Imagine that the Big Dipper crosses the meridian, the point straight overhead, at about 10:00 pm tonight. Where will the big dipper be in the sky at 1:00 am tonight?

Imagine that the Big Dipper crosses the meridian, the point straight overhead, at about 10:00 pm tonight. Where will the big dipper be in the sky at 1:00 am tonight?

A) 1/4 of the way from a point overhead to the western horizon
B) Halfway from a point overhead to the W horizon
C) 15 degrees from a point overhead to the W horizon
DD 30 degrees from a point overhead to the W horizon
E) Setting on the W horizon


Answer: E

Imagine that the Big Sipper crosses the meridian, the point straight overhead, at about 10:00 pm tonight, Where will be Dipper be in the sky at 1:00 am tonight?

Imagine that the Big Sipper crosses the meridian, the point straight overhead, at about 10:00 pm tonight, Where will be Dipper be in the sky at 1:00 am tonight?

A) One fourth of the way from a point overhead to the western horizon
B) Halfway from a point overhead to the W horizon
C) 15 degrees from a point overhead to the W horizon
D) 30 degrees from a point overhead to the W horizon
E) Setting on the W horizon


Answer: E

If the light takes 8 minutes to reach Earth from the sun and 5 hours to reach Pluto, what is the distance from the sun to pluto?

If the light takes 8 minutes to reach Earth from the sun and 5 hours to reach Pluto, what is the distance from the sun to pluto?

A) 5.2 AU
B) 37.1 Au
C) 42.8 AU
D) 25.4 AU
E) 0.6 LY


Answer: B

Why is the sky coordinate right ascension (RA) referenced to 1950.0 AD in most star atlases?

Why is the sky coordinate right ascension (RA) referenced to 1950.0 AD in most star atlases?

A) Celestial coordinates were first conceived by astronomers who worked in the middle of the 20th century and they decided the year 1950 was convenient
B) 1950 was the year that lateral stellar motion was discovered
C) The phenomenon of precession shifts the zero of RA over time
D) Telescopes were first constructed with hour circles and RA dials in the year 1950
E) 1950 was the year that telescopes improved to the point that astronomers could measure small shifts in the celestial sphere


Answer: B

The moon lies 384,000 km from Earth, and the Sun lies 150,000,000 km away. If both have the same angular size as seen from Earth, how many times larger (in diameter) than the Moon is the Sun?

The moon lies 384,000 km from Earth, and the Sun lies 150,000,000 km away. If both have the same angular size as seen from Earth, how many times larger (in diameter) than the Moon is the Sun?

A) 93 million
B) 227
C) 1029
D) 391
E) cannot answer with more info


Answer: E

If Earth orbited the Sun in 9 months rather than 12, then, compared with a sidereal day, a solar day would be

If Earth orbited the Sun in 9 months rather than 12, then, compared with a sidereal day, a solar day would be

A) Longer
B) Shorter
C) Unchanged


Answer: B

Pensacola, Florida lies at a latitude of 30 degrees north. If you're in Pensacola, where is Polaris in its sky?

Pensacola, Florida lies at a latitude of 30 degrees north. If you're in Pensacola, where is Polaris in its sky?

A) 60 degrees high in the north
B) where the Big Dipper was the night before
C) 60 degrees from your zenith
D) 30 degrees from the nearest southern horizon
E) 30 degrees high in the north


Answer: A

The last quarter phase of the Moon:

The last quarter phase of the Moon:

A) Rises at sunrise
B) Sets at sunrise
C) Crosses the meridian at sunrise
D) Rises at sunset
E) Sets at sunset


Answer: D

Driving eastward just before sunrise, if you observe the Moon in the eastern sky, its phase must be:

Driving eastward just before sunrise, if you observe the Moon in the eastern sky, its phase must be:

A) Full moon
B) First quarter
C) Waxing Gibbous
D) Waning Crescent
E) New moon


Answer: B

Why is there a two day difference the sidereal and synodic months?

Why is there a two day difference the sidereal and synodic months?

A) The moon speedup at perigee, and slows down at apogee
B) The sidereal day is four minutes shorter than the solar day, and it adds up
C) The Earth is closer to the Sun during the sidereal month
D) The Earth is also revolving around the Sun, so the Moon must "catch up"
E) The Muslim lunar year is only 354 days long, on average


Answer: D

If the new moon fell on March 2nd, what is the moon's phase on March 14th?

If the new moon fell on March 2nd, what is the moon's phase on March 14th?

A) Waxing crescent
B) First quarter
C) Waxing gibbous
D) full
E) Waning crescent


Answer: A

Which statement about the first quarter moon is FALSE?

Which statement about the first quarter moon is FALSE?

A) It rises about noon
B) From the Earth, its appears 25% sunlit
C) It is the half moon of the evening sky
D) It is highest in the sky at sunset
E) It occurs about a week after new moon


Answer: B

If the moon rose tonight at 6 pm, then tomorrow it will rise about:

If the moon rose tonight at 6 pm, then tomorrow it will rise about:

A) The same time
B) 7 PM
C) 5 PM
D) Dawn
E) midnight


Answer: B

When the sun rises, it is located in the constellation Gemini. When the Sun sets later that same day, it will be:

When the sun rises, it is located in the constellation Gemini. When the Sun sets later that same day, it will be:

A) In the constellation Aries
B) In the constellation Taurus
C) In the constellation Gemini
D) In the constellation Cancer
E) In the constellation Leo


Answer: C

You note that a particular star is directly overhead, It will be directly overhead again in:

You note that a particular star is directly overhead, It will be directly overhead again in:

A) 1 hour
B) 12 hours
C) 23 hours 56 minutes
D) 24 hours
E) 24 hours 4 minutes


Answer: C

Which statement about the ecliptic is false?

