Solar System Quiz

Together, a star and all the planets and other objects orbiting it form a(n) ______________________.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

A chunk of rock or iron that is less than 1,000 km (621 mi) in diameter and that orbits the sun is called a(n) ______________________.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

A huge ball of very hot, glowing gases in space that can produce its own heat and light is called a(n) ______________________.

A group of solar systems that are held together by gravity and classified by shape is called a(n) ______________________.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

This diagram shows the position of Earth, the moon, and the sun during a ______________________.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Scientists use models to represent or explain things in the natural world. Why are models useful for the study of the solar system?

• because models cannot be proved wrong

• because models are always accepted by all scientists

• because models describe the way things actually are

• because models can be used to describe how things work

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

On a clear night in the summer, Keisha identified the constellation Scorpius in the sky. When she went star gazing five months later, she could not find Scorpius, but could see Gemini instead. Why?

• The stars in Scorpius moved.

• The moon was blocking Scorpius in the sky.

• Earth revolved so it was facing a different part of the universe at night.

• The moon revolved so it was facing a different part of the universe at night.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Astronomers use the term brightness to describe the amount of light a star produces, not how bright a star appears from Earth. Which of these stars produces the most light?

• Betelgeuse

• Proxima Centauri

• our sun

• Vega

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

During a school field trip to an observatory, Smita used a telescope to observe stars of different colors. Based on the diagram in Question 8, which factor determines a star’s color?

• its size

• its brightness

• its temperature

• its distance from Earth

Ming is doing a project on planets in other solar systems. She learns about a planet called Planet Z. Planet Z is very large and has a thick atmosphere and a low density. Which planet is Planet Z most similar to?

• Earth

• Mars

• Mercury

• Saturn