Solar System Trivia Facts Quiz! Ultimate Questions

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  • 1/37 Questions

    The planet that averages 150 million km (93,000,000 miles) or one AU, from the Sun is _____.

    • Mars
    • Jupiter
    • Mercury
    • Earth
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About This Quiz

Explore the wonders of our solar system in the 'Solar System Trivia Facts Quiz! Ultimate Questions'. Test your knowledge on the composition, characteristics, and dynamics of solar bodies. Ideal for learners interested in astronomy and understanding planetary systems.

Solar System Trivia Facts Quiz! Ultimate Questions - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The planet that appears reddish-yellow due to iron oxide in its rocks is ____________.

    • Mercury

    • Jupiter

    • Uranus

    • Mars

    Correct Answer
    A. Mars
    Explanation
    Mars appears reddish-yellow due to the presence of iron oxide in its rocks. Iron oxide, also known as rust, gives Mars its distinctive color. The planet's surface is covered in iron-rich dust and rocks, which oxidize over time, creating the reddish hue. This iron oxide is responsible for the planet's nickname "The Red Planet."

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  • 3. 

    In the northern hemisphere, the _________________ occurs on June 21 or 22

    • Spring Equinox

    • Fall Equinox

    • Summer Solstice

    • Winter Solstice

    Correct Answer
    A. Summer Solstice
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Summer Solstice. This is because the Summer Solstice is the day with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. It usually occurs on June 21 or 22, marking the official start of summer. During this time, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined towards the sun.

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  • 4. 

    Reached when the Sun's position is directly over the Earth's equator.

    • Solstice

    • Equinox

    • Solar Eclipse

    • Lunar Eclipse

    Correct Answer
    A. Equinox
    Explanation
    Equinox refers to the time of the year when the Sun's position is directly over the Earth's equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths. During the equinox, the tilt of the Earth's axis is not inclined towards or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to be directly above the equator. This phenomenon occurs twice a year, in March and September, and marks the transition between seasons.

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  • 5. 

    The most widely accepted theory on the creation of the moon is

    • The moon was captured by Earth's gravity

    • The moon and Earth condensed from the same cloud of dust and gas

    • The moon spun off the molten earth due to centrifugal force

    • The moon was created due to the collision (impact) with the rogue planet

    Correct Answer
    A. The moon was created due to the collision (impact) with the rogue planet
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the moon was created due to the collision (impact) with the rogue planet. This theory suggests that a Mars-sized object collided with the early Earth, causing debris to be ejected into space. This debris then came together to form the moon. This theory is supported by the similarities in isotopic compositions between the Earth and moon, as well as the moon's lack of iron core. Additionally, computer simulations have shown that this type of collision could have produced the moon's current orbit and characteristics.

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  • 6. 

    The current phase of the moon is _____________________

    • Waning crescent

    • Waning gibbous

    • Waxing gibbous

    • First quarter

    Correct Answer
    A. Waxing gibbous
    Explanation
    The current phase of the moon is waxing gibbous. This means that the moon is in the process of transitioning from a crescent shape to a full moon. During this phase, more than half of the moon is illuminated, but it is not yet completely full. The term "waxing" indicates that the illuminated portion of the moon is increasing in size. "Gibbous" refers to the moon appearing more than half but less than fully illuminated.

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  • 7. 

    The second planet from the sun that is very hot and has sulfuric acid clouds is __________.

    • Mars

    • Venus

    • Mercury

    • Earth

    Correct Answer
    A. Venus
    Explanation
    Venus is the correct answer because it is the second planet from the sun and is known for its extremely high temperatures and thick sulfuric acid clouds. It has a runaway greenhouse effect, causing a greenhouse atmosphere that traps heat and makes it the hottest planet in our solar system. The thick clouds of sulfuric acid in its atmosphere contribute to its intense heat and create a hostile environment on the planet's surface.

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  • 8. 

