Are You A Total Nerd For Space? Prove It By Acing This Quiz!
- by Sosa Manuel
- – on
- in Entertainment
People have been obsessed with space since the first primitive human looked up at the night sky with wonder. We've also been learning about this mysterious expanse for thousands of years as well. Our cave-dwelling ancestors actually measured the phases of the moon with engravings found on a piece of bone. Then there was the ancient site of Gobekli Tepe, which is thought to have been a massive observatory to measure and watch the stars, constructed almost 15,000 years ago when humans were officially supposed to be hunter-gatherers with no civilization. It's safe to say that humans have dedicated themselves to studying space for a very long time.
And we continue to do so today. In fact, it's only in recent years that we've started to make huge leaps forward in our understanding of space. First of all, we've actually managed to go to space, which was monumental time for the human race. Second of all, we've managed to launch several probes that continue to make valuable measurements and take amazing pictures for us to see. And lastly, our telescopes have advanced to the point where looking at the stars is much easier than it has been in the past. But how well have you been paying attention to these advances in our knowledge about space? Test your wits with this quiz that is literally out of this world.
What Is The Closest Star To Earth?
One of the most talked about things when it comes to space is the nearest star to us. This will probably one day be a target for us to reach in our future space endeavors. We will have to see what it's like in a completely different star system if we want to learn more about the universe as a whole. But there is one star that is closer to us than any other star in the universe. Which is it?
Which Two Planets In Our Solar System Do Not Have Any Moons?
Moons are some of the most interesting features in space. We know a lot about moons, perhaps more than we know about planets in some cases. After all, we have a moon in our backyard, and it was the first ever surface other than Earth that humans set foot on. Most planets have moons, and there is huge variety in these satellites. Some are massive, others are small. Some even have water, and would be potential places of colonization in the future. But which two planets don't have any moons?
Who Was The First Man In Space?
Humanity has been trying to reach space for years. You could probably go back to primitive societies who looked up at the stars and reached in vain with their hands, trying to reach them. There were also societies that built pyramids and structures like the biblical tower of Babel with the expressed purpose of reaching the heavens. Recently, we've attained this goal with the help of new technology. But do you know who the very first man in space was? Many people get this question wrong.
Who Was The First Man On The Moon?
The first man on the moon was a vital moment in human history. It also continues to be a major source of pride for the country that managed to do it. It was televised across the world, and people watched on in wonder and bewilderment as an ordinary man stepped down from the lunar lander to set his foot firmly on the surface of the moon for the first time in human history. But do you remember who this man was?
True Or False, The Smaller The Star, The Shorter Its Lifespan
Stars die just like people do. Although their lifespan is much longer than a person's, eventually they will fade away into nothingness. As it turns out, the size of a star has a lot to do with how long the star will live. Some stars as we have already explored, are massive. Others are incredibly small, such as brown dwarfs. But do the smaller stars life the shortest lives? Or is it the other way around? Only a space expert will know...
How Long Does It Take For Light From The Sun To Reach The Earth?
We've already talked about a light-year, but another distance that concerns us more than anything is the amount of time it takes for the sun's light to reach our planet. When you learn how long this takes, it really puts things into perspective, and helps you learn just how far the sun is from our home. If the sun ever exploded, which will happen one day, this is approximately how much time we'd have before we were all vaporized. But how long does it take?
How Wide Is The Milky Way Galaxy?
The Milky Way Galaxy, as you probably know, is our home. You can see the "band" of this incredible celestial feature as you look out onto the stars at night, and it can be a thing of real beauty. It's also hard to fully comprehend its full size. This amazing galaxy is actually home to countless stars and systems, many of which may have planets similar to Earth. It's mind-boggling when you think that the Milky Way is just one of many galaxies. But how wide is our home galaxy?
Olympus Mons, The Highest Mountain Known To Man, Is Located On Which Planet?
We like to think that we have an amazingly massive mountain in Everest. But in truth, this giant peak is nothing compared to many of the other mountains found in the known universe. One mountain that puts Everest to shame is Olympus Mons. As you can see by the picture, the mountain is about twice as high as Everest. This peak has been documented and studied, as its on a planet that is within our solar system. But which planet is this?
What Are The Three Main Types Of Galaxies?
There are countless galaxies in the Universe. Our own universe, the Milky Way galaxy, is only a tiny spec when we zoom out far enough. When you first see just how huge space is, it can make you feel alone and insignificant. But it can also fill you with a sense of wonder and possibilities. Out of all those galaxies out there, you would think that at least one housed intelligent life... right? The shape of galaxies is another important point. There are three types of galaxies. What are they?
How Many Miles Is A Light-Year Equivalent To?