Which statement about the ecliptic is false?

A) The sun appears to move about a degree per day eastward long it
B) It is tilted 23.5 degrees with respect to the equator
C) The year is marked by the sun's return to the same place along ti
D) The moon can never leave it, but moves twelve times faster than the sun
E) the major planets stay close to it, but not always on it


Answer: A

From a location in the United States of America, a star is observed to be rising due East. Where will this star be located 6 hours later?

From a location in the United States of America, a star is observed to be rising due East. Where will this star be located 6 hours later?

A) Directly overhead
B) High in the northern sky
C) high in the southern sky
D) setting due west
E) the location of the star cannot be determined from the info given


Answer: D

The place the Sun stops its northward motion along the ecliptic is the:

The place the Sun stops its northward motion along the ecliptic is the:

A) equator
B) prime meridian
C) summer solstice
D) vernal equinox
E) node of the ecliptic


Answer: A

As it orbits the Earth, the Moon appears to move eastward about is own diameter every hour.

As it orbits the Earth, the Moon appears to move eastward about is own diameter every hour.

A) True
B) False
C) Not enough information in the question to answer definitely


Answer: A

Considering the Moon's phases, everyone on Earth sees

Considering the Moon's phases, everyone on Earth sees

A) The same phase in 24 hours
B) Different phases in 24 hours
C) A lunar eclipse once a month
D) Different sides of the Moon


Answer: A

How long does it take for the Moon to go around the ecliptic?

How long does it take for the Moon to go around the ecliptic?

A) One day
B) One hour
C) One week
D) One month
E) One year


Answer: D

The vernal equinox marks the beginning of

The vernal equinox marks the beginning of

A) Summer
B) Fall
C) Winter
D) Spring
E) SEC football


Answer: D

What causes Earth's seasons?

What causes Earth's seasons?

A) Earth's rotation axis wobbles
B) The greenhouse effect
C) Earth's rotational axis is tilted 23.5 degrees
D) Earth moves closer or father from the Sun
E) global warming and cooling


Answer: C

How long does it take the Sun to complete one circuit of the ecliptic?

How long does it take the Sun to complete one circuit of the ecliptic?

A) One hour
B) One day
C) One month
D) One year
E) One decade


Answer: D

In a spectroscopic binary system, the star showing the larger blue shift is:

In a spectroscopic binary system, the star showing the larger blue shift is:

A) Cooler and receding the fastest
B) Less massive of the pair and receding slower
C) More massive and approaching us
D) Less massive and approaching us at this moment
E) Hotter and receding faster


Answer: D

Which of the following is the most common type of star?

Which of the following is the most common type of star?

A) High mass main sequence
B) Low mass main sequence
C) White dwarfs
D) Red giants
E) Blue supergiants


Answer: B

Compared to the size of the Sun, in what range of sizes are nearly all stars found?

Compared to the size of the Sun, in what range of sizes are nearly all stars found?

A) .5 to 2 solar radii
B) 0.1 to 1.0 solar radii
C) 0.5 to 50 solar radii
D) 1 to 100 solar radii
E) 0.01 to 100 solar radii


Answer: E

Stars that have masses similar to the Sun's, and sizes similar to the Earth are:

Stars that have masses similar to the Sun's, and sizes similar to the Earth are:

A) Main sequence stars
B) White dwarfs
C) Red giants
D) Red dwarfs
E) Brown dwarfs


Answer: B

Star A is a main sequence star of spectral type G5 and star B is a red giant of spectral type K2. Which statement below is correct?

Star A is a main sequence star of spectral type G5 and star B is a red giant of spectral type K2. Which statement below is correct?

A) Star A appears brighter than star B
B) Star B appears brighter than star A
C) Star A is hotter than star B
D) Star B is hotter than ster A
E) none of the above


Answer: C

What physical property of a star does the spectral type measure?

What physical property of a star does the spectral type measure?

A) Density
B) Luminosity
C) Temperature
D) Mass
E) Composition


Answer: C

What are the two most important intrinsic properties used to classify stars?

What are the two most important intrinsic properties used to classify stars?

A) Mass and age
B) Luminosity and surface temperature
C) Distance and luminosity
D) Distance and surface temperature
E) Distance and color


Answer: B

In comparing first magnitude Deneb with second magnitude Polaris, we find that:

In comparing first magnitude Deneb with second magnitude Polaris, we find that:

A) Polaris is in reality much more luminous
B) Deneb must be much hotter than Polaris
C) Deneb appears 2.5 times brighter to us than does Polaris
D) Polaris is really 100 times brighter than nearby Deneb
E) Deneb is really much closer than Polaris


Answer: C

The speed of light is 3.00 x 10^8 m/s. If 2.00 kg of mass is converted to energy, how much energy will be produced?

The speed of light is 3.00 x 10^8 m/s. If 2.00 kg of mass is converted to energy, how much energy will be produced?

A) 1.80 x 10^17 J
B) 6.00 x 10^8 J
C) 1.50 x 10^8 J
D) 6.00 x 10^4 J
E) 9.00 x 10^16 J


Answer: A

What natural barrier tries to prevent two protons from combining?

What natural barrier tries to prevent two protons from combining?

