Astronomy Quiz

An astronomer studies an image taken by a satellite in space and sees an area of gas, dust, and many stars distributed along spiral arms. What is the astronomer most likely seeing?

• a comet

• a galaxy

• a solar system

• an asteroid belt

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. Which statement about Sirius is true?

• Sirius must be the closest star to Earth.

• Sirius must be the hottest star in the sky.

• Sirius must be larger and have more energy than any other star in the galaxy.

• Sirius must be very hot, very large, and close to Earth compared to other stars.

Which of the following correctly compares the inner planets of the Solar System to the outer planets?

• The inner planets have rings, while the outer planets do not have rings.

• The inner planets have few or no moons, while the outer planets have many moons.

• The inner planets have longer year lengths, while the outer planets have shorter year lengths.

• The inner planets are composed mostly of gas, while the outer planets are composed mostly of solids.

Which best describes the outer planets of our Solar System?

• large, rocky, dense

• small, rocky, dense

• large, gaseous, ringed

• small, gaseous, ringed

Which of these characteristics is common to all of the planets in the Solar System?

• water

• atmospheres

• solid, rocky surfaces

• one or more moons

The chart below describes characteristics of an object in outer space. What is this object?

• an asteroid

• a comet

• a moon

• a planet

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

A scientist studies two objects in the Solar System. Object 1 is a small, cold object made of ice, rock, and gas. It travels toward the Sun and moves across the orbits of other objects, leaving a trail of dust and gas. Object 2 is a round, solid object with a surface temperature warmer than that of Earth. What are these two objects?

• Both objects are planets.

• Both objects are asteroids.

• Object 1 is a comet, and Object 2 is a planet.

• Object 1 is an asteroid, and Object 2 is a moon.

Which labeled planet correctly shows Earth’s location in the diagram?

• Planet 2

• Planet 3

• Planet 5

• Planet 6

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Marcus has learned that the Sun is a star, but not the largest star in our galaxy. Which answer best explains why Earth receives more energy from the Sun than from any other star?

• The sun is the closest star.

• The sun is a very young star.

• The sun is the hottest star in the galaxy.

• The sun gives off more energy than any other star.

Sonia and Eddie are demonstrating the way the Sun and Earth are positioned and move during a full year. Sonia is playing the part of the Sun and Eddie is playing the part of the Earth. Which would be the best way for Sonia and Eddie to demonstrate this?

• Eddie should face Sonia and turn around completely until he faces her again.

• Sonia should face Eddie and turn around completely until she faces him again.

• Eddie should walk around Sonia in a full circle as she stands in the middle of the circle.

• Eddie should walk around Sonia in a full circle as she stands in the middle of the circle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1