Science General · Geography

Astronomy and Celestial Phenomena

1,884 Questions

This section provides practice questions on astronomy and celestial phenomena, focusing on eclipses, planetary movements, and tides. These concepts are commonly tested in general science sections of various competitive exams. Use this hub to practice questions related to the Earth, Moon, and solar system dynamics.

Solar and lunar eclipsesEquinoxes and solsticesPlanetary movementsOcean tidesCoriolis effectMeteor showers

Astronomy and Celestial Phenomena Questions

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank (i) with the best option from those given.

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank with the best option from those given.

_____(i)_____  of the moon _____(ii)______ only when the moon is full, for then it is at the opposite side of the earth from the sun. When the moon comes directly behind the earth, as seen from the sun, it passes ______(iii)______ into the great shadow-cone cast by the earth and disappears from view. A total eclipse of the moon then occurs. A partial eclipse ____(iv)______ when the moon enters only partly into the ____(v)______.

  1. A shadow

  2. An eclipse

  3. A setting

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

The obscuration of the light of the moon by the intervention of the earth between it and the sun (It is called lunar eclipse).

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank (iv) with the best option from those given.

Directions: Fill in the numbered blank with the best option from those given.

_____(i)_____  of the moon _____(ii)______ only when the moon is full, for then it is at the opposite side of the earth from the sun. When the moon comes directly behind the earth, as seen from the sun, it passes ______(iii)______ into the great shadow-cone cast by the earth and disappears from view. A total eclipse of the moon then occurs. A partial eclipse ____(iv)______ when the moon enters only partly into the ____(v)______.

  1. takes place

  2. shows off

  3. falls on

  4. teams up
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Eclipse is a happening which takes place. Show off means to display or behave in an ostentatious or conspicuous way. Fall on means to experience or come upon. Team up means to work together.  

Multiple choice

The minimum distance between the Sun and Earth occurs on

  1. 3rd January

  2. 22nd December

  3. 21st June

  4. none of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Perihelion (closest distance to Sun) occurs around January 3rd each year, when Earth is about 147 million km from the Sun. December 22nd (B) is the winter solstice (shortest day in Northern Hemisphere) but not the closest distance. June 21st (C) is the summer solstice and aphelion (farthest point).

Multiple choice

Which of the following is/are responsible for tides on Earth?

  1. Sun and Moon

  2. Sun only

  3. Moon only

  4. Gravitation on Earth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Tides are primarily caused by the Moon's gravitational pull, with the Sun's gravity also contributing (about 46% of Moon's effect). The combined gravitational forces of both Sun and Moon create spring tides (stronger) and neap tides (weaker). Gravitation on Earth (D) itself doesn't cause tides - it's the differential gravitational pull from celestial bodies.

Multiple choice

What is the time period between two full moons?

  1. Less than 15 days

  2. 15 days

  3. Less than 29 days

  4. 29 days

  5. More than 29 days
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The time period between one full moon to the next full moon is slightly longer than 29 days. In many calendars, this period is called a month.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is NOT true for the moon?

  1. Moon is a non-luminous object.

  2. Moon is earth's satellite.

  3. Moon is a celestial object.

  4. Moon is the closest celestial object to earth.

  5. Moon changes its shape during different phases of moon.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The various shapes of the moon as seen during a month are because we see only that part of the moon, from which the light of the sun is being reflected towards us. There is no alteration in the shape of the moon.

Multiple choice

How many times in a month can one see a full moon?

  1. Once a month

  2. Once a fortnight

  3. Twice a month

  4. Twice in a fortnight

  5. Weekly
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

One can see a full moon only about once a month. Then it starts decreasing and then comes the new moon night, when it starts increasing again.

Multiple choice

Why can the moon and the other celestial bodies of the night sky NOT be seen during the daytime?

  1. The moon and the other shining celestial bodies can only be seen at night.

  2. The moon appears at night time only.

  3. The gases of which the celestial bodies are made, prevent us from seeing them during the daytime.

  4. The sun does not allow us to see the celestial bodies of the night sky during the daytime.

  5. Due to their distance during the daytime.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Correct option.