A) Dark energy
B) Antigravity
C) Electromagnetic repulsion
D) The weak nuclear force
E) The strong nuclear force


Answer: C

In the proton-proton cycle, the helium atom and neutrino have less mass than the original hydrogen. What happens to the "lost" mass?

In the proton-proton cycle, the helium atom and neutrino have less mass than the original hydrogen. What happens to the "lost" mass?

A) It is recycled back into hydrogen
B) It is ejected into space
C) It is converted to energy
D) It is transformed into electrons
E) Conservation of mass dictates no mass can be lost


Answer: C

The critical temperature the core must reach for a star to shine by fusion is:

The critical temperature the core must reach for a star to shine by fusion is:

A) 5,800 K
B) 11,000 K
C) 127,000 K
D) 10 million K
E) 100 million K


Answer: D

Suppose a large solar flare is detected optically. How long until radio interference on Earth arrives?

Suppose a large solar flare is detected optically. How long until radio interference on Earth arrives?

A) Simultaneously
B)8.5 minutes later
C) About 12 hours
D) About four days
E) No relation between the two


Answer: A

During a period of high solar activity, the corona:

During a period of high solar activity, the corona:

A) Disappears
B) Is more irregular
C) Cools almost to the temperature of the photosphere
D) Becomes smooth and even
E) Shrinks to half its normal size


Answer: B

How would sunspots appear if you could magically remove them from the Sun?

How would sunspots appear if you could magically remove them from the Sun?

A) They would appear blue-white, like Sirius but brighter
B) Because sunspots are dark spots, they would be invisible against the blackness of space
C) They would shine bright orange in color, like Arcturus
D) They would not appear any differently than on the surface of the Sun
E) They would shine only with reflected sunlight, appearing similar to Venus


Answer: C

As the Sun rotates, an individual sunspot can be tracked across its face. From eastern to western limb, this takes about:

As the Sun rotates, an individual sunspot can be tracked across its face. From eastern to western limb, this takes about:

A) 12 hours
B) A week
C) Two weeks
D) A month
E) 5.5 years


Answer: C

What is it about the Sun's corona that astronomers don't understand?

What is it about the Sun's corona that astronomers don't understand?

A) No ne knows why that part of the Sun's atmosphere does not drift away into space
B) During total solar eclipses, the corona sometimes disappears from view
C) The corner seems to absorb 2/3 of the neutrinos that pass through it
D) The corona is much hotter than layers of the Sun that are closer to the solar interior
E) The Sun's corona extends to the outer reaches of the solar system


Answer: D

From where does most of the solar wind flow?

From where does most of the solar wind flow?

A) Granules
B) Sunspots
C) Flares
D) Prominences
E) Coronal holes


Answer: E

When the chromosphere can be seen during a solar eclipse, it appears:

When the chromosphere can be seen during a solar eclipse, it appears:

A) Invisible
B) Violet
C) Blue
D) Yellow
E) Red


Answer: E

Star A has an absolute magnitude of 2.5 and star B has an apparent magnitude of 2.5, but star A is a main sequence star and star B is a red giant. Which statement below is correct?

Star A has an absolute magnitude of 2.5 and star B has an apparent magnitude of 2.5, but star A is a main sequence star and star B is a red giant. Which statement below is correct?

A) Star A appears brighter than star B, but actually star B and star A are the same brightness.
B) Star B appears brighter than star A, but actually star B and star A are the same brightness.
C) Star A and star B appear to have the same brightness, but actually star B is brighter than star A.
D) Star A and star B appear to have the same brightness, but actually star A is brighter than star B.
E) It is impossible to determine how bright these stars are or appear to be relative to one another, given the information above.


Answer: E

In general, the narrower the spectral line of a star:

In general, the narrower the spectral line of a star:

A) The cooler the star is
B) The denser the star is
C) The hotter the star is
D) The smaller the star is
E) The bigger the star is


Answer: E

Figure 17.15 in the textbook ("H-R Diagram of Bright Stars") shows Vega and Arcturus at approximately the same level on the vertical axis. This means that Arcturus must be

Figure 17.15 in the textbook ("H-R Diagram of Bright Stars") shows Vega and Arcturus at approximately the same level on the vertical axis. This means that Arcturus must be

A) Hotter than Vega
B) Larger than Vega
C) Of the same spectral class as Vega
D) Fainter than Vega


Answer: B

Two red stars have surface temperatures of 3000 K, but Star A's luminosity is about 5% of the Sun's and Star B's luminosity is about 32,000 times the luminosity of the Sun. How much bigger is star B than star A?

Two red stars have surface temperatures of 3000 K, but Star A's luminosity is about 5% of the Sun's and Star B's luminosity is about 32,000 times the luminosity of the Sun. How much bigger is star B than star A?

A) Star B's radius is about 800 times larger than star A's radius.
B) Star B's radius is about 16 times larger than star A's radius.
C) They are the same size.
D) Star B's radius is about 640,000 times larger than star A's radius.
E) This cannot be determined from the information given.


Answer: A

What is proper motion?

What is proper motion?

A) It is the annual apparent motion of a star across the sky.
B) It is the motion of a star towards or away from us, revealed by Doppler shifts.
C) It is the orbital motion of a star around the Galaxy.
D) It is the apparent shift as we go to opposite sides of our orbit every six months.
E) It is the true, not apparent, motion of a star in space.


Answer: A

T/F About 500 stars can be seen by the naked eye from somewhere on Earth.

T/F About 500 stars can be seen by the naked eye from somewhere on Earth.