    The two planets with similar mass and size (sometimes called the twin planets) are _______.

    • Mercury and Jupiter

    • Saturn and Uranus

    • Earth and Pluto

    • Venus and Earth

    Correct Answer
    A. Venus and Earth
    Explanation
    Venus and Earth can be considered as twin planets because they have similar mass and size. Both planets are rocky and have a similar composition. They are also located in the inner part of the solar system, closer to the Sun compared to the gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn. Additionally, Venus and Earth have similar atmospheres, with Venus having a dense and hot atmosphere while Earth has a more moderate one. These similarities make Venus and Earth the two planets that can be referred to as twin planets.

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  • 9. 

    The planet closest to the Sun is __________.

    • Mars

    • Venus

    • Mercury

    • Jupiter

    Correct Answer
    A. Mercury
    Explanation
    Mercury 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 means that it experiences extremely high temperatures, making it a challenging environment for exploration.

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  • 10. 

    The largest of _____________ moons, Titan, is larger than the planet Mercury

    • Neptune's

    • Pluto's

    • Uranus's

    • Saturn's

    Correct Answer
    A. Saturn's
    Explanation
    Among the given options, Saturn's moons are the largest. The statement mentions that Titan, which is one of Saturn's moons, is larger than the planet Mercury. This implies that Saturn's moons, including Titan, are larger than all the other moons mentioned in the options (Neptune's, Pluto's, and Uranus's). Therefore, the correct answer is Saturn's.

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  • 11. 

    The Great Red Spot, a continuous storm, is located on the planet__________.

    • Saturn

    • Uranus

    • Jupiter

    • Neptune

    Correct Answer
    A. Jupiter
    Explanation
    The Great Red Spot is a continuous storm that is located on the planet Jupiter. This iconic feature of Jupiter is a giant storm that has been observed for over 300 years. It is a swirling mass of clouds that creates a distinctive red spot on the planet's surface. The storm is so large that it could fit multiple Earths inside it. Jupiter's massive size and powerful atmospheric conditions make it the perfect environment for such a long-lasting and prominent storm.

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  • 12. 

    Methane gives ___________ their blue-green color.

    • Mars and Earth

    • Uranus and Neptune

    • Saturn and Jupiter

    • Neptune and Venus

    Correct Answer
    A. Uranus and Neptune
    Explanation
    Methane gives Uranus and Neptune their blue-green color. Methane is a gas that exists in the atmospheres of these two planets. When sunlight interacts with methane molecules, it absorbs red light and reflects blue and green light, resulting in the characteristic blue-green color seen on Uranus and Neptune. This is known as the Rayleigh scattering effect. Mars and Earth do not have significant amounts of methane in their atmospheres, while Saturn and Jupiter have different atmospheric compositions that do not result in a blue-green color. Venus does not have methane in its atmosphere, and its color is primarily due to a thick layer of clouds composed of sulfuric acid.

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  • 13. 

    The changing appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth.

    • Solar Eclipse Phases

    • Lunar Eclipse Phases

    • Moon Phases

    • Seasonal Phases

    Correct Answer
    A. Moon Phases
    Explanation
    The changing appearances of the Moon as seen from Earth are referred to as Moon Phases. These phases occur due to the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. As the Moon orbits around the Earth, different portions of its illuminated side become visible to us, resulting in different phases such as new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. This phenomenon is caused by the interaction of sunlight with the Moon's surface and is a regular cycle that repeats approximately every 29.5 days.

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  • 14. 

    The Sun and all objects orbiting it make up the solar system.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because the solar system consists of the Sun, as well as all the planets, moons, asteroids, and other objects that orbit around it. The Sun is the central and largest object in the solar system, and its gravitational pull keeps all the other objects in orbit around it. Therefore, it is correct to say that the Sun and all objects orbiting it make up the solar system.

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  • 15. 

    The gas planet with the lowest density and hundreds of thin rings composed of rock and ice is ____________.

