Celestial Events and Space Phenomena Quiz

What celestial event occurs when the Earth's shadow falls on the Moon?

• Solar eclipse

• Lunar eclipse

• Planetary transit

• Meteor shower

Olivia's observation of the Sun dimming from her perspective is an example of what type of eclipse?

• Lunar

• Annular

• Solar

• Penumbral

Which type of solar eclipse results in a 'ring of fire' being visible around the blocking object?

• Total

• Partial

• Annular

• Penumbral

To safely observe a solar eclipse, what special precaution must be taken?

• Use a powerful telescope without filters.

• Look directly at the Sun for a brief moment.

• Use certified eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods.

• Only observe during a full moon.

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes an asteroid from a planet?

• Asteroids are always larger than planets.

• Asteroids are made of gas, while planets are rocky.

• Asteroids have not cleared their orbit of other debris.

• Asteroids only orbit the Sun, while planets orbit other stars.

Olivia's ship experienced frequent impacts from small, rocky fragments. These fragments are best described as:

• Comets

• Planets

• Meteoroids

• Moons

Which of the following is a key characteristic of an asteroid's composition?

• Mostly ice and dust

• Primarily liquid methane

• Rocky and airless

• Dense atmosphere

What causes a meteor shower, like the ones we see from Earth?

• Planets colliding in space.

• Earth passing through a trail of debris left by a comet.

• Large asteroids exploding.

• Solar flares from the Sun.

What is the term for a meteoroid that successfully makes it through Earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface?

• Meteor

• Comet

• Meteorite

• Asteroid

Why is it generally safe to look directly at a total lunar eclipse?

• The Moon is too far away to cause harm.

• Earth's shadow is not bright enough to damage eyes.

• The Moon blocks all sunlight during a lunar eclipse.

• Lunar eclipses only happen during the day.