Comet Facts, Myths And Legend

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| By Marshallje

Marshallje

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Quizzes Created: 22 | Total Attempts: 12,576

Questions: 25 | Attempts: 180 | Updated: Mar 21, 2023

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Questions and Answers

1.

The "Hair" Out ThereThe word "comet" come from the Greek word for _____________________ .

Explanation
The word "comet" comes from the Greek word for "hair" because comets have long, flowing tails that resemble hair. This term was coined by the ancient Greeks who observed these celestial objects and noticed their hair-like appearance.

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2.

The "Hair" Out There________________ _____________ showed that comets actually traveled far beyond the moon.

Explanation
Tycho Brahe was a Danish astronomer known for his accurate and detailed observations of the celestial bodies. His observations of comets provided evidence that they traveled beyond the moon, challenging the prevailing belief at the time that comets were atmospheric phenomena. Therefore, the mention of Tycho Brahe in the context of comets traveling far beyond the moon supports the statement that "The 'Hair' Out There" showed that comets actually traveled far beyond the moon.

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3.

The "Hair" Out ThereAs early as the 1700's, scientists began developing __________________________ formulas that could predict the orbit of a particular comet around the Sun.

Explanation
Wow! Did you realize that astronomy uses a lot of math?

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1
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4.

Friend or Foe?People thought __________________ were "power rays" of supernatural beings.

Explanation
People thought comets were "power rays" of supernatural beings. Comets were often seen as mysterious and awe-inspiring celestial objects in ancient times. Their appearance, with their long tails, was often associated with supernatural or divine powers. Many cultures believed that comets were signs or messages from the gods or other supernatural beings. Therefore, people considered comets to be "power rays" emitted by these higher beings, further adding to their mystical reputation.

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5.

Friend or Foe?To save himself from the "__________________ _______ _______ ______________," Emperor Nero of Rome had all possible successors to his throne executed.

Explanation
Unbelievable! That sounds kind of harsh.

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6.

Friend or Foe?IN 1910, people in Chicago, sealed their windows to protect themselves from the __________________________ tail of the comet.

Explanation
When science advances, we understand. Comet's tails are made of water vapor.

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7.

Friend or Foe?Not everyone saw comets as bad luck. Some thought they brought good _______________.

Explanation
Comets were not universally seen as bad luck; in fact, some people believed that they brought good luck. This suggests that there were differing beliefs and interpretations about the nature and effects of comets. While some may have associated comets with negative events, others saw them as a positive omen or a sign of good fortune. The word "luck" in the answer reinforces this idea and completes the sentence appropriately.

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8.

What Goes Around Comes AroundThe Chinese recorded visits by Halley's comet as far back as ________________ B.C.

Explanation
The Chinese recorded visits by Halley's comet as far back as 240 B.C. This suggests that the comet has been observed and documented for a very long time in Chinese history.

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9.

What Goes Around Comes AroundThe famous Bayeux Tapestry, which commemorates the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, depicts an image of ____________________ comet bright in the sky before the Battle of Hastings.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Halley's". The question is asking for the correct spelling of the comet that is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry. The comet referred to in the tapestry is Halley's Comet, which is a well-known comet that appears in Earth's skies approximately every 76 years.

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10.

What Goes Around Comes Around____________________ ___________________ developed a theory that comets reappear. He predicted the comet's next appearance.

Explanation
Edmund Halley developed a theory that comets reappear and predicted the comet's next appearance.

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11.

What Goes Around Comes AroundHalley’s comet reappears every ________________ years. Its next appearance is in 2061.

Explanation
Halley's comet is a famous periodic comet that orbits the sun and reappears in the Earth's sky approximately every 76 years. This means that after every 76 years, the comet completes its orbit and returns to a point where it becomes visible from Earth again. The statement "Its next appearance is in 2061" confirms this periodicity, indicating that the comet will be visible again in 2061, which is 76 years after its last appearance.

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12.

Forecast: Showers?When a comet crosses Earth's path, _______________________ showers, from the comet's debris strike the atmosphere.