    • Jupiter

    • Saturn

    • Uranus

    • Neptune

    Correct Answer
    A. Saturn
    Explanation
    Saturn is the correct answer because it is a gas planet with the lowest density among the given options. It is known for its hundreds of thin rings composed of rock and ice, which make it visually distinct from other gas planets. Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune are also gas planets, but they do not have as many prominent rings as Saturn.

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  • 16. 

    A cloud of gases around the solid portion of a comet is known as the ____________.

    • Coma

    • Core

    • Heart

    • Nucleus

    Correct Answer
    A. Coma
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Coma". A cloud of gases surrounding the solid portion of a comet is called a coma. This coma is formed as the comet approaches the sun and the heat causes the icy nucleus to vaporize, releasing gases and dust particles. The coma can extend for thousands of kilometers and is typically illuminated by the sun, giving it a glowing appearance. The coma is an important feature of a comet and is often visible from Earth during a comet's close approach.

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  • 17. 

    Pieces of rock that actually strike Earth's surface are called ____________.

    • Meteoroids

    • Comets

    • Meteors

    • Meteorites

    Correct Answer
    A. Meteorites
    Explanation
    Meteorites are pieces of rock that have successfully made it through Earth's atmosphere and have struck the Earth's surface. They are formed from meteoroids, which are small rocky or metallic objects that travel through space. Comets are icy bodies that also travel through space, but they typically do not strike the Earth's surface. Meteors, on the other hand, are meteoroids that have entered Earth's atmosphere but have not yet reached the surface. Therefore, the correct answer is meteorites.

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  • 18. 

    Most asteroids are located in an area between the orbits of __________________.

    • Earth and Mars

    • Jupiter and Saturn

    • Mars and Jupiter

    • Mercury and Venus

    Correct Answer
    A. Mars and Jupiter
    Explanation
    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 from Mars and Jupiter prevent the formation of a planet in this region, causing numerous asteroids to accumulate instead. The asteroid belt is a vast collection of rocky and metallic objects, ranging in size from small rocks to dwarf planets.

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  • 19. 

    Earth completes a full rotation on its axis once every __________________

    • Year

    • Month

    • Week

    • Day

    Correct Answer
    A. Day
    Explanation
    Earth completes a full rotation on its axis once every day. This means that it takes approximately 24 hours for the Earth to complete one full rotation. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet experience day and night. This rotation is what causes the cycle of day and night that we observe on Earth.

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  • 20. 

    A ________ occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Sun and Earth and casts a shadow on Earth

    • Lunar Eclipse

    • Waning Gibbous

    • Waxing Gibbous

    • Solar Eclipse

    Correct Answer
    A. Solar Eclipse
    Explanation
    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 darkening of the sky. This phenomenon can only happen during a new moon phase when the Moon is positioned between the Sun and Earth.

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  • 21. 

    The imaginary line around which Earth spins is called its__________.

    • Axis

    • Equator

    • International Date Line

    • Prime Meridian

    Correct Answer
    A. Axis
    Explanation
    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 around this axis that the Earth rotates, causing day and night. The axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees, which is what gives us the changing seasons.

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  • 22. 

    If you followed a compass needle pointing north, you would end up at the ____________________.

    • Geographic North Pole

    • Magnetic North Pole

    • Geographic South Pole

    • Rotational North Pole

    Correct Answer
    A. Magnetic North Pole
    Explanation
    If you followed a compass needle pointing north, you would end up at the Magnetic North Pole. The compass needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not aligned with the Earth's axis of rotation. The Magnetic North Pole is the point on the Earth's surface where the magnetic field lines are directed vertically downwards, causing the compass needle to point towards it when aligned with the Earth's magnetic field.

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  • 23. 

    When Earth's shadow falls on the Moon.