Answer: True

According to Figure 17.13 in the textbook ("H-R Diagram of Prominent Stars"), Barnard's Star must be

According to Figure 17.13 in the textbook ("H-R Diagram of Prominent Stars"), Barnard's Star must be

A) Bluer than Proxima Centauri
B) Larger than Proxima Centauri
C) Hotter than Proxima Centauri
D) Closer to us than Proxima Centauri


Answer: B

Pluto's apparent magnitude is approximately 14. According to Figure17.7 in the textbook ("Apparent Magnitude"), Pluto can be seen

Pluto's apparent magnitude is approximately 14. According to Figure17.7 in the textbook ("Apparent Magnitude"), Pluto can be seen

A) With the naked eye on a dark night
B) Using binoculars
C) Using a 1-m telescope
D) Only with the Hubble Space Telescope


Answer: C

The mass of a star may be determined

The mass of a star may be determined

A) By studying its orbit around a binary companion
B) By determining its composition
C) By measuring its Doppler shift
D) By measuring its luminosity


Answer: A

Cool stars can be very luminous if they are very

Cool stars can be very luminous if they are very

A) Close to our solar system
B) Hot
C) Large
D) Small


Answer: C

Stars of spectral class M do not show strong lines of hydrogen in their spectra because

Stars of spectral class M do not show strong lines of hydrogen in their spectra because

A) Their surfaces are so hot that most hydrogen is ionized
B) Their surfaces are so cool that most hydrogen is in the ground state
C) They contain very little hydrogen
D) They hydrogen lines are swamped by even stronger lines of other elements


Answer: B

Compared with a star of absolute magnitude -2 at a distance of 100 pc, a star of absolute magnitude 5 at a distance of 10 pc will appear

Compared with a star of absolute magnitude -2 at a distance of 100 pc, a star of absolute magnitude 5 at a distance of 10 pc will appear

A) Brighter
B) Fainter
C) To have the same brightness
D) Bluer


Answer: B

According to the inverse-square law, if the distance to a lightbulb increases by a factor of 5, the bulb's apparent brightness

According to the inverse-square law, if the distance to a lightbulb increases by a factor of 5, the bulb's apparent brightness

A) Stays the same
B) Becomes 5 times less
C) Becomes 10 times less
D) Becomes 25 times less


Answer: D

From a distance of 1 parsec, the angular size of Earth's orbit would be

From a distance of 1 parsec, the angular size of Earth's orbit would be 

A) 2 degrees
B) 1 arc minute
C) 2 arc seconds
D) 1 degree


Answer: C

In order to turn a star's proper motion into its space velocity, we must also know:

In order to turn a star's proper motion into its space velocity, we must also know:

A) Its mass and spectral type
B) Its temperature and age
C) Its distance and radial velocity
D) It distance and mass
E) Its spectral type and period of rotation


Answer: C

At the distance of Jupiter (6 times further away from the Sun than Earth) the amount of sunlight received per square centimeter different by what factor?

At the distance of Jupiter (6 times further away from the Sun than Earth) the amount of sunlight received per square centimeter different by what factor?

A) 6 times less
B) 12 times less
C) 36 times less
D) 6 times more
E) 12 times more


Answer: C

Which type of binary star system can have its size measured directly by photometry?

Which type of binary star system can have its size measured directly by photometry?

A) Virtual
B) Visual
C) Eclipsing
D) Spectroscopic
E) Astrometric


Answer: C

In a visual binary system with circular orbits, if in 20 years the two stars' position angles have shifted by 30 degrees, the pari's period must be:

In a visual binary system with circular orbits, if in 20 years the two stars' position angles have shifted by 30 degrees, the pari's period must be:

A) 60 years
B) 90 years
C) 120 years
D) 240 years
E) 360 years


Answer: D

Alpha Centauri A and B have an average orbital separation of about 23 AU and a period of about 80 years. Approximately what is the sum of their masses (in solar units)?

Alpha Centauri A and B have an average orbital separation of about 23 AU and a period of about 80 years. Approximately what is the sum of their masses (in solar units)?

A) 1.3
B) 1.9
C) 3.7
D) 5.1
E) 8.4


Answer: B

The apparent magnitude of the Sun is -26, while Sirius has an apparent magnitude of -1; how much brighter does the Sun appear than Sirius?

The apparent magnitude of the Sun is -26, while Sirius has an apparent magnitude of -1; how much brighter does the Sun appear than Sirius?

A) 25 times
B) 100 times
C) 10 million times
D) 10 billion times
E) None of these


Answer: D

In question 20, how much farther away is it than the other?

In question 20, how much farther away is it than the other?

A) 3 times farther
B) 4 times farther
C) 9 times farther
D) 16 times farther
E) None of these


Answer: A

Two stars--A, with a luminosity 0.5 times that of the Sun, and B, with a luminosity 4.5 times that of the Sun--are observed to have the same apparent brightness, Which one is more distant?

Two stars--A, with a luminosity 0.5 times that of the Sun, and B, with a luminosity 4.5 times that of the Sun--are observed to have the same apparent brightness, Which one is more distant?

A) Star A
B) Star B
C) Cannot determine without more data


Answer: B

In the H-R diagram, the bright blue-white stars dominate the naked eye sky lie to the:

In the H-R diagram, the bright blue-white stars dominate the naked eye sky lie to the:

A) Top left
B) Top right
C) Middle of the main sequence
D) Top center
E) Bottom left


Answer: A

On the H-R diagram, white dwarfs lie Sirius B and Procyon B lie:

On the H-R diagram, white dwarfs lie Sirius B and Procyon B lie:

A) At the top left
B) At the top right
C) Close to the Sun, near the center
D) At the lower left
E) At the lower right


Answer: D

On the H-R diagram, red supergiants like Betelgeuse lie:

On the H-R diagram, red supergiants like Betelgeuse lie:

A) At the bottom left
B) At the bottom right
C) At the top left
D) At the top right
E) They can't be plotted, for they are not main sequence


Answer: D

Which star do you expect to have the shortest lifetime?

