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Saturn is a large, gaseous planet known for its low density and extensive moon system. It has a density less than that of water, making it less dense than any other planet in our solar system. Additionally, Saturn is known to have at least 47 moons, making it one of the most moon-rich planets. Therefore, the statement that a large, gaseous planet with the lowest density and at least 47 moons is Saturn is true.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A comet is a meteoroid that strikes Earth.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
A comet is not a meteoroid that strikes Earth. A comet is actually a celestial object that orbits the Sun and is made up of ice, dust, and rock particles. When a comet gets close to the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and sometimes a tail. Comets can be seen from Earth as they travel through the solar system, but they do not strike the Earth like meteoroids do.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A large, blue-green, gaseous planet similar to Uranus is Neptune.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Neptune is indeed a large, blue-green, gaseous planet similar to Uranus. Both planets belong to the ice giant category and have similar compositions and atmospheres. They are both composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, with traces of methane giving them their blue-green appearance. Additionally, Neptune, like Uranus, has a tilted axis, which causes extreme seasons and strong winds. Therefore, the statement that Neptune is similar to Uranus is true.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The inner 4 planets include Mars, Earth, Venus, and Mercury.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. The inner 4 planets include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, not Mars, Earth, Venus, and Mercury.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The inner planets are Pluto, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn and Jupiter.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. The inner planets of our solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Pluto, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Jupiter are not considered inner planets.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The gas planet with the lowest density and hundreds of thin rings is ____________.
- A.
Jupiter
- B.
Saturn
- C.
Uranus
- D.
Neptune
Correct Answer
B. SaturnExplanation
Saturn is the correct answer because it is a gas planet with the lowest density compared to the other options. It is known for its hundreds of thin rings, which are composed of ice particles and debris. While all the other options are gas planets as well, Saturn stands out for its unique ring system, making it the correct choice for this question.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Johannes Kepler discovered that the orbits of the planets are _____________.
- A.
Parabolic
- B.
Circular
- C.
Elliptical
- D.
Spherical
Correct Answer
C. EllipticalExplanation
Johannes Kepler discovered that the orbits of the planets are elliptical. This means that the planets do not move in perfect circles around the sun, but rather in elongated oval-shaped paths. Kepler's laws of planetary motion revolutionized our understanding of the solar system and provided a more accurate model for predicting the motion of celestial bodies.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The second planet from the sun that is very hot and has sulfuric acid clouds is __________.
- A.
Mars
- B.
Venus
- C.
Mercury
- D.
Earth
Correct Answer
B. VenusExplanation
Venus is the correct answer because it is the second planet from the sun and is known for its extreme heat and sulfuric acid clouds. It has a thick atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, which creates a greenhouse effect and leads to a surface temperature hot enough to melt lead. The clouds in Venus' atmosphere are made up of sulfuric acid, creating a dense and toxic environment.Rate this question:
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- 9.
One of the gas giants, _________, has an axis of rotation nearly parallel to the plane of its orbit.
- A.
Jupiter
- B.
Uranus
- C.
Mercury
- D.
Earth
Correct Answer
B. UranusExplanation
Uranus is the gas giant with an axis of rotation nearly parallel to the plane of its orbit. Unlike most other planets in our solar system, Uranus is tilted on its side, with its axis of rotation almost parallel to the plane of its orbit around the Sun. This unique orientation is believed to be the result of a collision with a massive object early in its history. As a result, Uranus experiences extreme seasonal variations, with each pole being in constant sunlight for half of its 84-year orbit.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Two planets with similar mass and size are _______.
- A.
Mercury and Jupiter
- B.
Saturn and Uranus
- C.
Earth and Pluto
- D.
Venus and Earth
Correct Answer
D. Venus and EarthExplanation
Venus and Earth are two planets with similar mass and size. Both planets are terrestrial planets, meaning they have a solid surface. They are also located in the inner region of the solar system, with Venus being the closest planet to Earth. In terms of size, Venus is slightly smaller than Earth, but they are considered to be similar in size compared to the other planets in the solar system. Therefore, Venus and Earth are the correct answer for this question.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The planet that averages 150 million km (93,000,000 miles) or one AU, from the Sun is _____.
- A.
Mars
- B.
Jupiter
- C.
Mercury
- D.
Earth
Correct Answer
D. EarthExplanation
The planet that averages 150 million km (93,000,000 miles) or one AU, from the Sun is Earth.Rate this question:
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- 12.
______________ is the largest moon in the solar system.
- A.
Callisto
- B.
Ganymede
- C.
