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M's of the Messier Marathon Trivia Quiz

Hi, The famous astronomer Charles Messier compiled a list of objects in the night sky. Today astronomers attempt to locate and identify those objects Messier observed. This annual event is known as the Messier Marathon.

A multiple-choice quiz by beterave. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
beterave

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
299,502

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
877

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

Last 3 plays: Guest 49 (9/10), Guest 110 (6/10), Guest 185 (8/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. M1 is 6500 light years away in the constellation Taurus. It is also known as? Hint

the Crab Nebula

the Hyades

the Pleiades

Tauri alpha (Aldebaran)

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Question 2 of 10

2. M13 is easily found in the constellation Hercules.It is classified as a ... Hint

globular cluster

dark nebula

open cluster

planetary nebula

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. Orion's Nebula is designated as what in Messier's catalog? Hint

M42

M22

M24

M16

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Question 4 of 10

4. The constellation Cancer is between Leo and Gemini. Although it is very faint,it contains one of the finest open clusters in the northern hemisphere. M44 is also known as what? Hint

the Praesepe (the Beehive)

the Rift

the Sisters

the Coal Sack

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. M103 is an open cluster in which constellation? Hint

Cepheus

Camelopardalis

Cetus

Cassiopeia

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Question 6 of 10

6. M104 is known as the Sombrero Galaxy, it is located in the largest constellation on the zodiacal line. What is name of that constellation? Hint

Scorpius

Taurus

Leo

Virgo

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. Sagittarius contains the most Messier objects.

True

False

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Question 8 of 10

8. The Helix Nebula is 300 light years away and is located in the constellation Aquarius. It is the nearest planetary nebula to our solar system. Its Messier designation is... Hint

M12

M13

M222

not included in the Messier catalog

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. Vega is one of the brightest stars in the northern hemisphere and is located in the constellation Lyra. M57 is also better known as? Hint

the Owl Nebula

the Coal Sack

the Ring Nebula

the Beehive

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. Albireo is a double star seen in the constellation Cygnus, its Messier designation is? Hint

not Included in the Messier catalog

M110

M111

M102

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 03 2024 : Guest 49: 9/10
Apr 02 2024 : Guest 110: 6/10
Mar 30 2024 : Guest 185: 8/10
Mar 19 2024 : Guest 110: 5/10
Mar 15 2024 : bakeryfarm: 8/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. M1 is 6500 light years away in the constellation Taurus. It is also known as?

Answer: the Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula is the first object in the Messier Marathon. When Messier first observed M1, it was considerably much brighter. Now a 12" catadioptric is needed to view it.

2. M13 is easily found in the constellation Hercules.It is classified as a ...

Answer: globular cluster

M13 is probably the most interesting globular cluster seen in the northern hemisphere.

3. Orion's Nebula is designated as what in Messier's catalog?

Answer: M42

M42, Orion's Nebula can easily be seen with the unaided eye.

4. The constellation Cancer is between Leo and Gemini. Although it is very faint,it contains one of the finest open clusters in the northern hemisphere. M44 is also known as what?

Answer: the Praesepe (the Beehive)

A truly stunning sight! In order to really appreciate the beauty and size of this cluster, I would advise a 6" reflector or larger.

5. M103 is an open cluster in which constellation?

Answer: Cassiopeia

If you live in the northern hemisphere, this constellation can be viewed year round. It is one of the four circumpolar constellations.

6. M104 is known as the Sombrero Galaxy, it is located in the largest constellation on the zodiacal line. What is name of that constellation?

Answer: Virgo

M104 is probably one of the more elusive objects to find.

7. Sagittarius contains the most Messier objects.

Answer: true

Fourteen Messier objects can be found in the constellation Sagittarius.

8. The Helix Nebula is 300 light years away and is located in the constellation Aquarius. It is the nearest planetary nebula to our solar system. Its Messier designation is...

Answer: not included in the Messier catalog

The Helix Nebula is not included in the Messier catalog. It is designated as NGC7293.

9. Vega is one of the brightest stars in the northern hemisphere and is located in the constellation Lyra. M57 is also better known as?

Answer: the Ring Nebula

The Ring Nebula can be seen with a small refracting telescope.

10. Albireo is a double star seen in the constellation Cygnus, its Messier designation is?

Answer: not Included in the Messier catalog

Although it is a sight to behold, Messier did not include binary stars in his catalog.

Source: Author beterave

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
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