Astronomy Astronomy MCQ 4

Question 1

Which force is responsible for keeping planets in orbit around the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Gravity

Answer

Gravity provides the centripetal pull that holds planets in their orbits.

Question 2

What is the term for the point in a planet's orbit closest to the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Perihelion

Answer

Perihelion is the orbital point nearest the Sun; aphelion is the farthest.

Question 3

Which process powers the Sun and other stars?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear fusion

Answer

Stars fuse hydrogen into helium in their cores, releasing enormous energy.

Question 4

What is the name of our galaxy?

Accepted Answer

Milky Way

Answer

Our solar system resides in the barred spiral galaxy called the Milky Way.

Question 5

A 'shooting star' is actually caused by what?

Accepted Answer

A small object burning up in the atmosphere

Answer

A meteor is the streak of light from a meteoroid burning up in Earth's atmosphere.

Astronomy Practice Test