The Ultimate Astronomy Quiz On Asteroids!

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Questions: 10 | Attempts: 700 | Updated: Mar 20, 2023

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The Ultimate Astronomy Quiz On Asteroids! - Quiz

Asteroids are different from comets and meteoroids. While asteroids are mainly composed of rock and mineral, comets are primarily composed of dust and ice. Also, asteroids formed closer to the sun, which prevents the development of cometary ice. The United States declared the 30th of June as the International Asteroid Day to educate and create more awareness about asteroids to the people.

Questions and Answers

1.

Asteroids populate interplanetary space out to the orbit of which of the following?
- A.
  
  Saturn
- B.
  
  Mars
- C.
  
  Jupiter
- D.
  
  Earth
Correct Answer
C. Jupiter

Explanation
Asteroids populate interplanetary space out to the orbit of Jupiter. This means that there are asteroids located between the orbits of Mars, Earth, and Jupiter. The presence of asteroids in this region is due to the gravitational influence of Jupiter, which can cause asteroids to be scattered and captured into its orbit. Therefore, Jupiter's orbit marks the boundary of where asteroids are commonly found in interplanetary space.

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2.

Asteroids are often grouped by which of the following?
- A.
  
  Composition
- B.
  
  Size
- C.
  
  Mass
- D.
  
  Weight
Correct Answer
A. Composition

Explanation
Asteroids are often grouped by their composition, which refers to the materials they are made of. This is because different asteroids can have different compositions, such as rocky, metallic, or a combination of both. By categorizing asteroids based on their composition, scientists can better understand their origins, formation, and potential resources they may contain. This information is valuable for studying the history and evolution of our solar system, as well as for planning future space missions.

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3.

They are referred to as which of the following?
- A.
  
  Small stars
- B.
  
  Large showers
- C.
  
  Planets
- D.
  
  Minor planets
Correct Answer
D. Minor planets

Explanation
The term "minor planets" refers to small celestial bodies that orbit the sun but are not considered planets. These objects, also known as asteroids or planetoids, are smaller than planets and are primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They are distinct from small stars, large showers (which is not a recognized astronomical term), and planets, as they have different characteristics and behaviors.

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4.

C-types are made of what?
- A.
  
  Clay
- B.
  
  Mostly silicate rocks
- C.
  
  Nickel-iron mixtures
- D.
  
  Metallic nickel-iron
Correct Answer
A. Clay

Explanation
C-types are made of clay. Clay is a type of soil or sediment that is rich in minerals and composed mainly of fine-grained particles. C-type asteroids are a specific type of asteroid that are carbonaceous, meaning they contain organic compounds such as carbon. Clay is often found on Earth in areas where water has interacted with rocks and minerals, so it is likely that C-type asteroids also contain clay due to their similar composition and formation processes.

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5.

Which of the following are made of clay and silicate ricks?
- A.
  
  C-types
- B.
  
  S-types
- C.
  
  H-types
- D.
  
  M-types
Correct Answer
A. C-types

Explanation
C-types are made of clay and silicate rocks. Clay is a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of fine-grained minerals, such as kaolinite. Silicate rocks, on the other hand, are a group of rock-forming minerals that contain silicon and oxygen, such as quartz and feldspar. C-type asteroids are carbonaceous asteroids that are rich in organic compounds and water. These asteroids are believed to have formed in the outer regions of the solar system, where clay and silicate rocks are abundant. Therefore, C-types are made of clay and silicate rocks.

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6.

Asteroids contributed to the extinction of which of the following?
- A.
  
  Dragons
- B.
  
  Dinosaurs
- C.
  
  Saber-toothed tiger
- D.
  
  Mammuthus primigenius
Correct Answer
B. Dinosaurs

Explanation
Asteroids are believed to have contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs. This theory is supported by evidence such as the discovery of a large impact crater in Mexico, known as the Chicxulub crater, which is dated to the same time period as the extinction event. The impact of the asteroid is believed to have caused widespread devastation, including massive fires, tsunamis, and a long-lasting global winter due to the dust and debris thrown into the atmosphere. These catastrophic events would have had a significant impact on the survival of dinosaurs and ultimately led to their extinction.

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7.

How frequent does a piece of asteroid fall into Earth?
- A.
  
  Every 10 years
- B.
  
  Everyday
- C.
  
  Every year
- D.
  
  Every 3 years
Correct Answer
C. Every year

Explanation
A piece of asteroid falls into Earth every year. This suggests that asteroid impacts are relatively common occurrences. While most of these asteroids burn up in the Earth's atmosphere and never reach the surface, some may survive and cause small craters or explosions upon impact. These events serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat that asteroids pose to our planet and the need for continued monitoring and research to mitigate potential risks.

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8.

Asteroids are rich in which of the following?
- A.
  
  Dust
- B.
  
  Gas
- C.
  
  Water
- D.
  
  Rust
Correct Answer
C. Water

Explanation
Asteroids are rich in water. This is based on scientific research and observations that have found evidence of water on asteroids. Water is a valuable resource in space exploration as it can be used for drinking, growing plants, and even producing rocket fuel. The presence of water on asteroids opens up possibilities for future space missions and colonization efforts.

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1
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9.

The asteroid belt lies between which of the following?
- A.
  
  Mars and Jupiter
- B.
  
  Saturn and Mercury
- C.
  
  Mars and Saturn
- D.
  
  Saturn and Jupiter
Correct Answer
A. Mars and Jupiter

Explanation
The asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter. This region is filled with numerous small rocky objects, known as asteroids, that orbit the Sun. It is located in the inner solar system, beyond Mars and before Jupiter. The gravitational pull of Jupiter prevents the asteroids from coalescing into a planet, resulting in the formation of the asteroid belt.

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10.

Who discovered Pallas?
- A.
  
  Pallas Athena
- B.
  
  Giuseppe Piazzi
- C.
  
  William F. Denning
- D.
  
  Wilhelm Olbers
Correct Answer
D. Wilhelm Olbers

Explanation
Wilhelm Olbers is the correct answer because he was the one who discovered Pallas. Pallas is a large asteroid in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Olbers made this discovery on March 28, 1802, making Pallas the second asteroid to be discovered after Ceres. Olbers was a German physician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, including the discovery of several other asteroids.

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