Astronomy Basic Astronomy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which planet is closest to the Sun?
- Venus
- Mercury (Correct answer)
- Mars
- Earth
Correct answer: Mercury
Mercury is the innermost planet, orbiting nearest to the Sun.
Question 2: What is the primary source of the Sun's energy?
- Chemical burning
- Nuclear fission
- Nuclear fusion (Correct answer)
- Gravitational collapse
Correct answer: Nuclear fusion
The Sun produces energy by fusing hydrogen into helium in its core.
Question 3: Which of these is classified as a dwarf planet?
- Pluto (Correct answer)
- Neptune
- Titan
- Ganymede
Correct answer: Pluto
Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006.
Question 4: What causes the phases of the Moon?
- Earth's shadow
- The Moon's rotation speed
- Changing distance from Earth
- The relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon
Phases result from how much of the Moon's sunlit side faces Earth as it orbits.
Question 5: Which galaxy contains our solar system?
- Andromeda
- Milky Way (Correct answer)
- Triangulum
- Whirlpool
Correct answer: Milky Way
Earth and the Sun reside within the Milky Way galaxy.
Question 6: What is a light-year a measure of?
- Time
- Brightness
- Distance (Correct answer)
- Speed
Correct answer: Distance
A light-year is the distance light travels in one year.
Question 7: Which planet is known for its prominent ring system?
- Jupiter
- Saturn (Correct answer)
- Uranus
- Mars
Correct answer: Saturn
Saturn's bright, extensive rings are its most famous feature.
Astronomy Basic Astronomy 2
Which planet is closest to the Sun?