Physics · General Awareness

Astronomy and Space Science

3,057 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

What is the significance of the word " Sea of Tranquility " ?

  1. Place on Moon

  2. Large inland seas

  3. Place on Mars

  4. Dead sea
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Sea of Tranquility (Mare Tranquillitatis) is a lunar mare on the Moon, not an actual sea. It was the landing site of Apollo 11, the first manned Moon landing. It is not on Mars, not a Dead Sea reference, and not an inland sea on Earth.

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

The Great Bear can be easily seen in the month of _____________.

  1. April

  2. March

  3. June

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

The Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major) is most prominently visible in the night sky during April in the Northern Hemisphere. During spring months, this constellation appears high in the sky and is easily recognizable, making April the best time for observation.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not true about asteroids?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

An asteroid is a large rock in outer space. Some, like Ceres, can be very large, while others are as small as a grain of sand. Due to their smaller size, asteroids do not have enough gravity to pull themselves into the shape of a ball. 
Asteroids are left over materials from the formation of the Solar System. These materials were never incorporated into a planet because of their proximity to Jupiter's strong gravity.
The asteroid belt is divided into an inner belt and an outer belt. The inner belt, which is made up of asteroids that are within 250 million miles (402 million km) of the Sun, contains asteroids that are made of metals.
The outer belt, which includes asteroids 250 million miles (402 million km) beyond the Sun, consists of rocky asteroids. These asteroids appear darker than the asteroids of the inner belt, and are rich in carbon.

  1. They have very strong gravity.

  2. They are of varied sizes.

  3. They are the remains of the Solar System.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

It is given in the passage, "Asteroids do not have enough gravity…". Option 1 is an opposite statement as given in the passage. Hence, it is the correct answer.

Multiple choice

Inner belt and outer belt differ in

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

An asteroid is a large rock in outer space. Some, like Ceres, can be very large, while others are as small as a grain of sand. Due to their smaller size, asteroids do not have enough gravity to pull themselves into the shape of a ball. 
Asteroids are left over materials from the formation of the Solar System. These materials were never incorporated into a planet because of their proximity to Jupiter's strong gravity.
The asteroid belt is divided into an inner belt and an outer belt. The inner belt, which is made up of asteroids that are within 250 million miles (402 million km) of the Sun, contains asteroids that are made of metals.
The outer belt, which includes asteroids 250 million miles (402 million km) beyond the Sun, consists of rocky asteroids. These asteroids appear darker than the asteroids of the inner belt, and are rich in carbon.

  1. richness of carbon

  2. distance from the sun

  3. length and duration
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

They differ in distance from the sun - one is close to sun and the other is at a distance from it.

Multiple choice

What is the outermost layer of the sun called?

  1. Chromosphere

  2. Corona

  3. Photosphere

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

The Sun's layers from inner to outer are: Core → Radiative Zone → Convective Zone → Photosphere (visible surface) → Chromosphere → Corona. The Corona is the outermost layer, visible as a pearly white crown during total solar eclipses. Photosphere (C) is the visible surface, Chromosphere (A) is the thin layer above it.

Multiple choice

Why do meteors glow?

  1. Chemical reactions in the core of meteors heat them up, liberating light.

  2. Friction due to atmosphere heats them up, liberating light.

  3. Gravitational force of Earth heats them up, converting potential energy to heat energy.

  4. Entering Earth's magnetic field ionises their particles and they start glowing.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The friction due to the atmosphere heats them up and they glow.

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

Consider the following statements:

  1. The thermal power plant of India with the highest installed capacity is situated in West Bengal.
  2. Uranus is the hottest planet in the solar system.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. MTPS (Mejia Thermal Power Station) is the largest thermal power plant in terms of generating capacity. It is located in West Bengal. Statement 2 is incorrect. Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system.