Physics ยท General Awareness

Astronomy and Space Science

2,804 Questions

Astronomy and Space Science questions explore observational instruments, spectroscopy, space stations, and astrostatistics. These scientific concepts are vital for SSC, railways, and UPSC preliminary exams. Test your knowledge of space technology and astronomical history with these practice questions.

Spectroscopy techniquesSpace station usesAstronomical instrumentsAstrostatistics basicsExoplanet research programs

Astronomy and Space Science Questions

Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

Basically INSAT is used for ?

  1. Mangament of natural resources

  2. To improve Communication system

  3. Launching the satellites

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

The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites used primarily for telecommunications, broadcasting, and meteorology. Improving the communication system is its core function, unlike IRS which manages natural resources.

Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

Explain why the Earth can be seen from the space by Astronauts.

  1. The Earth gives out its own light.

  2. The Earth's crust which produces heat and light energy allows itself to be visible in space.

  3. The Earth reflected light from the closest star to itself to the Astronauts' eyes.

  4. The Earth refracted light from the Sun to the Astronauts' eyes.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Earth is visible from space because it reflects sunlight - it doesn't produce its own light. The Sun is the closest star to Earth, and its light reflects off Earth's surface (oceans, land, clouds) back to observers. Option A is wrong because Earth doesn't generate light. Option B is incorrect - crust heat doesn't produce visible light. Option D uses 'refracted' incorrectly - reflection is the correct phenomenon.

Multiple choice general knowledge

Xray astronomy is

  1. the study of x ray of planets !!!

  2. the study of x rays of pictures of planets

  3. study of x rays emitted by celestial bodies

  4. study of human x rays taken when in space
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

X-ray astronomy is the study of X-rays emitted by celestial bodies such as stars, galaxies, black holes, and neutron stars. Since Earth's atmosphere blocks X-rays, this requires space-based telescopes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect or nonsensical.

Multiple choice general knowledge

Xray astronomy is

  1. the study of x ray of planets !!!

  2. the study of x rays of pictures of planets

  3. study of x rays emitted by celestial bodies

  4. study of human x rays taken when in space
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

X-ray astronomy is the study of X-rays emitted by celestial bodies including stars, galaxies, black holes, and neutron stars. These high-energy X-rays are absorbed by Earth's atmosphere, so X-ray telescopes must be placed in space. It is not the study of X-rays of planets themselves or human X-rays in space.

Multiple choice general knowledge sports

How have astronomers learnt most of what they know about the stars, galaxies, and the universe?

  1. By sending robotic space probes out to explore the depths of space beyond our solar system.

  2. By analyzing light and other electromagnetic radiation from space that reaches the vicinity of Earth.

  3. Through controlled laboratory and in situ experiments.

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

Astronomers gain knowledge primarily by analyzing electromagnetic radiation (light, radio waves, X-rays, gamma rays, infrared) that reaches Earth or Earth-orbiting telescopes. This includes spectroscopy which reveals composition, temperature, and motion. Space probes have only explored our solar system, not beyond it. Laboratory experiments help but cannot replicate cosmic conditions at scale.

Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

How have astronomers learned most of what they know about the stars, galaxies, and the universe?

  1. By sending robotic space probes out to explore the depths of space beyond our solar system.

  2. By analyzing light and other electromagnetic radiation from space that reaches the vicinity of Earth.

  3. Through controlled laboratory and in situ experiments.

  4. none
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Astronomers primarily study celestial objects by analyzing light and other electromagnetic radiation that reaches Earth and near-Earth space. While robotic probes have explored within our solar system, we have not sent probes beyond it, making electromagnetic observation our primary tool for studying the universe.

Multiple choice softskills leadership

doctrine

  1. teachings in general

  2. beginning

  3. main impact or shock (of an attack or blow)

  4. navigation tool used to determine a ship's latitude and longitude (by measuring the altitudes of stars)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Doctrine refers to a set of beliefs, principles, or teachings held and taught by a group, institution, or individual. Option A correctly identifies this as general teachings or principles. Option B describes 'inception', C describes 'impact', and D describes a 'sextant'.

Multiple choice softskills leadership

inveigle

  1. deceive

  2. navigation tool used to determine a ship's latitude and longitude (by measuring the altitudes of stars)

  3. sum

  4. moderation or self-control
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

To inveigle means to persuade or entice someone to do something by deception, flattery, or coaxing - to trick or manipulate. Option A's 'deceive' correctly captures this essence. Options B, C, and D describe a sextant, sum total, and moderation respectively.

