Interactive Graded Test on Astronomy

This is an interactive test that will automatically check your answers and calculate your grade.

Based on these lessons

This test has 30 questions and is based on material from the Astronomy section of lessons:

• Observations in Astronomy
• Constellations in Astronomy
• The Universe
• Galaxies
• Black Holes
• The Sun
• Our Solar System
• Characteristics of the Earth
• The Earth in Motion
• The Moon
• Motion of the Moon
• Phases of the Moon

It is a good idea to study these lessons before taking this graded test.

QUIZ

Self-check your understanding

1. How did ancient people discover things about astronomy?

   They read it in a bookGood try, but not right. Select another answer.They were observantThat is correct.They worshiped the Sun godSorry, not correct. Try another button.

2. What invention revolutionized our study of the sky?

   The microscopeGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The airplaneSorry, not correct. Try another button.The telescopeThat is correct.

3. How did ancient ship navigators use the Big Dipper at night?

   They used it to find which direction was northThat is correct.They tried to figure out where the big bear wasGood try, but not right. Select another answer.They only used it during the daytimeSorry, not correct. Try another button.

4. What time at night can someone in New York see the Southern Cross?

   After midnight, if it is a clear nightGood try, but not right. Select another answer.Just before dawn in the southern skySorry, not correct. Try another button.You must be further south to see the Southern CrossThat is correct.

5. What is the Milky Way made of?

   Thousands of galaxiesGood try, but not right. Select another answer.Billions of stars, including our SunThat is correct.Millions of planets, including the MoonSorry, not correct. Try another button.

6. What is a result of the Big Bang Theory?

   An estimate of how many years ago the Universe beganThat is correct.An explanation of life on EarthGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The disproving of the Theory of RelativitySorry, not correct. Try another button.

7. What are many of the stars in a galaxy?

   PlanetsGood try, but not right. Select another answer.There are no stars in a galaxySorry, not correct. Try another button.Solar systemsThat is correct.

8. Why do they call it dark matter?

   Because it is a dark brown colorGood try, but not right. Select another answer.Because it is very heavySorry, not correct. Try another button.Because no one has seen itThat is correct.

9. What determines the velocity required to escape a planet or star?

   Its diameterGood try, but not right. Select another answer.Its force of gravityThat is correct.The velocity of lightSorry, not correct. Try another button.

10. If a Black Hole has more mass than our Sun, how could it be smaller in diameter?

    We cannot see how big it isGood try, but not right. Select another answer.If it has more mass, it would be biggerSorry, not correct. Try another button.The enormous gravity compresses the Black Hole matter into an smaller sizeThat is correct.

11. What do they call the distance from a Black Hole where light can escape?

    The horizon of the Black HoleThat is correct.InfinityGood try, but not right. Select another answer.A light yearSorry, not correct. Try another button.

12. How do gamma rays at the core become visible light at the surface?

    Radiation is absorbed and re-emitted at a lower frequencyThat is correct.Visible light rays are the same as gamma raysGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The amplitude of the radiation drops as it moves to the surfaceSorry, not correct. Try another button.

13. What are sunspots?

    Spots you see after staring at the Sun too longGood try, but not right. Select another answer.Optical illusions caused by the Sun's atmosphereSorry, not correct. Try another button.Cooler areas on the surface of the Sun that appear darkerThat is correct.

14. What planet is known for its rings?

    EarthGood try, but not right. Select another answer.MarsSorry, not correct. Try another button.SaturnThat is correct.

15. Which planets sustain life?

    All of themGood try, but not right. Select another answer.Only the EarthThat is correct.Mars and perhaps JupiterSorry, not correct. Try another button.

16. What is another name for a shooting star?

    MeteorThat is correct.MarsGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The North StarSorry, not correct. Try another button.

17. What does the Earth's unique position with the Sun allow?

    It allows the Earth to orbit the SunGood try, but not right. Select another answer.It allows for space travelSorry, not correct. Try another button.It allows life to surviveThat is correct.

18. Is the Earth an exact sphere?

    Yes, it is a perfect sphereGood try, but not right. Select another answer.No, it is flattened at the polesThat is correct.No one knows for sureSorry, not correct. Try another button.

19. What does the rotation of the Earth help create?

    GravityGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The magnetic polesThat is correct.The Northern LightsSorry, not correct. Try another button.

20. What is a leap year?

    A year with 365.25 daysGood try, but not right. Select another answer.A year with an extra day to compensate for the actual number of days to orbit the SunThat is correct.A year without FebruarySorry, not correct. Try another button.

21. Why is it warmer in summer in the Northern Hemisphere?

    The Earth is closer to the SunGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The days are longer and the sunlight more directThat is correct.The Earth is closer to the equator in summerSorry, not correct. Try another button.

22. Is the Earth rotating around the center of the Milky Way?

    No, it only rotates around the SunGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The Earth is at the center of the Milky WaySorry, not correct. Try another button.Yes, it follows the Sun in its orbitThat is correct.

23. How does the size of the Moon compare with that of Earth?

    They are about the same sizeGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The Moon is 1/4 as wide as the EarthThat is correct.The Moon is 1/80 the diameter of the EarthSorry, not correct. Try another button.

24. How does gravity from the Moon affect the Earth?

    It influences the tidesThat is correct.It reduces the Earth's magnetic fieldGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The Moon has no gravitySorry, not correct. Try another button.

25. Has anyone ever been on the Moon?

    Only in the comic books or on TVGood try, but not right. Select another answer.American astronauts landed on the Moon in 1969That is correct.People live on the Moon right nowSorry, not correct. Try another button.

26. Why do we always see the same view of the Moon?

    There is only one side of the MoonGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The view is different when seen through a telescopeSorry, not correct. Try another button.The Moon rotates at the same rate as it orbits the EarthThat is correct.

27. Why can you slightly see the dark side of the Moon?

    It is lit by reflections from the EarthThat is correct.The Moon glows due to the heat of its surfaceGood try, but not right. Select another answer.It is an optical illusionSorry, not correct. Try another button.

28. Why is it dangerous to look at an eclipse of the Sun?

    Invisible rays may damage your eyesThat is correct.You might turn into a werewolfGood try, but not right. Select another answer.It is dangerous to look at an eclipse of the Moon, not the SunSorry, not correct. Try another button.

29. What is the color of the light coming from a Blue Moon?

    BlueGood try, but not right. Select another answer.The same as it is for a Full MoonThat is correct.The same as it is for a New MoonSorry, not correct. Try another button.

30. Why wouldn't you see the Moon at night?

    The Moon hadn't risen yet at that time or had already setThat is correct.Because it is daytime on the MoonGood try, but not right. Select another answer.Often the Moon will just vanish for some reasonSorry, not correct. Try another button.

Pick an answer to see instant feedback. Re-read the lesson if you miss one.

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Shoot for the stars

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