Physics · Science General

Astronomy and Cosmology

4,450 Questions

This topic provides questions on astronomy, cosmology, and the physical universe. It covers subjects like the Hubble sequence, constellations, dark matter, and stellar evolution. These questions help build a strong foundation for general science exam sections.

Galaxies and clustersConstellations and starsStellar evolutionSpace observatories

Astronomy and Cosmology Questions

Multiple choice

Directions: The following question consists of certain statements. You have to select the option representing the most logical sequencing of the given statements.

A. Stars radiate heat and light. B. Sun lies in the galaxy. C. Galaxy lies in the universe. D. Universe is a pulsating entity. E. Sun radiates heat and light. F. Sun is a star.

  1. ABF

  2. BCF

  3. AEF

  4. BEF
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

As stars and sun radiate heat and light, therefore, sun is a star. Hence, 3 is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements:

  1. Ceres is the largest asteroid, which was discovered in the asteriod belt.
  2. Sirius B was the first white dwarf to be observed.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Sirius B is a white dwarf, one of the three “classics”, discovered to be white dwarf stars in the early years of the 20th century (Sirius B was the second to be discovered – 40 Eridani B had been found much earlier.)

Multiple choice

The hydrogen emission spectrum consists of several series of lines named after their discoverers. Which of the following spectral series of lines are found in the infrared region?

  1. Lyman, Balmer and Paschen series

  2. Balmer, Paschen and Pfund series

  3. Paschen, Brackett, and Pfund series

  4. Paschen, Balmer and Pfund series

  5. Lyman, Balmer and Pfund series
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Paschen, Brackett and Pfund series of lines are found in the infrared region.

Multiple choice

Consider the following:

  1. Constellation refers to the group of stars forming a pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure.
  2. Neptune is the planet that has the highest number of moons in our solar system

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. The group of stars forming a pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure is referred to as constellation. Statement 2 is incorrect. Jupiter is the planet that has the highest number of moons in our solar system, i.e. 63 (till 2013)

Multiple choice

Consider the following statements:

  1. The Milky Way galaxy is disc-shaped.
  2. The place deep within a black hole, where everything is destroyed, is called the event horizon.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. The Milky Way shape is most likely in the form of a spiral galaxy because of its disc shape. Statement 2 is also correct. Around a black hole, there is a defined surface called an event horizon that marks the point of no return.

Multiple choice

One night Gaurav saw a star with a tail in the sky. What was it?

  1. Asteroid

  2. Moon

  3. Satellite

  4. Comet

  5. Planet
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A Comet is a small solar system body that orbits the Sun. When these Comets come close enough to the Sun they display a visible coma (a fuzzy outline or atmosphere due to solar radiation) and sometimes a tail.

Multiple choice

Match the following:

1. Sirius A. Lava
2. Milky way B. Shooting star
3. Volcano C.The brightest star in our sky
4. Meteoroid D. Galaxy

  1. 1 - C, 2 - A, 3 - B, 4 - D

  2. 1 - C, 2 - D, 3 - A, 4 - B

  3. 1 - D, 2 - C, 3 - A, 4 - B

  4. 1 - A, 2 - D, 3 - B, 4 - C

  5. 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - C, 4 - D
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct answer. Sirius is the brightest star in sky in our galaxy. The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System. Volcano erupts lava, which is the molten rock expelled by a volcano during an eruption and a shooting star is another name for a meteoroid that burns up as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere.