Physics · Science General

Astronomy and Cosmology

4,498 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 evs - i the earth and its living world introduction to the spheres of the earth origin of universe introduction to natural resources

Which one glows but does not twinkle?

  1. Star

  2. Planet

  3. Asteroid

  4. Meteorite
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Stars twinkle because their light is refracted by Earth's atmosphere. Planets, being closer, appear as discs rather than point sources, so their light is less affected by atmospheric turbulence, making them appear to glow steadily.

Multiple choice

Which star is the nearest to Earth?

  1. Proxima Centauri

  2. Alpha Centauri

  3. The Sun

  4. Barnard's Star
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Sun is the nearest star to Earth at about 93 million miles away. Proxima Centauri and Alpha Centauri are the next closest after the Sun, while Barnard's Star is sixth-closest.

Multiple choice

What is the approximate width of the Milky Way?

  1. 100,000 light years

  2. 200,000 light years

  3. 500,000 light years

  4. 1,000,000 light years
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Current astronomical estimates place the diameter of the Milky Way's stellar disk at approximately 100,000 to 120,000 light years.

Multiple choice

What is the largest constellation?

  1. Orion

  2. Lyra

  3. Hydra

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

Hydra is the largest constellation by area, covering 1303 square degrees. Orion, Lyra, and Gemini are significantly smaller.

Multiple choice

What is the constellation Cygnus said to look like?

  1. a bear

  2. a swan

  3. a cat

  4. a fish
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Cygnus, also known as the Northern Cross, is traditionally depicted as a swan in flight. The stars form a cross shape, with the swan's head at the bottom and wings extended.

Multiple choice

What is an asterism?

  1. a type of constellation

  2. a group of constellations

  3. an area with no constellations

  4. a pattern of stars that isn't a constellation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

An asterism is a recognizable pattern of stars that is not one of the 88 official constellations. Examples include the Big Dipper and the Summer Triangle.