Explanation
When a comet crosses Earth's path, meteor showers occur as the debris from the comet strikes the Earth's atmosphere.

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13.

Forecast: Showers?The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year between _________________ 9 and 13 when the Earth passes through the orbit of the Swift-Tuttle comet.

Explanation
The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year between August 9 and 13 when the Earth passes through the orbit of the Swift-Tuttle comet.

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14.

Forecast: Showers?Comets are brightest when they are near the ________________.

Explanation
Comets are brightest when they are near the Sun because the Sun's heat causes the comet's icy nucleus to vaporize and release gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and tail. As the comet gets closer to the Sun, the intensity of solar radiation increases, resulting in a more pronounced and brighter display. The Sun's proximity is crucial for the comet's visibility and the spectacular appearance it exhibits.

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15.

A Crash Course?Sixty-five million years ago, ______________ percent of all species then living on Earth disappeared within a very short time.

Explanation
The statement mentions that 65 million years ago, a certain percentage of all species disappeared within a short time. The answer provided, 70% or 70, indicates that 70 percent of all species then living on Earth disappeared during that period.

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16.

A Crash Course?There is a 65-million-year-old crater from an impact of similar magnitude just off the coast of ____________________ in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Explanation
The correct answer is Mexico because the question states that there is a 65-million-year-old crater off the coast of a place in the Yucatan Peninsula. Since Mexico is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, it is the most logical choice for the answer.

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17.

A Crash Course?Is it likely that an asteroid or comet will hit the Earth in the next few 100 years?
- A.
  
  YES
- B.
  
  NO
Correct Answer
B. NO

Explanation
The answer is "NO" because the question asks if it is likely for an asteroid or comet to hit the Earth in the next few 100 years. The word "likely" implies a probability or chance, and based on current scientific knowledge and observations, the likelihood of such an event occurring in the next few 100 years is low. While it is possible for asteroids or comets to collide with Earth, the probability of it happening within a specific time frame is considered to be very low.

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18.

Famous CometsHale Bopp comet is a large comet about _____________ miles across.It was visible with the naked eye for ________________ months. (2 answers)

Correct Answer
25 19

Explanation
The Hale Bopp comet is a large comet that measures 25 miles across. It was visible with the naked eye for 19 months.

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19.

Famous CometsThe ____________-_____________ comet leaves debris when it passes by Earth, causing the Perseid meteor shower in July and August.

Correct Answer
Swift Tuttle
Swift-Tuttle

Explanation
I hope I can remember to watch the meteor shower.

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20.

Famous CometsOn January 30, 1996, Yuji Hyakutake (pronounced "hyah-koo-tah-kay"), an amateur astronomer from southern Japan, discovered a new comet using a pair of ________________.

Correct Answer
binoculars
binocular

Explanation
You can be an astronomer, too.

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21.

Famous CometsAstronomers have calculated Comet Hyakutake's orbit and believe it was here about _________________ years ago.

Correct Answer
8000
8,000

Explanation
Comet Hyakutake's orbit has been calculated by astronomers, leading them to believe that it was present on Earth approximately 8000 or 8,000 years ago.

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22.

Famous CometsComet ______________ is perhaps the most famous comet in history

Correct Answer
Halley

Explanation
Halley is the most famous comet in history. It is widely known for its periodic appearance in Earth's sky every 76 years. Named after the astronomer Edmond Halley, who predicted its return, Halley's Comet has been observed and documented for centuries. Its distinct and recognizable appearance, along with its predictable orbit, has made it a subject of fascination and study. The comet has been mentioned in historical records, literature, and popular culture, solidifying its status as the most famous comet in history.

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23.

Famous CometsEach time Halley's comet's orbit approaches the Sun, its 15-km (9-mile) nucleus sheds about 6 m (7 yards) of _______ _________ _________ into space. This debris forms an orbiting trail that, when falling to Earth, is called the Orionids meteor shower.