Earth's Moon
- D.
Io
Correct Answer
B. GanymedeExplanation
Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system. It is one of Jupiter's moons and is even larger than the planet Mercury. Ganymede's size and mass make it unique among moons, and it is even larger than some planets. It has a diameter of about 5,268 kilometers, making it larger than Earth's moon. Ganymede's size and composition have made it a subject of scientific interest, and it has been studied extensively by spacecraft missions such as NASA's Galileo.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The largest known volcano in the solar system is an extinct volcano known as Olympus Mons found on the planet ________.
- A.
Mars
- B.
Jupiter
- C.
Mercury
- D.
Venus
Correct Answer
A. MarsExplanation
Olympus Mons is the largest known volcano in the solar system, and it is located on the planet Mars. This volcano is extinct, meaning that it is no longer active. Mars is known for its volcanic activity, and Olympus Mons is a prime example of the planet's volcanic history. Its size is impressive, with a height of about 13.6 miles (22 kilometers) and a diameter of about 370 miles (600 kilometers). The volcanic activity on Mars has contributed to the shaping of its landscape and provides valuable insights into the planet's geological history.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The planet closest planet to the Sun is __________.
- A.
Mars
- B.
Venus
- C.
Mercury
- D.
Jupiter
Correct Answer
C. MercuryExplanation
Mercury is the correct answer because it is the planet closest to the Sun. It is the first planet in our solar system and has the shortest distance from the Sun compared to all other planets. Its proximity to the Sun also means that it has a very hot surface temperature.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The planet that appears reddish-yellow due to iron oxide in its rocks is ____________.
- A.
Mercury
- B.
Jupiter
- C.
Uranus
- D.
Mars
Correct Answer
D. MarsExplanation
Mars appears reddish-yellow due to the presence of iron oxide in its rocks. Iron oxide, also known as rust, gives the planet its distinct reddish color. The iron oxide in the rocks on the surface of Mars oxidizes, creating the reddish hue that is visible from Earth. This is why Mars is often referred to as the "Red Planet."Rate this question:
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- 16.
The largest of _____________ moons, Titan, is larger than the planet Mercury
- A.
Neptune's
- B.
Pluto's
- C.
Uranus's
- D.
Saturn's
Correct Answer
D. Saturn'sExplanation
Among the given options, Saturn's moons are being compared to the planet Mercury in terms of size. The statement states that the largest moon, Titan, is larger than Mercury. Therefore, the correct answer is Saturn's.Rate this question:
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- 17.
At times, the planet _________ is actually the farthest planet from the Sun.
- A.
Uranus
- B.
Saturn
- C.
Neptune
- D.
Jupiter
Correct Answer
C. NeptuneExplanation
Neptune is sometimes the farthest planet from the Sun because its elliptical orbit causes it to be farther away than Uranus. This phenomenon occurs due to the varying distances of the planets from the Sun as they orbit in their elliptical paths. While Uranus is typically farther away, Neptune's position can sometimes make it the farthest planet from the Sun.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The Great Red Spot, a continuous storm, is located on the planet__________.
- A.
Saturn
- B.
Uranus
- C.
Jupiter
- D.
Neptune
Correct Answer
C. JupiterExplanation
The Great Red Spot is a well-known feature on the planet Jupiter. It is a massive storm that has been observed for centuries. It is characterized by its distinct red color and its large size, which is several times that of Earth. The storm has been continuously active for at least 400 years, making it one of the most enduring and fascinating features in our solar system.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Methane gives ___________ their blue-green color.
- A.
Mars and Earth
- B.
Uranus and Neptune
- C.
Saturn and Jupiter
- D.
Neptune and Venus
Correct Answer
B. Uranus and NeptuneExplanation
Methane gives Uranus and Neptune their blue-green color. Methane is a gas that absorbs red light and reflects blue and green light, resulting in the blue-green appearance of these planets. This is due to the composition of their atmospheres, which contain a significant amount of methane gas. The presence of methane molecules in their atmospheres causes the sunlight to scatter and reflect blue and green wavelengths, giving these planets their distinct color.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The solid portion of a comet is called its _____________.
- A.
Coma
- B.
Core
- C.
Heart
- D.
Nucleus
Correct Answer
D. NucleusExplanation
The solid portion of a comet is called its nucleus. The nucleus is the central and most solid part of a comet, consisting of ice, dust, and other organic compounds. It is typically a few kilometers in diameter and is surrounded by a coma, which is a cloud of gas and dust that forms around the nucleus as it gets closer to the sun. The nucleus is considered the "heart" or core of the comet, and it is where most of the comet's activity originates from.Rate this question:
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- 21.
