Astronomical Data Center

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ADC Quiz # 1

Test your knowledge of space and astronomy ... [rule]

  1. How far have spacecraft from Earth travelled into space?
    Well over 10 Light-years
    A bit less than one Light-year
    A bit more than one Light-month
    Somewhat less than one Light-day

  2. How have astronomers learned most of what they know about the stars, galaxies, and the universe?
    By sending robotic space probes out to explore the depths of space beyond our solar system.
    By analyzing light and other electromagnetic radiation from space that reaches the vicinity of Earth.
    Through controlled laboratory and in situ experiments.

  3. True or False: Astronomers or Astrophysicists tend to be solitary types who work on their research independently, hoping to be recognized for their unique discoveries and insights.
    True.
    False.

  4. True or False: The telescopes at major observatories are primarily for making detailed images of distant celestial objects.
    True.
    False.

  5. What astronomers call "nebulae" are actually...
    clouds of high temperature gas.
    clouds of dust which are simply reflecting the light of a nearby star or stars.
    clouds of dust which are simply blocking the light from whatever is behind.
    shells of gas thrown out by some stars near the end of their lives.
    a large fraction of a star blown into space as a supernova remnant.
    all of the above.

  6. If you could travel in a space-ship at the speed of light away from the solar system, how long could you see the sun?
    3 years
    30 years
    300 years

  7. Approximately how many stars does the Andromeda Nebula contain?
    100,000
    100,000,000
    100,000,000,000

  8. Where do most of the known asteroids orbit the Sun?
    Between the orbits of Venus and Earth.
    Between the orbits of Earth and Mars.
    Between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

  9. How long has light traveled from the most distant galaxy we have observed?
    20,000 years
    20,000,000 years
    20,000,000,000 years

  10. How old is the earth?
    500,000 years
    5,000,000 years
    5,000,000,000 years
    No one knows

  11. How fast does the sun travel around the center of the galaxy?
    150 miles/second
    150 miles/minute
    150 miles/hour

  12. To reach another planet, a spacecraft must be aimed:
    At the planet
    Where the planet will be when the spacecraft reaches it
    Midway between the two

  13. A brown dwarf:
    Is a small star that is somewhat cooler than red dwarfs
    Is a very large planet
    Similar to each of the above

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