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

The moon revolves around

  1. The Sun

  2. The Earth

  3. Jupiter

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

The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and orbits our planet. It takes approximately 27.3 days to complete one revolution around Earth, which creates the lunar phases we observe from Earth's surface.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (viii).

Directions: In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.

In a ____(i)____ space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 5 June 2012. The rare ____(ii)____ display began shortly after 2200 GMT on 5 June 2012 in ____(iii)____ of North America. Subsequently, it was ____(iv)____ in Central America, and the northern part of South America. The view at the time when Venus was ____(­v)____ the Sun was ____(vi)____, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar _____(vii)_____. Venus is 100th of the _____(viii)_____ of the Sun, so while moving across from one side to the other, it was just a black spot placed over on the disc of the Sun. The celestial _____(ix)_____ which repeats itself after every 100 years, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. The space phenomenon is _____(x)_____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth.

  1. caliber

  2. diameter

  3. measure

  4. orbit

  5. caricature
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The passage states that Venus is 100th of the diameter of the Sun, which is a factual astronomical comparison. 'Diameter' is the correct term to describe the measurement across the Sun's disc, making option B correct. Caliber means quality or ability, measure is too general, and orbit refers to the path around the Sun.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (i).

Directions: In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.

In a ____(i)____ space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 5 June 2012. The rare ____(ii)____ display began shortly after 2200 GMT on 5 June 2012 in ____(iii)____ of North America. Subsequently, it was ____(iv)____ in Central America, and the northern part of South America. The view at the time when Venus was ____(­v)____ the Sun was ____(vi)____, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar _____(vii)_____. Venus is 100th of the _____(viii)_____ of the Sun, so while moving across from one side to the other, it was just a black spot placed over on the disc of the Sun. The celestial _____(ix)_____ which repeats itself after every 100 years, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. The space phenomenon is _____(x)_____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth.

  1. unusual

  2. material

  3. unimaginable

  4. rare

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

The passage describes the Venus transit as a 'rare' event that occurs once every 100+ years. The context of the sentence 'In a ____ space event' and the later mention of its rarity makes 'rare' the most appropriate fit. 'Unusual' and 'unique' don't capture the extreme scarcity, while 'unimaginable' and 'material' don't fit the astronomical context.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (v).

Directions: In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.

In a ____(i)____ space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 5 June 2012. The rare ____(ii)____ display began shortly after 2200 GMT on 5 June 2012 in ____(iii)____ of North America. Subsequently, it was ____(iv)____ in Central America, and the northern part of South America. The view at the time when Venus was ____(­v)____ the Sun was ____(vi)____, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar _____(vii)_____. Venus is 100th of the _____(viii)_____ of the Sun, so while moving across from one side to the other, it was just a black spot placed over on the disc of the Sun. The celestial _____(ix)_____ which repeats itself after every 100 years, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. The space phenomenon is _____(x)_____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth.

  1. settling

  2. expanded

  3. emphasised

  4. crossing

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

The sentence 'Venus was ____ the Sun' describes the action of Venus moving across the Sun's disc. 'Crossing' is the most appropriate verb as it accurately describes the transit motion where Venus appears to move from one side of the Sun to the other. Settling, expanded, emphasized, and drumming don't describe this astronomical movement.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (x).

Directions: In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.

In a ____(i)____ space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 5 June 2012. The rare ____(ii)____ display began shortly after 2200 GMT on 5 June 2012 in ____(iii)____ of North America. Subsequently, it was ____(iv)____ in Central America, and the northern part of South America. The view at the time when Venus was ____(­v)____ the Sun was ____(vi)____, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar _____(vii)_____. Venus is 100th of the _____(viii)_____ of the Sun, so while moving across from one side to the other, it was just a black spot placed over on the disc of the Sun. The celestial _____(ix)_____ which repeats itself after every 100 years, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. The space phenomenon is _____(x)_____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth.

  1. visible

  2. clear

  3. show

  4. sight

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

The final blank describes when the space phenomenon is observed from Earth. 'Visible' is the correct choice as the sentence structure 'is _____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth' requires an adjective describing observability. Clear, show, sight (noun), and spectacle don't grammatically or semantically fit the context.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (iv).

Directions: In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.

In a ____(i)____ space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 5 June 2012. The rare ____(ii)____ display began shortly after 2200 GMT on 5 June 2012 in ____(iii)____ of North America. Subsequently, it was ____(iv)____ in Central America, and the northern part of South America. The view at the time when Venus was ____(­v)____ the Sun was ____(vi)____, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar _____(vii)_____. Venus is 100th of the _____(viii)_____ of the Sun, so while moving across from one side to the other, it was just a black spot placed over on the disc of the Sun. The celestial _____(ix)_____ which repeats itself after every 100 years, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. The space phenomenon is _____(x)_____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth.

  1. Hidden

  2. visible

  3. signal

  4. visual

  5. obvious
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The passage states that after being visible in parts of North America, the event 'was ____ in Central America.' 'Visible' is the correct answer as it maintains the theme of observability. The context describes geographic progression of visibility, making 'visible' the logical continuation. Hidden contradicts the event being seen, while signal, visual (adjective vs verb mismatch), and obvious don't fit the grammatical structure.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (vii).

Directions: In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.

In a ____(i)____ space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 5 June 2012. The rare ____(ii)____ display began shortly after 2200 GMT on 5 June 2012 in ____(iii)____ of North America. Subsequently, it was ____(iv)____ in Central America, and the northern part of South America. The view at the time when Venus was ____(­v)____ the Sun was ____(vi)____, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar _____(vii)_____. Venus is 100th of the _____(viii)_____ of the Sun, so while moving across from one side to the other, it was just a black spot placed over on the disc of the Sun. The celestial _____(ix)_____ which repeats itself after every 100 years, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. The space phenomenon is _____(x)_____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth.

