Do You Really Know Everything About Solar System? Quiz

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  • 1/37 Questions

    The planet closest to the Sun is __________.

    • Mars
    • Venus
    • Mercury
    • Jupiter
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About This Quiz

This engaging quiz tests your knowledge about the Solar System, covering topics from the composition and orbits of celestial bodies to characteristics of specific planets. It's designed to enhance understanding of planetary science, making it ideal for learners interested in astronomy.

Do You Really Know Everything About Solar System? Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    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 extreme temperatures and thick atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide with clouds of sulfuric acid. It has a runaway greenhouse effect, making it the hottest planet in our solar system.

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  • 3. 

    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 are considered twin planets because they have similar mass and size. Both planets are terrestrial, meaning they have a solid surface, and they are also similar in terms of their composition and overall structure. Additionally, Venus and Earth are located in the same region of the solar system, with Earth being the third planet from the Sun and Venus being the second. This proximity further contributes to their similarities in terms of mass and size.

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  • 4. 

    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
    Saturn's moons include Titan, which is the largest moon in the solar system. It is even larger than the planet Mercury.

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  • 5. 

    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 well-known continuous storm that has been observed on the planet Jupiter. It is a massive storm that has been raging for centuries and is easily visible from Earth. Its distinct red color and large size make it a prominent feature on Jupiter's surface.

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  • 6. 

    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 both Mars and Jupiter have prevented the asteroids from coalescing into a single planet. This is why the majority of asteroids can be found in this specific region of the solar system.

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  • 7. 

    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 the line around which the Earth rotates or spins. The axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to the plane of its orbit around the Sun, which is responsible for the changing seasons on Earth.

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  • 8. 

    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 at its center, along with all the celestial bodies that orbit around it. These objects include planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other smaller bodies. The Sun's gravitational pull keeps these objects in their respective orbits, creating a system where everything revolves around the Sun.

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  • 9. 

    The second largest gas planet has 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 known as the second largest gas planet in our solar system. It has a lower density compared to Jupiter, which means it is less compact. Saturn is also famous for its iconic ring system, consisting of hundreds of thin rings made up of rock and ice particles. This unique feature sets Saturn apart from other gas planets, making it the correct choice for this question.

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  • 10. 

    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 gas giant with an axis of rotation nearly parallel to the plane of its orbit. This unique characteristic sets Uranus apart from other gas giants like Jupiter. While most gas giants have an axis of rotation that is tilted relative to their orbit, Uranus' axis is almost perfectly aligned with its orbit. This causes Uranus to experience extreme seasons, with each pole being in total darkness or sunlight for long periods of time.

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  • 11. 

    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 iron oxide in its rocks. Iron oxide, also known as rust, gives the planet its distinctive color. The iron in the rocks on Mars has oxidized over time, resulting in the reddish hue that we observe. This iron oxide is abundant on the planet's surface and gives Mars its nickname, "The Red Planet."

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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. These two planets have high concentrations of methane in their atmospheres, which absorbs red light and reflects blue and green light, resulting in their distinct coloration. The methane gas present in their atmospheres acts as a filter, causing the planets to appear blue-green when observed from space.

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  • 13. 

    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 Moon, Earth, and Sun are aligned in a straight line, with Earth in the middle. As the Moon moves into Earth's shadow, it darkens and may appear reddish or brownish. This phenomenon can only occur during a full moon and is a result of the interaction between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

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  • 14. 

    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 of the objects, which excavates the lunar surface and creates large, circular depressions. The impact basins can vary in size and are characterized by their distinct morphology and the presence of ejecta blankets and central peaks. These impact basins provide valuable information about the history and geology of the Moon, as well as the frequency and intensity of impacts in the past.

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  • 15. 

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

    • Mars

    • Jupiter

    • Mercury

    • Earth

    Correct Answer
    A. Earth
    Explanation
    Earth is the correct answer because it is the planet that is located at an average distance of 150 million km or one astronomical unit (AU) from the Sun. Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury are not located at this specific distance from the Sun.

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  • 16. 

    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.

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  • 17. 

    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 with the Earth's magnetic field, and the Magnetic North Pole is the point on Earth's surface where the magnetic field lines are vertical. It is different from the Geographic North Pole, which is the northernmost point on Earth's axis of rotation. The Geographic South Pole is the southernmost point on Earth's axis of rotation, and the Rotational North Pole does not exist.

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  • 18. 

    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 rotation is what causes the cycle of day and night on Earth. As the Earth spins, different parts of the planet are exposed to the Sun's light, creating the alternating periods of daylight and darkness. This rotation also determines the length of a day, which is approximately 24 hours.

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  • 19. 

    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 summer solstice occurs on June 21 or 22 in the northern hemisphere. This is the longest day of the year and marks the official start of summer. During the summer solstice, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the daylight hours are at their maximum. After the summer solstice, the days gradually become shorter until the winter solstice.

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  • 20. 

    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 varying positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun in relation to each other. As the Moon orbits the Earth, different portions of its illuminated side become visible, creating the different phases such as new moon, crescent, half moon, and full moon. This phenomenon can be observed by anyone on Earth and is a result of the Moon's rotation and the reflection of sunlight off its surface.

