Cosmic dawn

Why was ALMA able to make significant discoveries even before its official completion?

• a) It had already gathered a large amount of data.
  

• b) Even with a limited number of antennas, it could still capture valuable images.
  

• c) Scientists had been using similar technology for decades.
  

• d) The location provided perfect conditions for research.

Why do researchers believe that ALMA’s high-resolution images are crucial for astronomy?

• a) They provide the first-ever images of the planet-forming process.

• b) They allow scientists to detect galaxies that were previously invisible.
  

• c) They help in studying the behavior of black holes.
  

• d) They show that the universe is expanding faster than expected.

What is the significance of ALMA’s location "on a plateau where shepherds once slept"?

• a) It highlights how remote the observatory is, away from light pollution.
  

• b) It suggests that past civilizations were aware of astronomical phenomena.
  

• c) It emphasizes that ALMA replaced a historic landmark.
  

• d) It indicates that the observatory is difficult for scientists to access.

Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the role of ALMA in future discoveries?

• a) It will mainly focus on studying existing galaxies.
  

• b) It may lead to breakthroughs in understanding the origins of the universe.
  

• c) It will become less relevant as new technology develops.
  

• d) It will be relocated to a more advanced facility.

What underlying question has puzzled astronomers that ALMA is helping to answer?

• a) Why are some galaxies significantly larger than others?
  

• b) How do black holes form and evolve?
  

• c) What is the ultimate fate of the universe?
  

• d) How do stars die and collapse into neutron stars?

Why is a high-altitude, dry location ideal for a radio telescope?

• a) It helps in cooling the telescope’s instruments.
  

• b) It reduces interference from Earth's atmosphere.
  

• c) It makes it easier for scientists to access the telescope.
  

• d) It allows for better energy absorption by the telescope.
  

What was one of the challenges scientists faced while searching for a location for ALMA?

• a) Finding a place that was not too close to cities.
  

• b) Ensuring the area was safe from natural disasters.
  

• c) Traveling to remote and harsh environments.
  

• d) Convincing local governments to approve the project.
  

Why did scientists consider the Atacama Desert one of the best locations for ALMA?

• a) It is one of the driest places on Earth.
  

• b) It is located close to major astronomical research centers.
  

• c) The local government offered financial support.
  

• d) The terrain was easy to build on.
  

How did technological advancements influence the development of ALMA?

• a) They allowed for the construction of telescopes at lower altitudes.
  

• b) They made it possible to combine multiple antennas into a single, powerful telescope.
  

• c) They led to the development of space-based telescopes instead.
  

• d) They reduced the cost of building large-scale radio telescopes.
  

What was the international impact of the ALMA project?

• a) It led to competition between different countries.
  

• b) It encouraged global collaboration in radio astronomy.
  

• c) It limited scientific discoveries to only a few regions.
  

• d) It resulted in the first human mission to Mars.