Astronomy Quiz

How many planets are in our solar system?

• 5

• 8

• 7

• 9

How many natural satellites does the Earth have?

• 1

• none

• 24

• 2

Answer explanation

Of course, we're talking about the moon, Earth's only natural satellite. The planet has an ever-changing number of man-made satellites. They provide us with GPS systems, radio and more.

Most of the planets in our solar system are named after what?

• famous astronomers

• Greek/Roman gods

• Norse gods

• Stars

Answer explanation

Seven of the eight planets, and the dwarf ninth, Pluto, are named for gods in the Roman pantheon, which are essentially Greek gods with new names. The exception? Planet Earth, our home, It's named after, uh, soil.

"The Red Planet" is the poetic name for ... ?

• Saturn

• Mars

• Venus

• Jupiter

Answer explanation

If you're looking up at the night sky and see what looks like a reddish star, but it isnt twinkling... well, chances are you're looking at Mars. The reddish color of its soil is due to a high iron oxide content.

What's a group of stars that resemble an earthly object called?

• a constellation

• a coma stellata

• a nebula

• a galaxy

Answer explanation

Orion and the Big Dipper are two of the most recognized constellations. Others like "the sextant" or the "the serpent bearer" are based on objects or phenomena that no longer really exist, making these constellations even harder to recognize.

What is the cause of seasons? (winter, spring, summer, fall)

• The sun's position in between the Earth and Moon

• The Earth's position relative to the sun and it's tilt

• The moon's relative position to the sun and the tilt on it's axis

• The sun's revolution around the Earth and Moon

How are spring tides set up?

• The moon perpendicular to the Earth in relation to the Sun

• The moon on either side of the Earth in a straight line with the Sun

Which of these phenomena is the most common?

• Solar Eclipses

• Lunar Eclipses

What is a Solar Flare?

• When the sun expands

• when the sun shrinks

• when the sun releases large burst of energy and radiation

• when the sun releases large bursts of energy and radiation, but is channeled back into the sun.

What is the smallest planet?

• Mercury

• Venus

• Earth

• Mars