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  • 21. 

    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 in a way that its shadow falls on Earth. Unlike a lunar eclipse, which occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, a solar eclipse is visible from a limited area on Earth.

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  • 22. 

    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 becomes smaller and less visible from Earth. This occurs after the full moon and before the new moon, as the moon transitions from being fully illuminated to becoming less visible.

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  • 23. 

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

    • Solstice

    • Equinox

    • Solar Eclipse

    • Lunar Eclipse

    Correct Answer
    A. Equinox
    Explanation
    The equinox occurs when the Sun's position is directly over the Earth's equator. This happens twice a year, in March and September. During the equinox, the length of day and night is nearly equal all over the world. It marks the transition between the seasons, with the March equinox marking the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere and the beginning of autumn in the southern hemisphere. The equinox is an important astronomical event and is associated with various cultural and religious celebrations.

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  • 24. 

    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 around 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 ice in the comet to vaporize, creating a cloud of gas and dust around the solid core. The coma can extend for thousands of kilometers and is often visible as a fuzzy halo around the comet.

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  • 25. 

    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 the solstice, either the Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest day (summer solstice) or the Southern Hemisphere experiences the longest day (winter solstice). This occurs due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. It is important to note that the equinox, lunar eclipse, and solar eclipse are not related to the Sun's position in relation to the equator.

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  • 26. 

    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. This means that the planets do not move in perfect circles around the sun, but instead follow an elliptical path. Kepler's laws of planetary motion revolutionized our understanding of the solar system and provided a more accurate description of how the planets move.

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  • 27. 

    _________ 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 was at the center of the solar system, with the planets including Earth orbiting around it. This was a significant departure from the prevailing geocentric model, which believed that Earth was the center of the universe. Copernicus' work laid the foundation for modern astronomy and challenged long-held beliefs about the structure of the solar system.

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  • 28. 

    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, 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 to form the moon. This theory is widely accepted because it explains the similarities in composition between the moon and Earth, as well as the moon's relatively small size compared to Earth. Additionally, evidence such as the moon's lack of iron core and the similarity in isotopic compositions supports this theory.

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  • 29. 

    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. They are typically smaller than asteroids and can range in size from a grain of sand to several meters in diameter. When a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up, it is called a meteor. If a meteor survives the journey through the atmosphere and lands on the Earth's surface, it is then called a meteorite.

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  • 30. 

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

    • Meteoroids

    • Meteorites

    • Meteors

    Correct Answer
    A. Meteorites
    Explanation
    Meteorites are pieces of rock that have successfully passed through Earth's atmosphere and landed on its surface. They are different from meteoroids, which are small rocky objects that orbit the Sun, and meteors, which are meteoroids that burn up upon entering Earth's atmosphere and create a streak of light in the sky. Therefore, meteorites are the correct answer as they specifically refer to the rocks that have reached Earth's surface.

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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 part of a comet, composed of ice, dust, and rocky materials. It is relatively small in size compared to the coma, which is the glowing cloud of gas and dust that surrounds the nucleus. The nucleus is often referred to as the "heart" of the comet, but the correct term for it is the nucleus.

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  • 32. 

    ______________ is the largest moon in the solar system.

    • Callisto

    • Ganymede

    • Earth's Moon

    • Io

    Correct Answer
    A. Ganymede
    Explanation
    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 the largest moon, surpassing Earth's Moon and the other options listed.

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  • 33. 

    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
    The phase of the moon when the amount of the Moon's lighted surface seen on Earth gets larger is called waxing. During this phase, the illuminated portion of the moon increases from a crescent shape to a half moon and eventually to a full moon. This occurs as the moon moves in its orbit around the Earth, causing different amounts of sunlight to be reflected back to Earth.

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  • 34. 

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

    • Meteoroids

    • Meteors

    • Meteorites

    Correct Answer
    A. Meteors
    Explanation
    When small pieces of rock moving through space enter Earth's atmosphere, they are called meteors. These meteors burn-up completely due to the intense heat generated by the friction between the meteor and the Earth's atmosphere. Therefore, the correct answer is "Meteors."

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  • 35. 

    The phases of the Moon that immeidately 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. During this phase, the illuminated portion of the Moon decreases each night until it becomes completely dark, marking the beginning of the new moon phase. The waning crescent appears as a thin crescent shape with the illuminated side on the left side when viewed from the Northern Hemisphere. This phase occurs after the third quarter and before the new moon.

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  • 36. 

    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 between the first quarter and full moon phases, and it is getting larger. During this phase, more than half of the moon is illuminated, but it is not yet a full moon.

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  • 37. 

    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 positioned between the full moon and third quarter phases, with the illuminated portion gradually decreasing. The term "waning" refers to the decreasing illumination of the Moon, while "gibbous" indicates that it is more than half illuminated but not yet full. Therefore, the waning gibbous phase has a larger illuminated area facing Earth compared to the other phases mentioned.

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  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Apr 02, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    James McFadden
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