Space Science Quiz

Which of the planets labeled on the illustration above has an atmosphere made of thick clouds that reflect the Sun’s light and make it one of the brightest objects in Earth’s night sky?

• Jupiter
• Mars
• Saturn
• Venus

What is the spinning of Earth around its axis called?

• Orbit

• Ellipse

• Rotation

• Revolution

Which planet has the greatest number of moons?

• Pluto

• Saturn

• Jupiter

• Neptune

Which is the best description of the Sun?

• A giant-sized star nearest Earth

• A medium-sized star nearest Earth

• A giant-sized star farthest from Earth

• A medium-sized star farthest from Earth

Which object has one natural satellite named Charon?

• Mars

• Pluto

• Venus

• Uranus

Why can’t you feel Earth’s movement?

• Earth moves steadily and smoothly

• Earth moves only a few times each day

• Earth moves at a different speed than the Sun

• Earth moves slower than other objects in the sky

Dr. Chang studies objects in space. What science is this?

• Physics

• Biology

• Astrology

• Astronomy

Why is Mercury very hot during the daytime and extremely cold during the nighttime?

• Mercury has no atmosphere to hold in the heat.

• Mercury is closer to the Sun during the daytime.

• Mercury has a thick atmosphere that holds in the heat.

• Mercury is tilted on its axis which causes the change in temperature.

How is Uranus different from the other gas giants?

• Uranus rotates on its side.

• Uranus’ orbit crosses other planets’ orbits.

• Uranus has a ring system and many moons.

• Uranus is larger in size than the other gas giants.

How long does it take for Earth to rotate one time?

• About 24 days

• About one year

• About 24 hours

• About one week