Test Your Astronomical Knowledge

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Which naming convention is used for features on Venus? They are called after famous men or given male names. Given Alpha/Numeric designations. Named after famous astronomers. They are called after famous women or given female names.

2. What name is given to the centre of gravity of the Earth-Moon system? Silacentre. Earth-Moon gravity centre. Barycentre. Terracentre.

3. The Pleiades star cluster is also known by which other name? The Seven Maidens. The Seven Sisters. The Seven Virgins. The Seven Spinsters.

4. The O, B, A, F, G, K, M system is used to classify what? Size of asteroids. Surface temperature (colour) of stars. Probability of stars having habitable planets orbiting them. Classification of planets' atmospheres.

5. Why did a solar eclipse lead to a "rest day" in the 1980 Jubilee Test cricket match between India and England? Fear of eye damage among spectators. Lack of light could be dangerous for batsmen. An eclipse is regarded as bad luck among Hindus. Lack of spectators due to religious ceremonies to mark the event.

6. The Latin name for this constellation is Camelopardalis: its English name is which of the following? The Unicorn. The Leopard. The Camel. The Giraffe.

7. Which constellation of the Northern Hemisphere has a distinct "W" shape? Ursa Major. Cassiopeia. Pegasus. Taurus.

8. What is the name of the Danish astronomer (1546-1601) who had an artificial nose made from gold, silver and wax? John Dreyer. Ole Romer. Tycho Brahe. Johann Madler.

9. Which of the following was the first professional geologist to walk on the Moon? Eugene Cernan. Fred Haise. Alan Shepard. Harrison Schmitt.

10. In which country will you find the Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange (built about 3200 BC), the passage and chamber of which are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise (the sunlight shines through a roof box and penetrates the passage to light up the chamber, lasting for 17 minutes at dawn on the winter solstice)? Wales. England. Ireland. Scotland.