1.
Let's start with an easy one- Who was the first person to step on the moon?
Correct Answer
C. Neil Armstrong
Explanation
Neil Armstrong was the first person to step on the moon. He achieved this historic feat on July 20, 1969, as part of NASA's Apollo 11 mission. Armstrong's famous words "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" have become iconic. His role as the commander of the mission and his successful moonwalk made him a symbol of human achievement and exploration.
2.
The distance between Earth and the moon is __________.
Correct Answer
A. 238,855 miles
Explanation
The distance between Earth and the moon is 238,855 miles. This is the correct answer because it is the most accurate measurement of the average distance between the Earth and the moon. This distance can vary slightly due to the moon's elliptical orbit, but on average, it is approximately 238,855 miles.
3.
Identify the three primary gases present in the lunar atmosphere.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Neon
C. Helium
D. Hydrogen
Explanation
The three primary gases present in the lunar atmosphere are Neon, Helium, and Hydrogen. These gases have been detected in trace amounts by instruments and experiments conducted on the moon. Neon is the second most abundant gas after Helium, and both are believed to have been implanted by the solar wind. Hydrogen is also present, mainly in the form of water ice in permanently shadowed regions. Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen, although important gases on Earth, are not found in significant quantities in the lunar atmosphere.
4.
There is a very thin and tenuous atmosphere present on the moon called an exosphere. State true or false.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true. The moon does have a very thin and tenuous atmosphere called an exosphere. Although it is extremely sparse, consisting mostly of particles emitted from the lunar surface, it is still considered an atmosphere. The exosphere on the moon is composed of various elements such as helium, neon, and argon, but the density is so low that it is almost a vacuum.
5.
The direction of the orbit of the Moon is in ___________.
Correct Answer
C. Same direction as the Earth
Explanation
The Moon orbits the Earth in the same direction as the Earth rotates on its axis. This is known as prograde motion. The Moon's orbit takes approximately 27.3 days to complete, and it follows a slightly elliptical path around the Earth. The gravitational pull between the Earth and the Moon keeps the Moon in its orbit, and the Earth's rotation causes the Moon to appear to rise and set in the sky. The Moon's orbit is not influenced by the direction of the Sun or Jupiter's orbit.
6.
The moon is expected to be ________ years old.
Correct Answer
B. 4 billion years
Explanation
The moon is expected to be 4 billion years old because scientists have used various dating methods, such as radiometric dating of moon rocks brought back by Apollo missions, to estimate its age. These methods indicate that the moon formed shortly after the formation of the solar system, which is estimated to be around 4.6 billion years ago. Therefore, the moon is believed to have formed about 4 billion years ago.
7.
Time taken by the moon to complete one revolution is _______.
Correct Answer
A. 27 days
Explanation
The moon takes approximately 27 days to complete one revolution around the Earth. This is known as its sidereal period, which is the time it takes for the moon to return to the same position in relation to the stars. It is important to note that this is different from the moon's synodic period, which is the time it takes for the moon to go through its phases and return to the same position in relation to the Sun, which is approximately 29.5 days.
8.
Who is the Greek goddess of the Moon?
Correct Answer
D. Selene
Explanation
Selene is the correct answer because she is the Greek goddess of the Moon. In Greek mythology, Selene is often depicted as a beautiful woman with a crescent moon crown, riding a silver chariot across the night sky. She is associated with the night, the moon, and lunar cycles. Selene is also known as the sister of Helios, the sun god, and Eos, the goddess of the dawn.
9.
Name the earthly phenomenon that is affected by the moon.
Correct Answer
B. Tides
Explanation
Tides are the result of the gravitational pull of the moon on Earth's oceans. The moon's gravitational force causes the water in the oceans to bulge, creating high tides. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet experience these high tides, resulting in the regular rise and fall of sea levels. Therefore, tides are directly influenced by the moon's position and phase, making them the earthly phenomenon affected by the moon.
10.
The moon has rings. State true or false.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement that the moon has rings is false. Rings are not a characteristic of the moon. The moon is a natural satellite of the Earth and does not possess any rings like other celestial bodies such as Saturn.