Multiple choice

Why radio telescope are better than optical telescope ?

  1. Radio telescopes can detect faint galaxies which cannot be done by optical telescopes.

  2. Radio telescopes can even work even in cloudy conditions.

  3. Radio telescopes can work during the day and night.

  4. Radio telescopes are not affected by the atmosphere so their positioning isn't as critical.

  5. All the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

All the above options are correct.

Multiple choice

Directions: A brief passage or a statement is given, and a question is asked, based on the information provided by the passage/statement. The question has four alternatives marked from 1 to 4. Critically examine them and choose the best answer.

Astronomy is the science which studies the origin or nature of the planets, stars and solar system. Scientific study of astronomical matters in the past was handicapped

  1. because of lack of space voyages and artificial satellites

  2. by lack of the basic technique, that is, experimentation

  3. because there was a fear that the study of stars will bring evil

  4. since the knowledge was not found to be useful for day-to-day life
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Options 3 and 4 are irrelevant. It is 2 that will complete any science.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not correct?

  1. An optical telescope help us to see distant bodies that emit light.

  2. Radio telescopes receive and study energy given out to celestial body.

  3. Ordinary telescopes study the innermost part of the Earth.

  4. Bhaskara is an Indian satellite in space.

  5. The space shuttle is a spacecraft designed for transporting people and cargo to and from orbit around Earth.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

No, the purpose of an ordinary telescope is to make objects that are far away from you appear closer, so you can see them better. Telescopes are used mostly to explore our solar system. So this is the wrong statement.

Multiple choice

What suggestion does the skywatching columnist Joe Rao makes for the beginner stargazer?

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

When dedicated stargazers venture outside to enjoy the night sky, they bring their telescopes, binoculars and various well-considered pieces of observing gear away from city lights and into the cool dark of night to catch sight of cosmic objects. But how can the average person get started on their way toward becoming an expert skywatcher? Begin by simply looking up, according to one intrepid stargazer. "If you're just getting started in astronomy, the best thing to do is to first spend some time under the stars with just your eyes and get acquainted with the brighter stars and constellations," says Space.com skywatching columnist Joe Rao. "Purchase a good sky guide and star chart. Just as you might consult a travel book when sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, a good book on stargazing or a simple finder chart will go a long way to help you familiarise yourself with the night sky." It's almost always worth setting up shop at your chosen skywatching site before it gets dark, Rao adds. Stargazers also need a gameplan for a rewarding night of skywatching. Rao suggests putting together a checklist of cosmic sights to see for the night. Specialised skywatching software can aid in that hunt.

  1. Put up a checklist of the stars one needs to identify

  2. Buy telescopes, binoculars and observing equipment

  3. Take lessons to learn about the cosmic objects

  4. Buy a sky guide and a star chart to familiarise yourself

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

Space.com skywatching columnist Joe Rao says, "Purchase a good sky guide and star chart. Just as you might consult a travel book when sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, a good book on stargazing or a simple finder chart will go a long way to help you familiarise yourself with the night sky."

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is correct based upon the information given in the passage?

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

When dedicated stargazers venture outside to enjoy the night sky, they bring their telescopes, binoculars and various well-considered pieces of observing gear away from city lights and into the cool dark of night to catch sight of cosmic objects. But how can the average person get started on their way toward becoming an expert skywatcher? Begin by simply looking up, according to one intrepid stargazer. "If you're just getting started in astronomy, the best thing to do is to first spend some time under the stars with just your eyes and get acquainted with the brighter stars and constellations," says Space.com skywatching columnist Joe Rao. "Purchase a good sky guide and star chart. Just as you might consult a travel book when sightseeing in an unfamiliar city, a good book on stargazing or a simple finder chart will go a long way to help you familiarise yourself with the night sky." It's almost always worth setting up shop at your chosen skywatching site before it gets dark, Rao adds. Stargazers also need a gameplan for a rewarding night of skywatching. Rao suggests putting together a checklist of cosmic sights to see for the night. Specialised skywatching software can aid in that hunt.

  1. City lights deter one from star gazing.

  2. Specialised skywatching software can aid an average person in stargazing.

  3. One cannot sightsee in an unfamiliar city without a travelbook.

  4. An average person cannot even begin becoming an expert sky watcher without the neecessary observation equipment.

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

This is correct as the passage suggests that specialised skywatching software can aid in the hunt for cosmic objects or star gazing.