Correct Answer
ice and rock

Explanation
When Halley's comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ice in its nucleus to vaporize, releasing gas and dust particles. This process, known as sublimation, causes the comet to shed about 6 meters of ice and rock into space. This debris forms a trail along the comet's orbit, and when the Earth passes through this trail, the particles enter our atmosphere and burn up, creating a meteor shower known as the Orionids.

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24.

Famous CometsBetween July 16 and July 22, 1994, more than _________ fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with the planet Jupiter.

Correct Answer
20

Explanation
Between July 16 and July 22, 1994, more than 20 fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with the planet Jupiter. This event was significant because it was the first observed collision between two solar system objects. The impacts created large fireballs and released enormous amounts of energy, leaving dark scars on Jupiter's atmosphere that lasted for weeks. The collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter provided valuable insights into the dynamics of our solar system and the potential impact hazards that exist in space.

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25.

Famous Comets In 1994, the impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with the planet Jupiter was the first collision of two Solar System bodies ever to be ___________________ .

Correct Answer
recorded

Explanation
The impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter in 1994 was significant because it was the first time in history that the collision of two Solar System bodies was observed and documented. This event provided scientists with valuable data and insights into the dynamics of celestial bodies and their interactions.

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Current Version
Mar 21, 2023

Quiz Edited by
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Mar 19, 2011

Quiz Created by
Marshallje

Comet Facts, Myths And Legend

The "Hair" Out ThereThe word "comet" come from the Greek word for _____________________ .

The "Hair" Out There____ _ showed that comets actually traveled far beyond the moon.

The "Hair" Out ThereAs early as the 1700's, scientists began developing __________________________ formulas that could predict the orbit of a particular comet around the Sun.

Friend or Foe?People thought __________________ were "power rays" of supernatural beings.

Friend or Foe?To save himself from the "______________ _ _ __________," Emperor Nero of Rome had all possible successors to his throne executed.

Friend or Foe?IN 1910, people in Chicago, sealed their windows to protect themselves from the __________________________ tail of the comet.

Friend or Foe?Not everyone saw comets as bad luck. Some thought they brought good _______________.

What Goes Around Comes AroundThe Chinese recorded visits by Halley's comet as far back as ________________ B.C.

What Goes Around Comes AroundThe famous Bayeux Tapestry, which commemorates the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, depicts an image of ____________________ comet bright in the sky before the Battle of Hastings.

What Goes Around Comes Around__ _ developed a theory that comets reappear. He predicted the comet's next appearance.

What Goes Around Comes AroundHalley’s comet reappears every ________________ years. Its next appearance is in 2061.

Forecast: Showers?When a comet crosses Earth's path, _______________________ showers, from the comet's debris strike the atmosphere.

Forecast: Showers?The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year between _________________ 9 and 13 when the Earth passes through the orbit of the Swift-Tuttle comet.

Forecast: Showers?Comets are brightest when they are near the ________________.

A Crash Course?Sixty-five million years ago, ______________ percent of all species then living on Earth disappeared within a very short time.

A Crash Course?There is a 65-million-year-old crater from an impact of similar magnitude just off the coast of ____________________ in the Yucatan Peninsula.

A Crash Course?Is it likely that an asteroid or comet will hit the Earth in the next few 100 years?

Famous CometsHale Bopp comet is a large comet about _ miles across.It was visible with the naked eye for ____ months. (2 answers)

Famous CometsThe -_ comet leaves debris when it passes by Earth, causing the Perseid meteor shower in July and August.

Famous CometsOn January 30, 1996, Yuji Hyakutake (pronounced "hyah-koo-tah-kay"), an amateur astronomer from southern Japan, discovered a new comet using a pair of ________________.

Famous CometsAstronomers have calculated Comet Hyakutake's orbit and believe it was here about _________________ years ago.

Famous CometsComet ______________ is perhaps the most famous comet in history

Famous CometsEach time Halley's comet's orbit approaches the Sun, its 15-km (9-mile) nucleus sheds about 6 m (7 yards) of ___ _ _____ into space. This debris forms an orbiting trail that, when falling to Earth, is called the Orionids meteor shower.

Famous CometsBetween July 16 and July 22, 1994, more than _________ fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with the planet Jupiter.