    • Solar Eclipse

    • Lunar Eclipse

    • Equinox

    • Solistice

    Correct Answer
    A. Lunar Eclipse
    Explanation
    A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. This happens when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the sunlight from reaching the Moon. As a result, the Moon appears dark or reddish in color during a lunar eclipse. This phenomenon is different from a solar eclipse, which occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the sunlight from reaching certain areas on Earth. Equinox and solstice are unrelated to lunar eclipses.

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  • 24. 

    When meteorites or other objects strike the Moon, they create _____________.

    • Maria

    • Eclipses

    • Magnetic Fields

    • Impact Basins

    Correct Answer
    A. Impact Basins
    Explanation
    When meteorites or other objects strike the Moon, they create impact basins. These basins are formed due to the powerful impact force, which causes the surface of the Moon to be excavated and create large depressions. These impact basins can vary in size and depth, and are characterized by their circular shape. They are important features on the Moon's surface and provide valuable information about the history of impacts and geological processes on the Moon.

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  • 25. 

    One of the gas giants, _________, has an axis of rotation nearly parallel to the plane of its orbit.

    • Jupiter

    • Uranus

    • Mercury

    • Earth

    Correct Answer
    A. Uranus
    Explanation
    Uranus is the correct answer because it is one of the gas giants in our solar system and its axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of about 98 degrees, which is almost parallel to the plane of its orbit. This unique characteristic of Uranus sets it apart from other gas giants like Jupiter, which has a more tilted axis of rotation. Mercury and Earth are not gas giants and do not have axes of rotation parallel to the plane of their orbits.

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  • 26. 

    A __________ consists of small pieces of dust and rock moving through space.

    • Meteorites

    • Meteors

    • Meteoroids

    Correct Answer
    A. Meteoroids
    Explanation
    Meteoroids are small pieces of dust and rock that are moving through space. This distinguishes them from meteorites, which are meteoroids that have entered the Earth's atmosphere and landed on the surface, and meteors, which are meteoroids that are burning up in the Earth's atmosphere and creating a streak of light. Therefore, the correct answer is meteoroids.

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  • 27. 

    The point at which the Sun reaches its greatest distance North or South of the equator.

    • Equinox

    • Lunar Eclipse

    • Solar Eclipse

    • Solstice

    Correct Answer
    A. Solstice
    Explanation
    Solstice refers to the point at which the Sun reaches its greatest distance North or South of the equator. During a solstice, 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 occurs due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. Equinox refers to the point at which the Sun is directly above the equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths. Lunar and solar eclipses, on the other hand, involve the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, causing temporary darkening of the Moon or Sun respectively.

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  • 28. 

    The phase of the moon when the amount of the Moon's lighted surface seen on Earth gets smaller.

    • Waning

    • Waxing

    • Eclipse

    • Full

    Correct Answer
    A. Waning
    Explanation
    Waning is the correct answer because it refers to the phase of the moon when the amount of the Moon's lighted surface seen on Earth gets smaller. During this phase, the illuminated portion of the moon gradually decreases, moving from a full moon to a new moon. This is opposite to the waxing phase, where the illuminated portion of the moon increases. An eclipse refers to the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth, causing a temporary obscuring of the moon's light.

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  • 29. 

    Johannes Kepler discovered that the orbits of the planets are _____________.

    • Parabolic

    • Circular

    • Elliptical

    • Spherical

    Correct Answer
    A. Elliptical
    Explanation
    Johannes Kepler discovered that the orbits of the planets are elliptical. He formulated his three laws of planetary motion, with the first law stating that the planets move in elliptical orbits with the Sun at one of the foci. This discovery challenged the prevailing belief at the time that the planets moved in perfect circles. Kepler's work revolutionized our understanding of planetary motion and laid the foundation for Isaac Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation.

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  • 30. 

    The largest known volcano in the solar system is an extinct volcano known as Olympus Mons found on the planet ________.