Which star do you expect to have the shortest lifetime?

A) O stars
B) B stars
C) G stars
D) M stars


Answer: A

In which stars are the visible hydrogen lines strongest?

In which stars are the visible hydrogen lines strongest?

A) Blue stars
B) White stars
C) Yellow stars
D) Red stars


Answer: B

If the absolute magnitude M of a star is 1/38 and its apparent magnitude is -1.47, how far is it away?

If the absolute magnitude M of a star is 1/38 and its apparent magnitude is -1.47, how far is it away?

A) 17.6 pc
B) 34.9 pc
C) 5.7 pc
D) 2.7 pc
E) 61.8 pc


Answer: D

Which changes by the largest factor along the main sequence from spectral types O to M?

Which changes by the largest factor along the main sequence from spectral types O to M?

A) Mass
B) Luminosity
C) Radius


Answer: B

A star that is cool and very luminous must have

A star that is cool and very luminous must have

A) A very large radius
B) A very small radius
C) A very small mass
D) A very great distance
E) A very low velocity


Answer: A

Which of the following stars is hottest?

Which of the following stars is hottest?

A) An M star
B) An F star
C) A G star
D) A B star
E) An O star


Answer: E

If the radial velocity of a star is +20 km/s and the proper motion of the star is such that the transverse speed is 22 km/s, what is the true space motion of the star?

If the radial velocity of a star is +20 km/s and the proper motion of the star is such that the transverse speed is 22 km/s, what is the true space motion of the star?

A) 10 km/s
B) 58 km/s
C) 102 km/s
D) 30 km/s
E) Not enough info to determine


Answer: D

Using the radius-luminosity-temperature relationship, estimate the size of the star Sirius B using the fact that the temperature of Sirius B is 12,000 K and its luminosity is 10(24) W, about 0.002 times the Sun

Using the radius-luminosity-temperature relationship, estimate the size of the star Sirius B using the fact that the temperature of Sirius B is 12,000 K and its luminosity is 10(24) W, about 0.002 times the Sun

A) 10 Rsun
B) 100 Rsun
C) 0.1 Rsun
D) 0.01 Rsun
E) 0.001 Rsun


Answer: D

Star A and star B both have an apparent magnitude of 4.0, but star A has an absolute magnitude of 1.0 and star B has an absolute magnitude of 7.0. Which statement below is correct?

Star A and star B both have an apparent magnitude of 4.0, but star A has an absolute magnitude of 1.0 and star B has an absolute magnitude of 7.0. Which statement below is correct?

A) Star A appears brighter than star B, but actually star B and star A are the same brightness
B) Star B appears brighter than Star A, but actually star B and star A are the same brightness
C) Star A and star B appear to have the same brightness, but actually star B is brighter than star A
D) Star A and star B appear to have the same brightness, but actually star A is brighter than star B
E) It is impossible to determine how bright these stars are or appear to be relative to one another, given the info above


Answer: D

Of the following telescopes, the one best suited to observing dark dust clouds is

Of the following telescopes, the one best suited to observing dark dust clouds is 

a) an orbiting ultraviolet telescope.
b) an X-ray telescope.
c) a radio telescope.
d) a large visible-light telescope.


Answer: c) a radio telescope

A nova is a sudden outburst of light coming from an old main-sequence star.

A nova is a sudden outburst of light coming from an old main-sequence star.

Answer: False
nuclear explosion of a white dwarf causing sudden star brightening

A planetary nebula is the disk of matter around a star that will eventually form a planetary system.

A planetary nebula is the disk of matter around a star that will eventually form a planetary system.

Answer: False
planetary nebula is emission nebula with an expanding glowing shell of gas coming from red giants

The formation of the first high-mass stars in a collapsing cloud tend to inhibit further star formation within the cloud.

The formation of the first high-mass stars in a collapsing cloud tend to inhibit further star formation within the cloud.

Answer: True

Twenty-one-centimeter radiation can be used to probe the interiors of molecular clouds.

Twenty-one-centimeter radiation can be used to probe the interiors of molecular clouds.

Answer: False

Red giants are very bright because they are extremely hot

Red giants are very bright because they are extremely hot

Answer: False

Star A appears brighter than star B, as seen from Earth. Therefore star A must be closer to Earth than star B.

Star A appears brighter than star B, as seen from Earth. Therefore star A must be closer to Earth than star B.

Answer: False

Neutrinos have never been detected experimentally

Neutrinos have never been detected experimentally

Answer: False

Sunspots appear dark because they are hotter than the surrounding gas in the photosphere

Sunspots appear dark because they are hotter than the surrounding gas in the photosphere

Answer: False

A white dwarf can explode when

A white dwarf can explode when

a) its mass exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit
b) its electron degeneracy increases enormously
c) fusion reactions increase in its core
d) iron in its core collapses
e) the planetary nebula stage ends


Answer: a) its mass exceeds the Chandrasekhar limit

Elements heavier than carbon(hydrogen/helium) were created

Elements heavier than carbon(hydrogen/helium) were created 

a) in the Big Bang
b) by the nucleosynthesis in a massive star
c) in the cores of stars like the sun
d) within planetary nebula
e) they have always existed


Answer: b) by nucleosynthesis in massive stars
Stars the size of our sun do not produce elements heavier than carbon.