  1. extreme

  2. enlargement

  3. pressure

  4. aviation

  5. surface
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'solar _____' refers to the Sun's outer layer or disc where Venus appeared as a black dot. 'Surface' is the correct astronomical term for the Sun's visible outer layer. Extreme, enlargement, pressure, and aviation are unrelated to the Sun's visible disc in this context.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (vi).

Directions: In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.

In a ____(i)____ space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 5 June 2012. The rare ____(ii)____ display began shortly after 2200 GMT on 5 June 2012 in ____(iii)____ of North America. Subsequently, it was ____(iv)____ in Central America, and the northern part of South America. The view at the time when Venus was ____(­v)____ the Sun was ____(vi)____, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar _____(vii)_____. Venus is 100th of the _____(viii)_____ of the Sun, so while moving across from one side to the other, it was just a black spot placed over on the disc of the Sun. The celestial _____(ix)_____ which repeats itself after every 100 years, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. The space phenomenon is _____(x)_____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth.

  1. incredible

  2. edible

  3. legible

  4. comprehensible

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

The sentence 'The view at the time when Venus was crossing the Sun was ____' requires an adjective describing the quality of the view. 'Incredible' means extraordinarily impressive or remarkable, which fits the context of witnessing a rare astronomical phenomenon. Edible means suitable for eating, legible means readable, comprehensible means understandable, and lucid means clear - none capture the awe of the celestial event.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (ix).

Directions: In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.

In a ____(i)____ space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 5 June 2012. The rare ____(ii)____ display began shortly after 2200 GMT on 5 June 2012 in ____(iii)____ of North America. Subsequently, it was ____(iv)____ in Central America, and the northern part of South America. The view at the time when Venus was ____(­v)____ the Sun was ____(vi)____, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar _____(vii)_____. Venus is 100th of the _____(viii)_____ of the Sun, so while moving across from one side to the other, it was just a black spot placed over on the disc of the Sun. The celestial _____(ix)_____ which repeats itself after every 100 years, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. The space phenomenon is _____(x)_____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth.

  1. body

  2. appear

  3. phenomenon

  4. aspect

  5. target
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The passage refers to 'The celestial _____ which repeats itself after every 100 years.' 'Phenomenon' is the correct term for a remarkable event or occurrence in nature. Body refers to a physical object, appear is a verb, aspect means feature, and target means objective. The Venus transit is correctly classified as a celestial phenomenon due to its rare, observable nature.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (iii).

Directions: In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.

In a ____(i)____ space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 5 June 2012. The rare ____(ii)____ display began shortly after 2200 GMT on 5 June 2012 in ____(iii)____ of North America. Subsequently, it was ____(iv)____ in Central America, and the northern part of South America. The view at the time when Venus was ____(­v)____ the Sun was ____(vi)____, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar _____(vii)_____. Venus is 100th of the _____(viii)_____ of the Sun, so while moving across from one side to the other, it was just a black spot placed over on the disc of the Sun. The celestial _____(ix)_____ which repeats itself after every 100 years, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. The space phenomenon is _____(x)_____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth.

  1. views

  2. distances

  3. parts

  4. shows

  5. levels
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'in ____ of North America' refers to specific geographic regions. 'Parts' is the correct answer as it indicates portions or areas of the continent. Views, distances, shows, and levels don't fit the geographic context of describing regions where the event was observable.

Multiple choice

Find out the appropriate word and fill blank (ii).

Directions: In the given passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.

In a ____(i)____ space event, Venus, the second closest planet from the sun, passed in front of the sun on 5 June 2012. The rare ____(ii)____ display began shortly after 2200 GMT on 5 June 2012 in ____(iii)____ of North America. Subsequently, it was ____(iv)____ in Central America, and the northern part of South America. The view at the time when Venus was ____(­v)____ the Sun was ____(vi)____, as a tiny black dot appeared on the solar _____(vii)_____. Venus is 100th of the _____(viii)_____ of the Sun, so while moving across from one side to the other, it was just a black spot placed over on the disc of the Sun. The celestial _____(ix)_____ which repeats itself after every 100 years, will now be rewitnessed only in 2117. The space phenomenon is _____(x)_____ on the Earth when the Venus passes between the Sun and the Earth.

  1. planetary

  2. substantial

  3. ocular

  4. molecular

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

The phrase 'The rare ____ display' requires an adjective describing the type of astronomical display. 'Planetary' is correct as the Venus transit involves a planet (Venus) passing in front of the Sun. Substantial means significant, ocular relates to vision, molecular relates to atoms, and secular means worldly/non-religious. The event is correctly termed a planetary display as it involves planetary motion.

Multiple choice

A solar eclipse occurs when

  1. the Sun comes between the Moon and Earth

  2. the Earth comes between the Sun and Moon

  3. the Moon is at a a right angle to the Earth

  4. the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun's light. Option A would create an extremely rare event, Option B describes a lunar eclipse, and Option C describes quarter moon phases when the Moon is at right angles to the Earth-Sun line.

Multiple choice

When does a lunar eclipse occur?

  1. When the moon comes between the earth and the sun.

  2. When the earth comes between the moon and the sun.

  3. When the sun comes between the earth and the moon.

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon. A is a solar eclipse configuration. C is astronomically impossible as the Sun cannot come between Earth and Moon.

Multiple choice

What is the principal cause of lunar eclipse?

  1. Earth comes in between the sun and the moon

  2. Moon comes in between the sun and Earth

  3. Sun stops emitting rays

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

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. This can only happen during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a straight line. Option B describes a solar eclipse, and option C is impossible.