ASP Knowledge 2

Question 1

Which type of telescope uses a mirror as its primary light-collecting element?

Accepted Answer

Reflector

Answer

Reflector telescopes use a concave mirror to collect and focus light, unlike refractors which use lenses.

Question 2

What is the term for the apparent shift in a star's position caused by Earth's orbital motion around the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Parallax

Answer

Stellar parallax is the apparent shift in a nearby star's position relative to distant background stars as Earth orbits the Sun.

Question 3

Which layer of the Sun is responsible for the energy we receive as visible light?

Accepted Answer

Photosphere

Answer

The photosphere is the visible surface of the Sun and the layer from which most of the Sun's visible light is emitted.

Question 4

What is the name of the galaxy closest to the Milky Way (excluding dwarf satellites)?

Accepted Answer

Andromeda Galaxy

Answer

The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is the closest large spiral galaxy to the Milky Way, at about 2.5 million light-years away.

Question 5

What causes a lunar eclipse?

Accepted Answer

Earth passes between the Sun and Moon

Answer

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting Earth's shadow onto the Moon.

ASP - Astronomical Society of the Pacific Exam Practice Test