The sun will evolve away from the main sequence when

The sun will evolve away from the main sequence when

a) its core begins fusing iron
b) its supply of hydrogen
c) the carbon core detonates, and it explodes as a type I supernova
d) helium builds up in the core, while the hydrogen- burning shell expands
e) the core loses all of its neutrinos, so all fusion cease


Answer: d) helium builds up in the core, while the hydrogen- burning shell expands

A star like our sun will spend most of its "shining" lifetime

A star like our sun will spend most of its "shining" lifetime

a) as a protostar
b) as a red giant
c) as a main sequence star
d) as a white dwarf
e) evolving from type O to type M


Answer: c) as a main sequence star

What is a T-Tauri star?

What is a T-Tauri star?

a) a collapsing cloud of gas about to become a protostar
b) a dying star
c) a cool main sequence star
d) a star releasing a planetary nebula
e) a protostar about to become a star


Answer: E) a protostar about to become a star

t-tauri stars often show jets of gas emitted in two direction - "bi-polar flow" suggesting they are not yet stable

A white dwarf is supported by the pressure of tightly packed

A white dwarf is supported by the pressure of tightly packed 

a) protons
b) neutrons
c) photons
d) electrons


Answer: d) Electrons

Most of the carbon in our bodies originated in

Most of the carbon in our bodies originated in 

a) a nearby galaxy
b) the core of the sun
c) the core of a red giant star
d) a supernova


Answer: c) the core of a red giant star

It takes less and less time to fuse heavier and heavier elements inside a high-mass star.

It takes less and less time to fuse heavier and heavier elements inside a high-mass star.

Answer: True

Nuclear fusion in the core of a massive star can not create elements much heavier than iron.

Nuclear fusion in the core of a massive star can not create elements much heavier than iron.

Answer: True

All of the single red-dwarf stars that ever formed are still on the main sequence today

All of the single red-dwarf stars that ever formed are still on the main sequence today

Answer: True

The Sun will get brighter as it begins to run out of fuel in its core.

The Sun will get brighter as it begins to run out of fuel in its core.

Answer: True

In a core-collapse supernova, the outer part of the core rebounds from the inner, high-density core, destroying the entire outer part of the star.

In a core-collapse supernova, the outer part of the core rebounds from the inner, high-density core, destroying the entire outer part of the star.

Answer: True

A protostar that will eventually turn into a star like the Sun is significantly

A protostar that will eventually turn into a star like the Sun is significantly 

a) less massive than the Sun.
b) more luminous than the Sun.
c) fainter than the Sun.
d) smaller than the Sun.


Answer: b) more luminous than the sun

The red glow of an emission nebula

The red glow of an emission nebula 

a) is a reflection of light from stars near the nebula.
b) is the unresolved light of many faint red stars within the nebula.
c) is emitted by warm gas falling onto the stars at the center.
d) is produced by hydrogen gas heated to high temperatures by massive stars within the nebula.


Answer: d) is produced by hydrogen gas heated to high temperatures by massive stars within the nebula.

More massive stars form more rapidly.

More massive stars form more rapidly.

Answer: True

Emission nebulae radiate mainly in the ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Emission nebulae radiate mainly in the ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Answer: False

Brown dwarfs take a long time to form, but will eventually become visible stars on the lower main sequence.

Brown dwarfs take a long time to form, but will eventually become visible stars on the lower main sequence.

Answer: False

Most stars form as members of groups or clusters.

Most stars form as members of groups or clusters.

Answer: True

Interstellar matter is quite evenly distributed throughout the Milky Way Galaxy

Interstellar matter is quite evenly distributed throughout the Milky Way Galaxy

Answer: False

Compared with a star of absolute magnitude -2 at a distance of 100 pc, a star of absolute magnitude 5 at a distance of 10 pc will appear

Compared with a star of absolute magnitude -2 at a distance of 100 pc, a star of absolute magnitude 5 at a distance of 10 pc will appear 

a) bluer
b) to have the same brightness
c) brighter
d) Fainter


Answer: d) Fainter

The mass of a star may be determined

The mass of a star may be determined 

a) by studying its orbit around a binary companion.
b) by measuring its luminosity.
c) by determining its composition.
d) by measuring its Doppler shift.


Answer: a) by studying its orbit around a binary companion

Cool stars can be very luminous if they are very

Cool stars can be very luminous if they are very

a) hot
b) small
c) close to the solar system
d) Large


Answer: d) Large

Stars of spectral class M do not show strong lines of hydrogen in their spectra because

Stars of spectral class M do not show strong lines of hydrogen in their spectra because

a) the hydrogen lines are swamped by even stronger lines of other elements.
b) they contain very little hydrogen.
c) their surfaces are so hot that most hydrogen is ionized.
d) their surfaces are so cool that most hydrogen is in the ground state.


Answer: d) their surfaces are so cool that most hydrogen is in the ground state.

The radius of a star can be determined if the star's distance and luminosity are known.

The radius of a star can be determined if the star's distance and luminosity are known.

Answer: False

In a spectroscopic binary, the orbital motion of the component star appears as variations in the overall apparent brightness of the system.

In a spectroscopic binary, the orbital motion of the component star appears as variations in the overall apparent brightness of the system.

Answer: False

Astronomers can distinguish between main-sequence and giant stars by purely spectroscopic means

Astronomers can distinguish between main-sequence and giant stars by purely spectroscopic means

Answer: True

A star of apparent magnitude +5 looks brighter than one of apparent magnitude +2.

