Solar System & Distances

What is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, commonly known as an Astronomical Unit (AU)?

• 93,000,000 kilometres

• 150,000,000 kilometres

• 200,000,000 kilometres

• 250,000,000 kilometres

Which planet is closest to Earth in terms of average distance?

• Mars

• Venus

• Mercury

• Jupiter

How long does it take for light from the Sun to reach Earth?

• 4 minutes

• 8 minutes

• 12 minutes

• 16 minutes

What is the approximate distance from Earth to Mars at its closest approach?

• 54 million kilometres

• 78 million kilometres

• 100 million kilometres

• 150 million kilometres

Which of the following is a myth (false) about the distance between planets?

• The planets are evenly spaced in the solar system.

• The distance between planets can vary greatly.

• The distance from the Sun to Neptune is about 30 AU.

• The distance from Earth to the Moon is about 384,400 kilometres.

What is the average distance from the Earth to the Moon?

• 150,000 kilometres

• 384,400 kilometres

• 500,000 kilometres

• 1,000,000 kilometres

What is the length of 1 day on Jupiter (in Earth time)

• Almost 5 hours

• Almost 10 hours

• Almost 15 hours

• Almost 90 hours

Answer explanation

How many times farther is Neptune from the Sun compared to Earth?

• 10 times

• 20 times

• 30 times

• 40 times

Can all of the planets in the solar system fit between the Earth and the Moon?

• Yes, they can fit with room to spare.

• No, they cannot fit.

• Only the inner planets can fit.

• Only the outer planets can fit.

Answer explanation

What is the estimated distance to the edge of the Oort Cloud from the Sun?

• 1,000 AU

• 5,000 AU

• 10,000 AU

• 100,000 AU

Answer explanation