What Do You Know About Astronomy? Trivia Quiz!

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| Written by Jlmartellucci

Jlmartellucci

Community Contributor

Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 240

Questions: 11 | Attempts: 240 | Updated: Mar 21, 2023

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1.

What is the largest planet in our solar system?
- A.
  
  Mars
- B.
  
  Jupiter
- C.
  
  Earth
- D.
  
  Venus
Correct Answer
B. Jupiter

Explanation
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It has a mass more than twice that of all the other planets combined and is over 11 times the diameter of Earth. Its immense size is due to its high concentration of gases, primarily hydrogen and helium. Jupiter's size also allows it to have a strong gravitational pull, which has resulted in the capture of numerous moons and a complex system of rings.

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2.

Which planet has large orbiting rings?
- A.
  
  Saturn
- B.
  
  Mars
- C.
  
  Jupiter
- D.
  
  Uranus
Correct Answer
A. Saturn

Explanation
Saturn is the correct answer because it is well-known for its large, prominent ring system. These rings are made up of countless particles of ice and rock, ranging in size from tiny grains to larger chunks. The rings of Saturn are easily visible through a telescope and are one of its most distinctive features. In contrast, while Jupiter, Uranus, and Mars have their own unique characteristics, none of them have as extensive or noticeable ring systems as Saturn.

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3.

What are rocky or metallic objects, most of which orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter?
- A.
  
  Asteroids
- B.
  
  Comets
- C.
  
  Meteoroids
Correct Answer
A. Asteroids

Explanation
Asteroids are rocky or metallic objects that orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are icy objects that also orbit the Sun but are typically found in the outer regions of the solar system. Meteoroids are smaller objects that can be rocky or metallic and are typically found in space, but when they enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up, they are called meteors.

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4.

Which of the following are stars mostly made of?
- A.
  
  Solids
- B.
  
  Liquids
- C.
  
  Gases
Correct Answer
C. Gases

Explanation
Stars are mostly made of gases. This is because stars are massive balls of hot, glowing gases, primarily hydrogen and helium. The immense pressure and temperature at the core of a star cause nuclear fusion reactions, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. This energy is what makes stars shine brightly. While there may be solid and liquid elements present in stars, the dominant component is gas.

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5.

Which star is closest to the Earth?
- A.
  
  Milky way
- B.
  
  Sun
- C.
  
  Alpha Centauri C
Correct Answer
B. Sun

Explanation
The sun is the closest star to Earth. It is located in the Milky Way galaxy, along with billions of other stars. Alpha Centauri C is also a star, but it is much farther away from Earth than the sun. Therefore, the sun is the correct answer as it is the closest star to our planet.

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6.

The sun is which of the following?
- A.
  
  Star
- B.
  
  Planet
- C.
  
  Nebula
Correct Answer
A. Star

Explanation
The sun is a star because it is a massive, glowing ball of gas that produces its own light and heat through nuclear fusion. It is the closest star to Earth and is the center of our solar system.

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7.

When is the sun closest to the earth each year?
- A.
  
  January 2
- B.
  
  March 5
- C.
  
  December 31
- D.
  
  January 1
Correct Answer
A. January 2

Explanation
The sun is closest to the earth each year on January 2. This is because of the elliptical shape of the Earth's orbit around the sun, known as an ellipse. The point at which the Earth is closest to the sun is called perihelion, and it occurs in early January. Therefore, January 2 is the correct answer.

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8.

In what year did the first moon walk occur?
- A.
  
  1940
- B.
  
  1959
- C.
  
  1969
- D.
  
  1926
Correct Answer
C. 1969

Explanation
The first moon walk occurred in 1969. This was the year when the Apollo 11 mission successfully landed two astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, on the moon's surface. Neil Armstrong famously took the first steps on the moon on July 20, 1969, making it a significant milestone in human space exploration.

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9.

How long does it take the moon to revolve around the earth?
- A.
  
  24 hours
- B.
  
  1 month
- C.
  
  2 days
- D.
  
  6 months
Correct Answer
B. 1 month

Explanation
The moon takes approximately 1 month to revolve around the earth. This is known as its orbital period or lunar month. During this time, the moon completes one full orbit around the earth, which is why we see different phases of the moon throughout the month. It is important to note that the moon's orbital period is not exactly 30 days, but rather about 29.5 days.

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10.

A comet's coma is which of the following?
- A.
  
  Solid
- B.
  
  Liquid
- C.
  
  Gas
Correct Answer
C. Gas

Explanation
A comet's coma is made up of gas. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ice on the comet's surface to vaporize, releasing gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane. These gases create a glowing cloud around the nucleus of the comet, known as the coma. The coma is composed mainly of gas, which gives the comet its characteristic appearance with a bright head and a tail pointing away from the Sun.

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11.

List four differences between the surfaces and atmospheres of Mars and Earth?

What Do You Know About Astronomy? Trivia Quiz!

What is the largest planet in our solar system?

Which planet has large orbiting rings?

What are rocky or metallic objects, most of which orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter?

Which of the following are stars mostly made of?

Which star is closest to the Earth?

The sun is which of the following?

When is the sun closest to the earth each year?

In what year did the first moon walk occur?

How long does it take the moon to revolve around the earth?

A comet's coma is which of the following?

List four differences between the surfaces and atmospheres of Mars and Earth?