Planets - Solar System - Science

To learn about outer space we look at the

• stars

• universe

• planet

• galaxy

Answer explanation

To learn about outer space, we primarily observe stars, as they are fundamental to understanding the universe's structure and evolution. While planets and galaxies are important, stars provide key insights into cosmic phenomena.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Objects in outer space are close together

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Objects in outer space are generally very far apart due to the vast distances between stars, planets, and galaxies. Therefore, the statement that they are close together is false.

Why do stars appear to be very small

• Stars appear small due to atmospheric distortion.

• Stars are small because they are made of gas.

• Stars are small remnants of supernova explosions.

• Stars appear small because they are very far away from Earth.

Answer explanation

Stars appear small because they are very far away from Earth. Despite their immense size, the vast distances make them look tiny to our eyes, unlike nearby objects that appear larger.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

How fast does light travel in a second

• 300,000 kilometers per second

• 150,000 kilometers per second

• 1,000 kilometers per second

Answer explanation

Light travels at a speed of approximately 300,000 kilometers per second in a vacuum. This is the fastest speed in the universe, making 300,000 kilometers per second the correct answer.

What is a light year?

• A light year is a unit of distance used in astronomy to measure how far light travels in one year.

• A light year is a measure of time used in astronomy.

• A light year is the speed at which light travels.

• A light year is a type of star found in the universe.

Answer explanation

A light year measures the distance light travels in one year, making it a unit of distance in astronomy. The other options incorrectly describe it as time, speed, or a type of star.

A giant storm on Jupiter looks like

• A bright, flat, yellow surface with no movement.

• A cold, dark spot with minimal activity.

• A massive, swirling, red spot

• A small, static, blue cloud with low winds.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'A massive, swirling, red spot' because it describes Jupiter's Great Red Spot, a well-known giant storm characterized by its size and swirling motion, unlike the other static or minimal activity options.

How many Planets are there?

• 7

• 8

• 9

• 10

Answer explanation

There are 8 planets in our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The answer is 8, as Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet.

Why do we not call Pluto a planet anymore?

• Pluto is no longer considered a planet because it has not cleared its orbit of other debris.

• Pluto is made entirely of ice and gas.

• Pluto was discovered after the other planets.

• Pluto is too small to be classified as a planet.

Answer explanation

Pluto is no longer considered a planet because it has not cleared its orbit of other debris, which is one of the criteria defined by the International Astronomical Union for classifying a celestial body as a planet.

Pluto now is considered a

• planet

• moon

• star

• dwarf planet

Answer explanation

Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet because it does not clear its orbit of other debris, which is one of the criteria for full planet status. This reclassification occurred in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union.

A group of stars that have been named

• galaxy

• nebula

• star cluster

• constellation

Answer explanation

A constellation is a group of stars that have been named and recognized, often forming patterns. Unlike galaxies or nebulae, which refer to larger structures or clouds of gas, a constellation specifically denotes named star groupings.