Asteroids History Trivia Quiz!
During the 18th century, astronomers were fascinated by the mathematical expression which was referred to as Bode's law. It was believed to be capable of predicting the locations of the known planets with the exception of one. This exception prompted many searches as astronomers set out to find this missing planet. This short quiz is to test your knowledge of the history of asteroids.
- 1.
Which of the following is the first asteroid to be discovered?
- A.
Ceres
- B.
Juno
- C.
Pallas
- D.
Vesta
Correct Answer
A. CeresExplanation
Ceres is the correct answer because it was the first asteroid to be discovered. It was discovered by Italian astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi on January 1, 1801. Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and was initially classified as a planet. However, it was later reclassified as an asteroid due to its small size. Its discovery marked the beginning of a new era in astronomy, as it led to the identification of other asteroids in the solar system.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Who discovered the first asteroid?
- A.
The Celestial Police
- B.
Johann Schröter
- C.
Sir William Herschel
- D.
Giuseppe Piazzi
Correct Answer
D. Giuseppe PiazziExplanation
Giuseppe Piazzi is credited with discovering the first asteroid. In 1801, Piazzi observed a small celestial object that he initially thought was a comet. However, after tracking its movement over several nights, he realized that it was a new type of celestial body. He named it Ceres, and it was later classified as the first asteroid. Piazzi's discovery paved the way for further exploration and understanding of these small rocky objects in our solar system.Rate this question:
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- 3.
When was the first planetoid discovered?
- A.
1801
- B.
1853
- C.
1789
- D.
1805
Correct Answer
A. 1801Explanation
In 1801, the first planetoid was discovered.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Vesta, Juno, and Pallas were discovered between which years?
- A.
1801-1808
- B.
1708-1718
- C.
1853-1867
- D.
1805-1821
Correct Answer
A. 1801-1808Explanation
Vesta, Juno, and Pallas were discovered between 1801-1808. This means that these three celestial bodies were observed and identified by astronomers during this time period.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is the second asteroid?
- A.
Eros
- B.
Juno
- C.
Pallas
- D.
Vesta
Correct Answer
C. PallasExplanation
Pallas is the second asteroid because it is listed after Eros and before Vesta.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Astraea was discovered when?
- A.
1808
- B.
1853
- C.
1801
- D.
1845
Correct Answer
D. 1845 -
- 7.
Astraea takes what position amongst asteroids discovered?
- A.
4th
- B.
5th
- C.
7th
- D.
3rd
Correct Answer
B. 5thExplanation
Astraea is the fifth asteroid to be discovered.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The dog-bone shaped asteroid was discovered when?
- A.
1759
- B.
1885
- C.
1880
- D.
1777
Correct Answer
C. 1880 -
- 9.
243 Ida was discovered when?
- A.
August 28, 1993
- B.
July 28, 1993
- C.
April 28, 1993
- D.
September 28, 1993
Correct Answer
A. August 28, 1993Explanation
Ida was discovered on August 28, 1993.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The first Apollo asteroid was discovered by who?
- A.
Giuseppe Piazzi
- B.
Max Wolf
- C.
William F. Denning
- D.
Sir William Herschel
Correct Answer
B. Max WolfExplanation
Max Wolf is the correct answer because he discovered the first Apollo asteroid. The Apollo asteroids are a group of near-Earth asteroids that have orbits which cross Earth's orbit. Max Wolf, a German astronomer, made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and is credited with the discovery of numerous asteroids, including the first Apollo asteroid.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 26, 2019Quiz Created by
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