Astronomy Quiz

The Big Dipper is an asterism of which constellation?

• Cassiopeia

• Centaurus

• Pegasus

• Ursa Major

What sets astronomers apart from astrologers? Astronomers:

• Use of mathematics

• Use of instruments to view the stars

• Use of complicated star diagrams and maps

• Use of the scientific method to test their theories

What is the color of the hottest stars?

• Blue

• Pink

• Red

• Yellow

Aside from temperature, what other information does the color of a star indicate?

• Composition

• Diameter

• Mass

• Surface temperature

Which of the following stars is most helpful to travelers?

• Albireo

• Betelgeuse

• Merak

• Polaris

Which constellation is not seen in the Northern Hemisphere?

• Cassiopeia

• Centaurus

• Cygnus

• Ursa Major

Which is the coolest star?

• A blue star

• A red star

• A yellow star

• An orange star

What is a supernova?

• Black hole

• Constellation

• Exploding dying star

• Large star

Which describes the nuclear reaction happening inside stars?

• Nuclear fission of helium and hydrogen ions

• Nuclear fission of hydrogen ions and helium

• Hydrogen fusion to form helium, releasing energy

• Breakdown of helium to form hydrogen ions, releasing energy

Which constellation cannot be seen in the Southern Hemisphere?

• Aquarius

• Cygnus

• Draco

• Hercules