Science General · Geography

Astronomy and Celestial Phenomena

1,839 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

Some scientists believe that

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.


There are millions of stars in the sky. We see many of them in the night sky. But, we can see only one during the day – the sun. The sun is also a star like so many others in the sky. But, it is ‘our’ star. It is the head of and at the centre of the family we call “The solar system”. All the planets in the solar system revolve around the sun.  Till recently, we were told that there are nine planets in the solar system, Mercury being the nearest to the sun and Pluto the most distant; Jupiter being the largest and Pluto again being the smallest. Some astronomers believe there could be more. They say that Pluto is too small to be called a planet.  It is a dwarf planet, though still much bigger than ordinary asteroids. The planets move around the sun in a definite orbit. This is what prevents them from striking each other.

  1. the sun is also a planet

  2. the planets are also suns

  3. the number of planets could be more or less than nine

  4. the planets do not revolve around the sun
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The passage explicitly states that some astronomers believe there could be more planets, noting that Pluto is too small to be a planet.

Multiple choice

Directions: Fill in the blank with the correct option.

_______ they lose much of their mass due to friction.

  1. When the meteors enter the Earth's atmosphere,

  2. When meteor enters the Earth's atmosphere,

  3. When the meteor enters the Earth's atmosphere,

  4. When meteors enter the Earth's atmosphere,
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The main clause 'they lose much of their mass' refers to a plural noun. Therefore, the introductory 'when' clause must also use the plural 'meteors'.

Multiple choice

Directions: Which sentence is different in context from the others?

(I) Flying saucers is the name given to saucer-like shapes which have, on occasion, been seen traveling through the atmosphere. (II) For some time speculation was rife, especially in America, as to what they were. (III) So it is time they were taken seriously and studied scientifically. (IV) Now, however, it is believed that they are nothing more than atmospheric phenomena. (V) That is to say they are as unreal as mirages or mock suns caused by unusual atmospheric conditions

  1. (I)

  2. (II)

  3. (III)

  4. (IV)

  5. (V)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Statement III starts with' So it is time'.. there is no statement that gives any reason to start thinking about flying saucers seriously.

Multiple choice

Directions: The short passage below is followed by a question based on its content. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

The tides are enormously more complicated than all this would suggest. The influence of sun and moon is constantly changing, varying with the phases of the moon, with the distance of moon and sun from the earth, and with the position of each to north or south of the equator. They are complicated further by the fact that every body of water, whether natural or artificial, has its own period of oscillation. Disturb its waters and they will move with a seesaw or rocking motion, with the most pronounced movement at the ends of the container, the least motion at the centre. Tidal scientists now believe that the ocean contains a number of 'basins,' each with its own period of oscillation determined by its length and depth. The disturbance that sets the water in motion is the attracting force of the moon and sun. But the kind of motion, that is, the period of the swing of the water, depends upon the physical dimensions of the basin.

What is the theme of the passage?

  1. The sun and the moon cause disturbance in the ocean water, which results in tides.

  2. The tides present a striking paradox: the force that sets them in motion is cosmic but the nature of the tide of any particular place is a local matter.

  3. The waxing and waning of the moon in its monthly cycle complicates the occurrence of tides.

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This option sums up the idea of the passage. The sun and the moon do cause “the disturbance”, but the kind of motion depends on the type of basin.