Quiz on Dark Matter and Dark Energy

What is cosmology the study of?

• The study of planets

• The study of the universe

• The study of stars

• The study of black holes

Answer explanation

Cosmology is the study of the universe as a whole, including its origins, evolution, and eventual fate. While it may touch on planets, stars, and black holes, its primary focus is the universe itself.

Who discovered that galaxies are receding away from us?

• Galileo Galilei

• Isaac Newton

• Edwin Hubble

• Albert Einstein

Answer explanation

Edwin Hubble discovered that galaxies are receding from us, leading to the formulation of Hubble's Law, which states that the farther away a galaxy is, the faster it is moving away, providing evidence for the expanding universe.

What does dark matter not interact with?

• Dark energy

• Light

• Gravity

• Time

Answer explanation

Dark matter does not interact with light, which means it does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. This is why it is invisible and can only be detected through its gravitational effects on visible matter.

What percentage of the universe is made up of dark energy?

• 70%

• 33.8%

• 66.2%

• 50%

Answer explanation

Dark energy constitutes about 68.3% of the universe, which is often rounded to 66.2% in various contexts. Therefore, the correct answer is 66.2%, as it reflects the significant role dark energy plays in cosmic expansion.

What major event does modern cosmology rest on?

• The Big Bang

• The formation of Earth

• The invention of the telescope

• The discovery of gravity

Answer explanation

Modern cosmology is fundamentally based on the Big Bang theory, which describes the origin of the universe. This event marks the beginning of time and space, making it the cornerstone of our understanding of cosmic evolution.

What is the age of the universe according to modern cosmology?

• 4.5 billion years

• 13.77 billion years

• 10 billion years

• 20 billion years

Answer explanation

According to modern cosmology, the age of the universe is estimated to be approximately 13.77 billion years, based on measurements of cosmic microwave background radiation and the expansion rate of the universe.

What did the PANTHEON+ survey measure?

• The distance to the moon

• The temperature of stars

• The positions of supernovae

• The speed of light

Answer explanation

The PANTHEON+ survey specifically measured the positions of supernovae, which are crucial for understanding cosmic distances and the expansion of the universe. The other options do not relate to this survey.

What is the other giant hole in our understanding besides dark matter?

• Black holes

• Supernovae

• Dark energy

• Neutron stars

Answer explanation

Dark energy is another major mystery in cosmology, alongside dark matter. It is believed to drive the accelerated expansion of the universe, yet its nature remains largely unknown, making it a significant gap in our understanding.

What is the main goal of modern cosmology?

• To study the solar system

• To find new galaxies

• To measure dark matter and dark energy

• To explore other planets

Answer explanation

The main goal of modern cosmology is to understand the universe's structure and evolution, particularly through measuring dark matter and dark energy, which are crucial for explaining cosmic phenomena.

What did astronomers find out about the expansion of the universe in the late 1990s?

• It has stopped

• It is slowing down

• It is constant

• It is accelerating

Answer explanation

In the late 1990s, astronomers discovered that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, contrary to previous beliefs that it was slowing down or constant. This was evidenced by observations of distant supernovae.