Famous Comets In 1994, the impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with the planet Jupiter was the first collision of two Solar System bodies ever to be ___________________ .

Comet Facts, Myths And Legend

The "Hair" Out ThereThe word "comet" come from the Greek word for _____________________ .

The "Hair" Out There________________ _____________ showed that comets actually traveled far beyond the moon.

The "Hair" Out ThereAs early as the 1700's, scientists began developing __________________________ formulas that could predict the orbit of a particular comet around the Sun.

Friend or Foe?People thought __________________ were "power rays" of supernatural beings.

Friend or Foe?To save himself from the "__________________ _______ _______ ______________," Emperor Nero of Rome had all possible successors to his throne executed.

Friend or Foe?IN 1910, people in Chicago, sealed their windows to protect themselves from the __________________________ tail of the comet.

Friend or Foe?Not everyone saw comets as bad luck. Some thought they brought good _______________.

What Goes Around Comes AroundThe Chinese recorded visits by Halley's comet as far back as ________________ B.C.

What Goes Around Comes AroundThe famous Bayeux Tapestry, which commemorates the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, depicts an image of ____________________ comet bright in the sky before the Battle of Hastings.

What Goes Around Comes Around____________________ ___________________ developed a theory that comets reappear. He predicted the comet's next appearance.

What Goes Around Comes AroundHalley’s comet reappears every ________________ years. Its next appearance is in 2061.

Forecast: Showers?When a comet crosses Earth's path, _______________________ showers, from the comet's debris strike the atmosphere.

Forecast: Showers?The Perseid meteor shower occurs every year between _________________ 9 and 13 when the Earth passes through the orbit of the Swift-Tuttle comet.

Forecast: Showers?Comets are brightest when they are near the ________________.

A Crash Course?Sixty-five million years ago, ______________ percent of all species then living on Earth disappeared within a very short time.

A Crash Course?There is a 65-million-year-old crater from an impact of similar magnitude just off the coast of ____________________ in the Yucatan Peninsula.

A Crash Course?Is it likely that an asteroid or comet will hit the Earth in the next few 100 years?

Famous CometsHale Bopp comet is a large comet about _____________ miles across.It was visible with the naked eye for ________________ months. (2 answers)

Famous CometsThe ____________-_____________ comet leaves debris when it passes by Earth, causing the Perseid meteor shower in July and August.

Famous CometsOn January 30, 1996, Yuji Hyakutake (pronounced "hyah-koo-tah-kay"), an amateur astronomer from southern Japan, discovered a new comet using a pair of ________________.

Famous CometsAstronomers have calculated Comet Hyakutake's orbit and believe it was here about _________________ years ago.

Famous CometsComet ______________ is perhaps the most famous comet in history

Famous CometsEach time Halley's comet's orbit approaches the Sun, its 15-km (9-mile) nucleus sheds about 6 m (7 yards) of _______ _________ _________ into space. This debris forms an orbiting trail that, when falling to Earth, is called the Orionids meteor shower.

Famous CometsBetween July 16 and July 22, 1994, more than _________ fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with the planet Jupiter.

Famous Comets In 1994, the impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with the planet Jupiter was the first collision of two Solar System bodies ever to be ___________________ .

The "Hair" Out There____ _ showed that comets actually traveled far beyond the moon.

Friend or Foe?To save himself from the "______________ _ _ __________," Emperor Nero of Rome had all possible successors to his throne executed.

What Goes Around Comes Around__ _ developed a theory that comets reappear. He predicted the comet's next appearance.

Famous CometsHale Bopp comet is a large comet about _ miles across.It was visible with the naked eye for ____ months. (2 answers)

Famous CometsThe -_ comet leaves debris when it passes by Earth, causing the Perseid meteor shower in July and August.

Famous CometsEach time Halley's comet's orbit approaches the Sun, its 15-km (9-mile) nucleus sheds about 6 m (7 yards) of ___ _ _____ into space. This debris forms an orbiting trail that, when falling to Earth, is called the Orionids meteor shower.