A cloud of gases around the solid portion of a comet is known as the ____________.
- A.
Coma
- B.
Core
- C.
Heart
- D.
Nucleus
Correct Answer
A. ComaExplanation
The cloud of gases that surrounds the solid portion of a comet is known as the coma. The coma is formed when the heat from the Sun causes the icy nucleus of the comet to vaporize and release gases and dust particles. This gas and dust forms a glowing, hazy envelope around the nucleus, creating the coma. The coma is typically larger and more visible than the solid core of the comet, and it is one of the most distinctive features of a comet when viewed from Earth.Rate this question:
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- 22.
__________ are small pieces of rock moving through space.
- A.
Comets
- B.
Meteors
- C.
Meteoroids
- D.
Meteorites
Correct Answer
C. MeteoroidsExplanation
Meteoroids are small pieces of rock that are moving through space. They are smaller than asteroids and can range in size from tiny grains to larger boulders. When a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up, it is called a meteor. If a meteoroid survives the journey through the atmosphere and lands on Earth's surface, it is called a meteorite. Comets, on the other hand, are icy bodies that also move through space but are composed of dust, ice, and other organic compounds.Rate this question:
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- 23.
_________ published the Sun-centered model of the solar system in 1543.
- A.
Kepler
- B.
Magellan
- C.
Copernicus
- D.
Galileo
Correct Answer
C. CopernicusExplanation
Copernicus published the Sun-centered model of the solar system in 1543. This model, known as the heliocentric model, proposed that the Sun is at the center of the solar system with the planets, including Earth, orbiting around it. This was a significant departure from the previously accepted geocentric model, which placed Earth at the center. Copernicus's work laid the foundation for modern astronomy and revolutionized our understanding of the solar system.Rate this question:
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- 24.
When small pieces of rock moving through space enter Earth's atmosphere and completely burn-up they are called __________.
- A.
Comets
- B.
Meteors
- C.
Meteorites
- D.
Asteroids
Correct Answer
B. MeteorsExplanation
When small pieces of rock moving through space enter Earth's atmosphere, they experience intense heat due to friction with the air molecules. This causes them to burn up completely before reaching the Earth's surface. These burning rocks are called meteors. Comets are icy bodies that release gas and dust as they approach the Sun, creating a glowing coma and tail. Meteorites are meteors that survive the journey through the atmosphere and land on Earth's surface. Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, typically found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Pieces of rock that actually strike Earth's surface are called ____________.
- A.
Meteoroids
- B.
Comets
- C.
Meteors
- D.
Meteorites
Correct Answer
D. MeteoritesExplanation
When pieces of rock from space enter Earth's atmosphere and survive the journey to strike the Earth's surface, they are called meteorites. Meteoroids are the name given to these rocks when they are in space. Comets are composed of ice, dust, and rock and can produce meteor showers when they enter Earth's atmosphere. Meteors are the streaks of light produced when meteoroids burn up in the Earth's atmosphere. Therefore, the correct answer for pieces of rock that actually strike Earth's surface is meteorites.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Most asteroids are located in an area between the orbits of __________________.
- A.
Earth and Mars
- B.
Jupiter and Saturn
- C.
Mars and Jupiter
- D.
Mercury and Venus
Correct Answer
C. Mars and JupiterExplanation
Most asteroids are located in an area between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This region is known as the asteroid belt, which is located in the inner solar system. The gravitational forces of Jupiter's massive size and Mars' smaller size have prevented the asteroids from forming into a single planet. As a result, they are scattered throughout this region, making it the most densely populated area for asteroids in our solar system.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Earth completes a full rotation on its axis once every __________________
- A.
Year
- B.
Month
- C.
Week
- D.
Day
Correct Answer
D. DayExplanation
Earth completes a full rotation on its axis once every day. This rotation is what causes the cycle of day and night on our planet. As Earth spins, different parts of it are exposed to the Sun's light, resulting in daylight, while the opposite side experiences darkness, creating night. This daily rotation is essential for maintaining our planet's regular 24-hour cycle and is a fundamental aspect of Earth's natural rhythm.Rate this question:
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- 28.
In the northern hemisphere, the _____ occurs on June 21 or 22
- A.
Spring Equinox
- B.
Fall Equinox
- C.
Summer Solstice
- D.
