Astronomy Basic Astronomy 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the name of the force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?
- Magnetism
- Gravity (Correct answer)
- Friction
- Inertia alone
Correct answer: Gravity
Gravity provides the centripetal pull that holds planets in orbit.
Question 2: Which layer of the Sun do we see as its visible surface?
- Corona
- Chromosphere
- Photosphere (Correct answer)
- Core
Correct answer: Photosphere
The photosphere is the visible surface layer of the Sun.
Question 3: A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is in which phase?
- Full moon
- New moon (Correct answer)
- First quarter
- Waning crescent
Correct answer: New moon
Only at new moon can the Moon pass directly between Earth and the Sun.
Question 4: Which planet rotates on its side with an axial tilt near 98 degrees?
- Neptune
- Uranus (Correct answer)
- Saturn
- Venus
Correct answer: Uranus
Uranus has an extreme axial tilt that makes it appear to roll along its orbit.
Question 5: What are the small rocky bodies orbiting mostly between Mars and Jupiter called?
- Comets
- Meteors
- Asteroids (Correct answer)
- Moons
Correct answer: Asteroids
The asteroid belt lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Question 6: What is a shooting star actually caused by?
- A dying star exploding
- A meteoroid burning up in the atmosphere (Correct answer)
- A distant comet
- A passing satellite
Correct answer: A meteoroid burning up in the atmosphere
A meteor, or shooting star, is a meteoroid vaporizing in Earth's atmosphere.
Question 7: Which planet is the largest in our solar system?
- Saturn
- Jupiter (Correct answer)
- Neptune
- Earth
Correct answer: Jupiter
Jupiter is the most massive and largest planet in the solar system.
Astronomy Basic Astronomy 3
What is the name of the force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?