    • Mars

    • Jupiter

    • Mercury

    • Venus

    Correct Answer
    A. Mars
    Explanation
    Olympus Mons is the largest known volcano in the solar system and it is located on the planet Mars. This volcano is considered extinct, meaning that it is no longer active. It is a shield volcano and 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 that formed Olympus Mons is believed to have occurred billions of years ago, during a period when Mars was more geologically active.

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  • 31. 

    The solid portion of a comet is called its _____________.

    • Coma

    • Core

    • Heart

    • Nucleus

    Correct Answer
    A. Nucleus
    Explanation
    The solid portion of a comet is called its nucleus. The nucleus is the central and most dense part of a comet, composed of ice, dust, and rocky material. It is relatively small compared to the overall size of the comet and is surrounded by a coma, which is a cloud of gas and dust that forms as the comet approaches the sun. The nucleus is the core of the comet and is responsible for producing the characteristic tail when it interacts with solar radiation.

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  • 32. 

    _________ published the Sun-centered model of the solar system in 1543.

    • Kepler

    • Magellan

    • Copernicus

    • Galileo

    Correct Answer
    A. Copernicus
    Explanation
    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' work laid the foundation for modern astronomy and challenged the prevailing beliefs of his time.

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  • 33. 

    When small pieces of rock moving through space enter Earth's atmosphere and completely burn-up they are called __________.

    • Comets

    • Meteors

    • Meteorites

    • Asteroids

    Correct Answer
    A. Meteors
    Explanation
    Meteors are small pieces of rock that enter Earth's atmosphere and completely burn up. This is due to the intense heat generated by the friction between the meteor and the Earth's atmosphere. Comets are made up of ice and dust and can sometimes produce visible trails or tails. Meteorites are the remnants of meteors that survive the journey through the atmosphere and land on Earth's surface. Asteroids, on the other hand, are larger rocky objects that orbit the Sun and can be found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

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  • 34. 

    The phase of the moon when the amount of the Moon's lighted surface seen on Earth gets larger.

    • Waning

    • Waxing

    • Eclipse

    • Full

    Correct Answer
    A. Waxing
    Explanation
    Waxing is the correct answer because it refers to the phase of the moon when the amount of the Moon's lighted surface seen on Earth gets larger. During this phase, the illuminated part of the moon appears to grow larger each night. This occurs after the new moon phase and before the full moon phase.

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  • 35. 

    ______________ is the largest moon in the solar system.

    • Callisto

    • Ganymede

    • Earth's Moon

    • Io

    Correct Answer
    A. Ganymede
    Explanation
    Ganymede is the correct answer because it is the largest moon in the solar system. It is even larger than the planet Mercury. Ganymede is one of Jupiter's moons and it has a diameter of about 5,268 kilometers, making it larger than Earth's Moon and any other moon in the solar system.

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  • 36. 

    More of the lighted surface of the Moon is facing Earth at what phase?

    • Waning Gibbous

    • Third Quarter

    • New Moon

    • Waxing Crescent

    Correct Answer
    A. Waning Gibbous
    Explanation
    During a waning gibbous phase, more of the lighted surface of the Moon is facing Earth. This is because the Moon is moving towards its third quarter phase, where it appears to be getting smaller from our perspective on Earth. As it moves towards this phase, more of the illuminated side becomes visible to us, resulting in a larger portion of the lighted surface facing Earth during the waning gibbous phase.

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  • 37. 

    The phase of the Moon that immediately precedes the new moon is the _______.

    • Waxing Crescent

    • First Quarter

    • Waning Cresent

    • Third Quarter

    Correct Answer
    A. Waning Cresent
    Explanation
    The phase of the Moon that immediately precedes the new moon is the waning crescent. This phase occurs when the illuminated portion of the Moon is decreasing in size and appears as a crescent shape. It is called "waning" because it is moving towards the new moon phase, where the Moon is not visible from Earth. The waning crescent phase marks the end of the lunar cycle before it starts over with the new moon.

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  • Mar 18, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 01, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    James McFadden
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