Intro to Space - Quiz 1

What is an astronaut?

• A celestial body made of gas

• A person trained to be part of a spacecraft crew

• A tool used to measure distance in space

• A type of galaxy with a spiral shape

Answer explanation

An astronaut is specifically defined as a person trained to be part of a spacecraft crew, distinguishing them from other terms related to space, such as celestial bodies or tools.

What term describes objects like planets, moons, and stars that are located in space?

• Galactic center

• Celestial objects

• Solar system

• Spiral arms

Which term refers to a galaxy with a long oval shape and very little dust or gas?

• Spiral-shaped galaxy

• Irregular-shaped galaxy

• Elliptical-shaped galaxy

• Milky Way galaxy

Answer explanation

An elliptical-shaped galaxy has a long oval shape and contains very little dust or gas, distinguishing it from spiral and irregular galaxies, which have more structure and material.

What is the definition of a light-year?

• A measure of time it takes for light to travel through space

• The distance that light travels through space in one year

• A galaxy that emits a large amount of light

• The rotation center of a galaxy

Answer explanation

A light-year is defined as the distance that light travels in one year, making the correct choice the second option. The other options incorrectly describe time, galaxies, or rotation centers.

What is the Milky Way galaxy?

• A galaxy with a bright elliptical shape

• The galaxy in which Earth and the Sun are located

• A galaxy that has no symmetry

• A unit of distance used to measure space

Answer explanation

The Milky Way galaxy is the galaxy that contains our Solar System, including Earth and the Sun. It is not an elliptical galaxy, nor does it lack symmetry, and it is not a unit of distance.

Which of the following best describes the universe?

• The management of resources in a community

• A large grouping of stars in space

• All of space and the matter it contains

• A tool used for space exploration

Answer explanation

The universe encompasses all of space and the matter it contains, including galaxies, stars, planets, and cosmic structures. This definition is broader than just a grouping of stars or tools for exploration.

What is a solar system?

• A galaxy with spiral arms

• A star and the group of celestial bodies that revolve around it

• A complex system of garments for astronauts

• The center of a galaxy

Answer explanation

A solar system consists of a star, like our Sun, and the celestial bodies, including planets, moons, and asteroids, that orbit around it. This definition clearly matches the correct choice, distinguishing it from other options.

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

• A galaxy with no apparent structure

• A measure of how far apart two objects are

• A continuum of all electromagnetic waves arranged by frequency and wavelength

• A unit of length equal to the distance light travels in one year

Answer explanation

The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuum of all electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, arranged by their frequency and wavelength.

What is the purpose of a space suit?

• To measure the distance between celestial objects

• To allow an astronaut to work safely outside a spacecraft

• To explore the galactic center

• To identify the types of galaxies

Answer explanation

The purpose of a space suit is to allow an astronaut to work safely outside a spacecraft by providing life support, protection from extreme temperatures, and shielding from micrometeoroids and radiation.

Which of the following describes a star?

• A large celestial body that revolves around a star in a solar system

• A celestial body consisting of gas where energy is generated by nuclear reactions

Answer explanation

A star is defined as a celestial body made of gas that generates energy through nuclear reactions, distinguishing it from planets, which revolve around stars.