A star of apparent magnitude +5 looks brighter than one of apparent magnitude +2.

Answer: False

There are no billion-year-old main-sequence O- or B-type stars.

There are no billion-year-old main-sequence O- or B-type stars.

Answer: True

From a distance of 1 parsec, the angular size of Earth's orbit would be

From a distance of 1 parsec, the angular size of Earth's orbit would be

a) 2 arc seconds
b) 1 degree
c) 1 arc minute
d) 2 degrees


Answer: a) 2 arc seconds

The time between successive sunspot maxima is about

The time between successive sunspot maxima is about 

a) a decade
b) a year
c) a month
d) a century


Answer: a) a decade

The Sun spins on its axis roughly once each

The Sun spins on its axis roughly once each

a) year
b) hour
c) day
d) Month


Answer: d) month

The density and temperature in the solar corona are much higher than in the photosphere.

The density and temperature in the solar corona are much higher than in the photosphere.

Answer: False

The most abundant element in the Sun is hydrogen.

The most abundant element in the Sun is hydrogen.

Answer: True

The proton-proton chain releases energy because mass is created in the process.

The proton-proton chain releases energy because mass is created in the process.

Answer: False. energy is given off and the new element is lighter

Flares are caused by magnetic disturbances in the lower atmosphere of the Sun.

Flares are caused by magnetic disturbances in the lower atmosphere of the Sun.

Answer: True

There are as many absorption lines in the solar spectrum as there are elements present in the Sun.

There are as many absorption lines in the solar spectrum as there are elements present in the Sun.

Answer: False

Astronomers use the term nebula to refer to

Astronomers use the term nebula to refer to

a) outer envelopes of dying stars that drift gently into space.
b) remnants of stars that die by supernova.
c) clouds of gas and dust in interstellar space.
d) distant galaxies seen beyond our Milky Way.
e) All of the above are correct.


Answer: e) All of the above are correct.

Nebula refers to any fuzzy patch - bright or dark - in the sky.

Two stars have the same surface temperature, but the radius of one is 10 times that of the other. The larger star is

Two stars have the same surface temperature, but the radius of one is 10 times that of the other. The larger star is

a) the same luminosity
b) twice as luminous
c) 10 times as luminous
d) 100 times as luminous
e) 1000 times as luminous


Answer: d) 100 times as luminous

Wien's law tells us that the hotter an object, the _____ the peak wavelength of its emitted light.

Wien's law tells us that the hotter an object, the _____ the peak wavelength of its emitted light.

a) longer
b) more green
c) heavier
d) shorter
e) more constant


Answer: d) shorter

Wien's law states that hotter stars appear more blue in color, and cooler stars appear more red in color.

Which of the following quantities do you need in order to calculate a star's luminosity?

Which of the following quantities do you need in order to calculate a star's luminosity?

a) apparent brightness
b) Doppler shift of spectral lines
c) color of the star
d) distance to the star
e) a and d


Answer: e) a and d

The absolute magnitude of a star is its brightness as seen from a distance of

The absolute magnitude of a star is its brightness as seen from a distance of

a) one million km.
b) one Astronomical Unit.
c) one light-year.
d) ten parsecs.
e) ten light-years.


Answer: d) ten parsecs

In the stellar magnitude system invented by Hipparchus, a smaller magnitude indicates a _____ star.

In the stellar magnitude system invented by Hipparchus, a smaller magnitude indicates a _____ star.

a) brighter
b) hotter
c) cooler
d) fainter
e) more distant


Answer: a) brighter

Two identical stars, one 5 ly from Earth, and a second 50 ly from Earth are discovered. How much fainter does the farther star appear to be?

Two identical stars, one 5 ly from Earth, and a second 50 ly from Earth are discovered. How much fainter does the farther star appear to be?

a) square root of 10.
b) 10.
c) 100.
d) 1,000.
e) the farther star does not appear fainter, since it's identical.


Answer: c) 100

For two stars of the same apparent brightness, the star closer to the Sun will generally have

For two stars of the same apparent brightness, the star closer to the Sun will generally have

a) a higher flux
b) a hotter temperature
c) a lower luminosity
d) identical physical properties


Answer: c) a lower luminosity

How far away from Earth is the nearest star?

How far away from Earth is the nearest star?

a) 1.3 pc
b) 1 AU
c) 0.53"
d) 10 ly
e) 10 pc


Answer: b) 1 AU

If the parallax of a star is measured to be 0.1 seconds of arc, its distance is

If the parallax of a star is measured to be 0.1 seconds of arc, its distance is

a) 10 astronomical units
b) 10 parsecs
c) 1 parsec
d) 0.1 parsec
e) 0.1 astronomical units


Answer: b) 10 parsecs

d(parsec)= 1/ (theta)(arc seconds)

How many radians in 60 degrees?

How many radians in 60 degrees?

a) 3.14159
b) π/6
c) π/3
d) 2π/60


Answer: c) π/3

Solar energy is produced by

Solar energy is produced by

a) the release of heat leftover from the Sun's formation.
b) solar magnetism.
c) fission of heavier nuclei into lighter ones.
d) fusion of light nuclei into heavier ones.


Answer: d) fusion of light nuclei into heavier ones.

Protons stick together to form a new element, the element is lighter and energy is given off in the process

The proton-proton cycle involves what kind of fusion process?

