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Astronomy and Optical Instruments Quiz

#1

Which planet is known as the 'Red Planet'?

Mars
Explanation

Due to its reddish appearance from iron oxide on its surface.

#2

What is the primary function of a telescope?

To observe distant objects
Explanation

It gathers and focuses light to create images of celestial objects.

#3

Which of the following is NOT a type of optical telescope?

Radio telescope
Explanation

It uses radio waves instead of light.

#4

Who was the first person to use a telescope for astronomical observations?

Galileo Galilei
Explanation

He made significant astronomical discoveries using his telescope.

#5

Which of the following is NOT a type of optical aberration?

Cosmic aberration
Explanation

This term is not recognized in optical aberration classification.

#6

What is the phenomenon where a total solar eclipse occurs?

When the moon completely blocks the sun
Explanation

Creates a temporary darkness during the day.

#7

What is the term for the point in an orbit where a satellite is farthest from the Earth?

Apogee
Explanation

Opposite of perigee, the closest point.

#8

What does 'AU' stand for in astronomy?

Astronomical Unit
Explanation

The average distance between the Earth and the Sun.

#9

Which optical instrument is used to study the spectra of stars?

Spectroscope
Explanation

It breaks down light into its component wavelengths for analysis.

#10

Which planet has the most moons in our solar system?

Jupiter
Explanation

It has over 79 known moons.

#11

What is the name of the largest optical telescope on Earth?

Keck Observatory
Explanation

Located in Hawaii, it consists of two telescopes.

#12

What is the name of the imaginary line around which Earth rotates?

Axis
Explanation

It passes through the North and South Poles.

#13

Which optical instrument is used to measure angles in the sky?

Sextant
Explanation

Primarily used in navigation but can also measure celestial angles.

#14

Which type of telescope uses a mirror to gather and focus light?

Reflecting telescope
Explanation

Popularized by Newton, it reduces chromatic aberration.

#15

What is the name of the phenomenon where light bends as it passes through different mediums?

Refraction
Explanation

Occurs due to the change in speed of light.

#16

What is the phenomenon where an object's apparent position changes due to the observer's movement called?

Parallax
Explanation

Used to measure distances to nearby stars.

#17

What is the name of the effect where light is spread out into its component colors?

Dispersion
Explanation

Commonly seen in rainbows and prisms.

#18

Who proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system?

Nicolaus Copernicus
Explanation

Revolutionized astronomy with his Sun-centered model.

#19

What is the name of the process by which stars convert hydrogen into helium?

Fusion
Explanation

Primary source of energy in main sequence stars.

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