1.
Which planet is closest to the sun?
Correct Answer
C. Mercury
Explanation
Mercury is the closest planet to the sun. It orbits the sun at an average distance of about 36 million miles, which is much closer than any other planet. Its proximity to the sun also means that it has a shorter orbit, completing one revolution around the sun in just 88 Earth days. This makes Mercury the closest and fastest planet to the sun in our solar system.
2.
NASA robots Spirt and Opportunity were sent to explore which planet?
Correct Answer
D. Mars
Explanation
NASA sent the robots Spirit and Opportunity to explore Mars. This is evident from the fact that Mars is listed as one of the options and is the correct answer.
3.
Which of these is a moon of the planet Mars?
Correct Answer
B. pHobos
Explanation
Phobos is a moon of the planet Mars. It is the larger and innermost of the two moons orbiting Mars. It was discovered in 1877 and is named after the Greek god Phobos, who was the personification of fear in Greek mythology. Phobos is irregularly shaped and has a heavily cratered surface. It is one of the smallest moons in the solar system and is gradually moving closer to Mars.
4.
What are the rings around Saturn made of?
Correct Answer
C. Ice and dust
Explanation
The rings around Saturn are made of ice and dust. This is supported by scientific evidence and observations from space probes. The rings consist of countless particles of ice ranging in size from tiny grains to large chunks, along with dust particles. These particles reflect sunlight, giving the rings their characteristic brightness. The composition of the rings has been confirmed through spectroscopic analysis, which identifies the presence of water ice and other organic compounds. Therefore, ice and dust are the primary components of the rings around Saturn.
5.
Which planet is the biggest in our solar system?
Correct Answer
B. Jupiter
Explanation
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It has a diameter of about 143,000 kilometers, which is more than 11 times the diameter of Earth. Jupiter's immense size is due to its strong gravitational pull, allowing it to accumulate a large amount of gas and dust during its formation. Its mass is more than twice the combined mass of all the other planets in the solar system. Jupiter also has the most number of moons, with at least 79 known satellites orbiting around it.
6.
Which of these objects is now considered a dwarf planet?
Correct Answer
D. Pluto
Explanation
Pluto is now considered a dwarf planet because in 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the definition of a planet. According to the new definition, a planet must meet three criteria: it must orbit the sun, it must be spherical in shape, and it must have cleared its orbit of other debris. While Pluto meets the first two criteria, it does not meet the third as it shares its orbit with other objects in the Kuiper Belt. Therefore, it was reclassified as a dwarf planet.
7.
Where did the planet Mercury's name come from?
Correct Answer
B. The roman messenger of the gods
Explanation
The planet Mercury's name comes from the Roman messenger of the gods. In Roman mythology, Mercury was the swift messenger of the gods and the god of commerce, travel, and communication. The planet's name was given to it because of its fast orbital speed around the sun, resembling the swiftness of the Roman god.
8.
What is the farthest planet from our sun?
Correct Answer
A. Neptune
Explanation
Neptune is the farthest planet from our sun. It is located about 4.5 billion kilometers away from the sun, making it the farthest planet in our solar system. Neptune's distance from the sun allows it to have a very long orbital period, taking about 165 Earth years to complete one orbit. Its distance from the sun also contributes to its extremely cold temperatures, with an average temperature of -214 degrees Celsius. Additionally, Neptune is known for its beautiful blue color and its strong winds, making it a fascinating planet in our solar system.
9.
Why does Earth look blue from space?
Correct Answer
D. The water on its surface
Explanation
The Earth looks blue from space because of the water on its surface. The oceans and other bodies of water on Earth reflect the sunlight, and this reflection gives the planet a blue appearance when viewed from space.
10.
How many moons does Uranus have?
Correct Answer
D. 27
Explanation
Uranus has 27 moons. This is a well-known fact about the planet. Moons are natural satellites that orbit around a planet, and Uranus has a relatively large number of them compared to other planets in our solar system. These moons vary in size and shape, and they play an important role in studying the dynamics and characteristics of Uranus.
11.
How wide is Jupiter?
Correct Answer
E. Eleven times as wide
Explanation
Jupiter is approximately eleven times wider than Earth.
12.
Who discovered Uranus?
Correct Answer
B. William Herschel
Explanation
William Herschel is the correct answer because he was the astronomer who discovered Uranus. In 1781, Herschel observed a new celestial object and initially thought it was a comet. However, further observations revealed that it was a planet beyond Saturn, making it the first planet to be discovered in modern history. Herschel's discovery revolutionized our understanding of the solar system and expanded our knowledge of the universe.
13.
How long is a year on Jupiter?
Correct Answer
C. Twelve years
Explanation
A year on Jupiter is equivalent to approximately 12 Earth years. This is because Jupiter takes about 12 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun. Therefore, the correct answer is twelve years.