The proton-proton cycle involves what kind of fusion process?

a) carbon (C) into oxygen (O)
b) helium (He) into carbon (C)
c) hydrogen (H) into helium (He)
d) neon (Ne) into silicon (Si)
e) oxygen (O) into iron (Fe)


Answer: c) hydrogen (H) into helium (He)

In the P-P cycle, four hydrogen nuclei (protons) fuse into one helium nucleus, releasing gamma rays and neutrinos

What is probably responsible for the increase in temperature of the corona far from the Sun's surface?

What is probably responsible for the increase in temperature of the corona far from the Sun's surface?

a) the higher rate of fusion
b) the Sun's magnetism
c) higher radiation pressures
d) absorption of X rays
e) convection currents


Answer: b) the Sun's magnetism


Apparently the Sun's magnetic field acts like a pump to increase the speeds of particles in the upper corona.

Sunspots appear dark because they are

Sunspots appear dark because they are

a) holes in the photosphere through which you can see deeply into the solar interior.
b) a bit cooler, thus dimmer than the rest of the photosphere.
c) large opaque structures that block light from the glowing solar surface.
d) causing retinal damage.


Answer: b) a bit cooler, thus dimmer than the rest of the photosphere.

The photosphere (the visible surface) of the Sun is like

The photosphere (the visible surface) of the Sun is like

a) the surface of Earth; you could stand on it, if you could survive the heat.
b) the surface of the ocean; you couldn't stand on it, but you would clearly be able to detect differences above and below it.
c) an apparent surface; you would notice very little change as you go through it, as when you fly through a cloud.
d) the surface of a trampoline; you could land on it, but the intense pressure would push you away again.


Answer: c) an apparent surface; you would notice very little change as you go through it, as when you fly through a cloud.

The visible light we see comes from the photosphere - creating the appearance of a sharp edge, or surface, to the Sun.

The light from the East limb (edge) of the Sun is blue shifted and the light from the West limb is redshifted. This is because

The light from the East limb (edge) of the Sun is blue shifted and the light from the West limb is redshifted. This is because

a) different kinds of atoms emit light at the opposite edges.
b) the Sun is rotating.
c) the distance from the Sun to Earth changes.
d) the two sides of the Sun are at different temperatures.


Answer: b) the Sun is rotating.

One edge is a "source moving towards" us and the other edge is a "source moving away" from us.

Tremendous pressure is created at the Sun's center due to its own gravity. The Sun is kept from collapsing by

Tremendous pressure is created at the Sun's center due to its own gravity. The Sun is kept from collapsing by

a) neutrinos and other particles generated by nuclear fusion.
b) a hard inner core.
c) gas pressure created by the heat of nuclear fusion.
d) gas pressure created from left over heat from the formation of the Sun.


Answer: c) gas pressure created by the heat of nuclear fusion.

The density of the Sun is most similar to that of

The density of the Sun is most similar to that of

a) a comet.
b) Jupiter.
c) Earth.
d) interstellar gas.
e) an asteroid.


Answer: B) Jupiter

The Sun is a ball of charged gas, without a solid surface. Jupiter has a similar composition, but not enough mass to be a star.

Molecular hydrogen- found in cold dark dust clouds that may form the beginning of stars. How much bigger is the Sun's radius compared to Earth's radius?

Molecular hydrogen- found in cold dark dust clouds that may form the beginning of stars. How much bigger is the Sun's radius compared to Earth's radius?

a) 100
b) 1000
c) 100,000
d) 1,000,000


Answer: a) 100

Star formation happens when part of a dust cloud begins to contract under its own gravitational force stars are formed from cold interstellar gas clouds made up of

Star formation happens when part of a dust cloud begins to contract under its own gravitational force stars are formed from cold interstellar gas clouds made up of

a) atomic gas of mostly hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen
b) molecular hydrogen gas and dust grains
c) some hydrogen gas, comets, and astroids
d) stars are formed from ver HOT gas


Answer: b) molecular hydrogen gas and dust grains

If an Interstellar cloud contracts to become a star, it is due to which force?

If an Interstellar cloud contracts to become a star, it is due to which force?

a) electromagnetic
b) nuclear strong
c) Nuclear Weak
d) gravitational
e) centrifugal


Answer: d) gravitational

The reddish color of emission nebulae indicates that

The reddish color of emission nebulae indicates that 

A) gas and dust is moving away from the earth
B) hydrogen gas is present
C) dying stars have recently exploded
D) cool red stars are hidden inside
E) dust is present


Answer: B) hydrogen gas is present

Glowing hydrogen gas emits red light around the Horsehead nebula

Some regions of the milky way's disk appear dark because

Some regions of the milky way's disk appear dark because

a) there are no stars here
b) stars in that direction are obscured by interstellar gas
c) numerous black holes absorb the light
b) stars in that direction are obscured by interstellar dust


Answer: dust grains are about the same size as visible light, and they can scatter or block the shorter wavelengths.

Interstellar gas is composed primarily of

Interstellar gas is composed primarily of

a) 90% hydrogen, 9% helium, and 1% Heavier gas
b) molecules including water and CO2.
c) 50% hydrogen, 50% helium.
d) hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
e) 99% hydrogen, and 1% heavier elements.


Answer: a) 90% hydrogen, 9% helium, and 1% Heavier gas

The composition of interstellar gas mirrors that of the Sun, stars, and the Jovian planets.

Which spectral classification and type corresponds to a star like the Sun?

Which spectral classification and type corresponds to a star like the Sun?

a) B8IA
b) GIII
c)M5V
d) G2V
e) K2V


Answer: d) G2V