Winter Solstice
Correct Answer
C. Summer SolsticeExplanation
The correct answer is Summer Solstice. In the northern hemisphere, the Summer Solstice occurs on June 21 or 22. This is the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined towards the sun. It marks the official start of summer and is celebrated in various cultures around the world.Rate this question:
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- 29.
A ________ occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Sun and Earth and casts a shadow on Earth
- A.
Lunar Eclipse
- B.
Waning Gibbous
- C.
Waxing Gibbous
- D.
Solar Eclipse
Correct Answer
D. Solar EclipseExplanation
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Sun and Earth and casts a shadow on Earth. During a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the light from the Sun, causing a temporary darkness on Earth. This phenomenon can only occur during a new moon phase when the Moon is positioned directly between the Sun and Earth.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The imaginary line around which Earth spins is called its__________.
- A.
Axis
- B.
Equator
- C.
International Date Line
- D.
Prime Meridian
Correct Answer
A. AxisExplanation
The correct answer is "Axis". The axis is an imaginary line that runs through the center of the Earth from the North Pole to the South Pole. It is the line around which the Earth rotates, causing day and night cycles. The axis also determines the tilt of the Earth, which is responsible for the changing seasons.Rate this question:
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- 31.
When meteorites or other objects strike the Moon, they create _____________.
- A.
Maria
- B.
Eclipses
- C.
Magnetic Fields
- D.
Impact Basins
Correct Answer
D. Impact BasinsExplanation
When meteorites or other objects strike the Moon, they create impact basins. Impact basins are large depressions on the Moon's surface that are formed when a high-speed object collides with it. These collisions cause the Moon's surface to be excavated and the material to be ejected, creating a basin-like structure. These impact basins can vary in size and are characterized by their circular shape and elevated rims. They are important features on the Moon's surface and provide valuable information about its geological history and the frequency of impacts it has experienced over time.Rate this question:
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- 32.
The phase of the Moon that immediately precedes the new moon is the _______.
- A.
Waxing Crescent
- B.
First Quarter
- C.
Waning Cresent
- D.
Third Quarter
Correct Answer
C. Waning CresentExplanation
The phase of the Moon that immediately precedes the new moon is the Waning Crescent. This phase occurs when less than half of the Moon's illuminated side is visible from Earth. During this phase, the Moon appears as a thin crescent shape and is gradually getting smaller and less visible each night. The Waning Crescent phase marks the final stages before the new moon, when the Moon is not visible at all.Rate this question:
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- 33.
If you followed a compass needle pointing north, you would end up at the ____________________.
- A.
Geographic North Pole
- B.
Magnetic North Pole
- C.
Geographic South Pole
- D.
Rotational North Pole
Correct Answer
B. Magnetic North PoleExplanation
If you followed a compass needle pointing north, you would end up at the Magnetic North Pole. The compass needle aligns with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not aligned perfectly with the geographic North Pole. The Magnetic North Pole is constantly moving due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field, so following the compass needle would lead you to this shifting location. The Geographic North Pole, on the other hand, is the point at the top of the Earth's axis of rotation, and the Rotational North Pole does not exist. The Geographic South Pole is located at the opposite end of the Earth from the Geographic North Pole.Rate this question:
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- 34.
More of the lighted surface of the Moon is facing Earth at ______________.
- A.
Waning Gibbous
- B.
Third Quarter
- C.
New Moon
- D.
Waxing Crescent
Correct Answer
A. Waning GibbousExplanation
During the phase of the Moon known as Waning Gibbous, a larger portion of the illuminated surface of the Moon is facing Earth. This is because the Moon is in the process of transitioning from the Full Moon phase to the Third Quarter phase. As it moves towards the Third Quarter phase, the illuminated area gradually decreases, but during the Waning Gibbous phase, it is still relatively large compared to other phases such as New Moon or Waxing Crescent.Rate this question:
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- 35.
The phase of the moon when the amount of the Moon's lighted surface seen on Earth is increasing.
- A.
Waning
- B.
Waxing
- C.
Eclipse
- D.
Full
Correct Answer
B. WaxingExplanation
Waxing refers to the phase of the moon when the amount of the Moon's lighted surface seen on Earth is increasing. During this phase, the Moon appears to be growing larger and brighter each night. This occurs as the Moon moves from its new moon phase towards the full moon phase. The opposite phase is called waning, when the amount of the Moon's lighted surface seen on Earth is decreasing.Rate this question:
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- 36.
The changing appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth.
- A.
Solar Eclipse Phases
- B.
Lunar Eclipse Phases
- C.
Moon Phases
- D.
