Galaxies, Lightyears, & Planets Notes Quiz

What is the distance light travels in one year called?

• A light-minute

• A light-hour

• A light-year

• A light-second

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

• 5.5 hours

• 8.4 minutes

• 1 year

• 24 hours

Alpha Centauri is the nearest star to our Sun. How far away is it?

• 4.24 light-years

• 42 trillion km

• 8.4 minutes

• 100,000 light-years

What is the closest star to the Sun?

• Sirius

• Proxima Centauri

• Polaris

• Betelgeuse

How many stars are in the Milky Way?

• Approximately 100 billion

• Approximately 200 billion

• Approximately 300 billion

• Approximately 400 billion

How far is it across our own galaxy?

• 100,000 light-years

• 200,000 light-years

• 300,000 light-years

• 400,000 light-years

What shape is a spiral galaxy?

• No defined shape

• Elliptical

• Spiral or disk-shaped

• Irregular

Where is the Sun located in the Milky Way galaxy?

• In the center of the Milky Way

• About 2/3 from the center on one of the arms

• Outside the Milky Way

• In the arms, but close to the center

Which type of galaxy is most abundant in the universe?

• Spiral/Disk Galaxy

• Irregular Galaxy

• Elliptical Galaxy

• Lenticular Galaxy

What is a characteristic feature of an irregular galaxy?

• It has a well-defined disk shape

• It has a dense center

• It has no defined shape

• It is the most common type of galaxy