Astronomy Quiz

What is the closest planet to the Sun?

• Venus

• Earth

• Mercury

• Mars

Answer explanation

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, orbiting at an average distance of about 57.91 million kilometers. Venus, Earth, and Mars are farther away, making Mercury the correct answer.

What is the tilt of Earth's axis?

• 0 degrees

• 15 degrees

• 23.5 degrees

• 45 degrees

Answer explanation

The tilt of Earth's axis is approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons as the Earth orbits the Sun.

What is the term for when day and night are of equal length?

• Solstice

• Equinox

• Aphelion

• Perihelion

Answer explanation

The term for when day and night are of equal length is 'Equinox'. This occurs twice a year, during the spring and autumn, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is such that the sun is directly above the equator.

What is the original source of energy on Earth?

• The Moon

• The Sun

• The Stars

• The Ocean

Answer explanation

The Sun is the primary source of energy for Earth, driving photosynthesis in plants and influencing climate and weather patterns. Other options like the Moon, stars, and ocean do not provide the fundamental energy needed for life.

Which season occurs in the Northern Hemisphere around December 21/22?

• Winter

• Spring

• Summer

• Autumn

Answer explanation

The Northern Hemisphere experiences winter around December 21/22, marked by the winter solstice, when the days are shortest and temperatures are typically cold.

Which season occurs in the Northern Hemisphere around September 22/23?

• Winter

• Spring

• Summer

• Autumn

Answer explanation

In the Northern Hemisphere, the season that begins around September 22/23 is Autumn, also known as Fall. This marks the autumnal equinox, when day and night are approximately equal in length.

In which layer do most commercial airplanes fly?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

Most commercial airplanes fly in the stratosphere, typically between 30,000 and 40,000 feet. This layer offers stable air and fewer weather disturbances, making it ideal for long-distance flights.

Which layer of the atmosphere is directly above the stratosphere?

• Troposphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

• Exosphere

Answer explanation

The layer directly above the stratosphere is the mesosphere. It is situated between the stratosphere and the thermosphere, making it the correct answer.

What happens to the temperature as you go higher in the troposphere?

• It increases

• It decreases

• It stays the same

• It fluctuates randomly

Answer explanation

As you go higher in the troposphere, the temperature decreases. This is due to the decreasing air pressure and density, which leads to lower temperatures at higher altitudes.

Which layer of the atmosphere is known for having the highest temperatures?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Thermosphere

• Mesosphere

Answer explanation

The thermosphere is the layer of the atmosphere where temperatures can soar to over 2,500°C (4,500°F) due to the absorption of high-energy solar radiation, making it the hottest layer compared to the troposphere, stratosphere, and mesosphere.