Seasonal Phases
Correct Answer
C. Moon PhasesExplanation
The changing appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth are referred to as Moon Phases. These phases occur because the Moon orbits around the Earth, and as it does so, different portions of its illuminated surface become visible to us. The Moon goes through several phases, including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. These phases occur in a predictable pattern and are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.Rate this question:
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- 37.
When the Moon temporarily blocks the sunlight reaching Earth.
- A.
Solar Eclipse
- B.
Lunar Eclipse
- C.
Full Moon
- D.
New Moon
Correct Answer
A. Solar EclipseExplanation
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the sunlight from reaching the Earth. This happens when the Moon is in its new moon phase. The Moon casts a shadow on the Earth, causing a temporary darkening of the sky. This phenomenon can only occur during the daytime, and it can be either partial, total, or annular, depending on the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Reached when the Sun's position is directly over the Earth's equator.
- A.
Solstice
- B.
Equinox
- C.
Solar Eclipse
- D.
Lunar Eclipse
Correct Answer
B. EquinoxExplanation
Equinox is the correct answer because it is the event that occurs when the Sun's position is directly over the Earth's equator. During an equinox, day and night are of equal length all over the world. This happens twice a year, in March and September. It marks the transition between seasons, with the March equinox signaling the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, while the September equinox marks the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere.Rate this question:
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- 39.
When Earth's shadow falls on the Moon.
- A.
Solar Eclipse
- B.
Lunar Eclipse
- C.
Equinox
- D.
Solistice
Correct Answer
B. Lunar EclipseExplanation
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. This happens when the Earth is directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the sunlight from reaching the Moon's surface. During a lunar eclipse, the Moon may appear dark or take on a reddish hue due to the Earth's atmosphere bending and filtering the sunlight that does reach it. This is different from a solar eclipse, which occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun's light from reaching certain areas on Earth. Equinox and solstice are unrelated to lunar or solar eclipses.Rate this question:
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- 40.
When the amount of the Moon's lighted side that can be seen becomes smaller.
- A.
Waxing
- B.
Waning
- C.
Crescent
- D.
Gibbous
Correct Answer
B. WaningExplanation
Waning refers to the phase of the Moon when the amount of its lighted side that can be seen becomes smaller. During this phase, the illuminated part of the Moon gradually decreases, moving from a full moon to a new moon. This is opposite to the waxing phase, where the illuminated part of the Moon increases. Therefore, waning is the correct answer for this question.Rate this question:
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- 41.
The point at which the Sun reaches its greatest distance North or South of the equator.
- A.
Equinox
- B.
Lunar Eclipse
- C.
Solar Eclipse
- D.
Solstice
Correct Answer
D. SolsticeExplanation
Solstice refers to the point at which the Sun reaches its greatest distance North or South of the equator. During the solstices, either the Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest day of the year (summer solstice) or the Southern Hemisphere experiences the shortest day of the year (winter solstice). This phenomenon occurs twice a year, marking the beginning of summer or winter, depending on the hemisphere. The equinox, on the other hand, refers to the point at which day and night are of equal length, occurring twice a year during spring and autumn. Lunar and solar eclipses are unrelated to the Sun's position in relation to the equator.Rate this question:
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- 42.
The most widely accepted theory on the creation of the moon is
- A.
The moon was captured by Earth's gravity
- B.
The moon and Earth condensed from the same cloud of dust and gas
- C.
The moon spun off the molten earth due to centrifugal force
- D.
The moon was created due to the collision (impact) with the rogue planet
Correct Answer
D. The moon was created due to the collision (impact) with the rogue planetExplanation
The correct answer is that the moon was created due to the collision (impact) with the rogue planet. This theory, known as the Giant Impact Hypothesis, suggests that a Mars-sized object collided with the early Earth, causing debris to be ejected into space. This debris eventually came together and formed the moon. This theory is supported by the similarities in isotopic compositions between the Earth and moon, as well as the moon's relatively small iron core compared to the Earth's.Rate this question:
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- 43.
The current phase of the moon is ___________________
- A.
Waning gibbous
- B.
Full
- C.
Waxing gibbous
- D.
Third quarter
Correct Answer
C. Waxing gibbousExplanation
The current phase of the moon is waxing gibbous. This phase occurs after the first quarter and before the full moon. During this phase, more than half of the moon is illuminated and the illuminated portion is increasing. The term "waxing" refers to the increasing illumination of the moon, while "gibbous" describes its shape, which is more than a half but less than fully illuminated. Therefore, the correct answer is waxing gibbous.Rate this question:
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