Space is a vast, almost inconceivably large expanse. As such, it makes sense to measure distances in a totally different scale than what we're used to here on planet Earth. This is where the light-year comes into play. A light-year, as the name implies, is the amount of distance light travels in a single year. It is a measurement which looks at distance as linked with time, which is commonly referred to as space-time. Space and time are virtually the same thing. But how many miles is there in a light-year?
True Or False, The Footprints Left On The Moon By Humans Will Eventually Be Swept Away
Landing on the moon was one of humanity's greatest achievements, without a doubt. Despite the fact that this event happened many decades ago, our current spacefaring abilities has degenerated to the point where we are actually incapable of returning to the moon. Now, all of the relics and flags we have left behind on the moon, as well as the historic physical footprints we imprinted on its surface, are simply left there. But what happens to these footprints? Do they eventually fade away?
What Type Of Star Is Our Sun?
We've talked a lot about the classification of various stars, but how exactly does our sun fit into this picture? We think of our sun as being very special - and it is. But the truth is that there are many like it. So many, in fact, that it joins a host of other suns within a specific classification. But just what type of star is our sun? If you know this, you're well on your way to acing this quiz.
How Many Moons Do Scientists Believe Orbit Jupiter?
Jupiter is named after the Roman king of the gods. As such, it's one of the largest and most beautiful planets in our solar system. It's also called a gas giant or a gas planet, and it's not hard to see why. This is actually the largest planet in our entire solar system. It has one of the strongest gravitational pulls, and it attracts many satellites into its orbits. This includes an incredible amount of moons. But just how many moons orbit Jupiter.
What Is A Supernova?
Supernovas are some of the most explosive, shocking events in the entire universe. Evidence for them can be found across the night sky, if you know where to look. Evidence of huge explosions are found in various places, like giant space craters. These events wreck the areas that they inhabit, changing the composition of that space forever. These explosions can even outshine entire galaxies, albeit for only a short amount of time. But just what are supernova? Do you know?
Which Of These Four Planets Is NOT A Gas Giant?
Gas giants are a very interesting part of our solar system. They are the biggest planets in our solar system, but when you find out what these celestial bodies actually are, it's somewhat of a let down. You see, you can't actually set foot on the surface of gas giants in the same way as you would Earth. They're largely made up of... well, gas. They usually have a metal core but the outside is loose fragments of rock and other material. Out of these four planets, which one is NOT a gas giant?
Which Is The Only Planet That Spins In The Opposite Direction To All The Other Planet?
Strangely enough, it seems that all of the planets spin in the same direction. All except for one. This planet is the only one in the entire solar system that spins in the opposite direction to all other planets. This is also called a "retrograde" rotation. But why does this planet spin in the wrong direction? There are many theories for this, but one is that at some point in time, the planet actually flipped upside down. This means that the planet is actually spinning the same direction, but it's just flipped. But which planet is this?
True Or False, Pluto Is Slightly Bigger Than Our Moon
Pluto has long been considered an oddball in the solar system. For one, it's a very small planet. In fact, many don't even consider it to be a planet at all! Technically, the correct term for this celestial body is "dwarf planet." But how small is it really? This planet is right on the edge of the solar system, so it's been the hardest planet to study. It's exact size is known, however. Is it really bigger than our own moon?
Which Star Cluster Is Known As The "Seven Sisters?"
Many of the star systems have an ancient significance to the human race. Across all cultures, certain star clusters have been personified into legends and myths. These are usually the brightest and most wonderful of constellations, those that strike people with a sense of mystery and magic. One of the most legendary star clusters is what is known as the "Seven Sisters" star system. As the name implies, this cluster involves seven wonderful stars. But do you know the proper name for this star cluster?
How Many Rings Does Saturn Have?
More than anything, Saturn is best known for its rings. These rings are visible from Earth with the help of a telescope, and the sight is amazing. The rings are actually vast collections of dust and meteor fragments that have been collected by Saturn's orbit and move together in synchronicity around the planet. It's not the only planet with rings, but it definitely has the honor of having the most rings. But how many rings does Saturn actually have around it?
Why Is Uranus Blue?
Uranus is another planet that is seen as slightly odd. Of course, there's the endless jokes about its name, but we won't go there. It's actually one of the most colorful planets, at least in our solar system. It's a brilliant shade of blue, and it looks like a wonderful precious stone. Recently, it was shown that the planet experiences changes in weather, much like our own seasons. But one of the most interesting questions is why exactly the planet is blue. Do you know?
What Type Of Chemical Reaction Is Responsible For The Immense Energy Released From Stars?
Stars are some of the most efficient and massive producers of energy that the universe knows. These balls of energy are constantly pumping out energy in a way which we humans can only stare at wonderment in. But we do have some idea of how these stars produce such energy. You see, at the very core of each sun, a powerful chemical reaction takes place. It's this reaction that fuels the bursts of energy emitted by the sun. But what chemical reaction is this?
True Or False, Red Dwarfs Can Live 800 Times The Current Age Of The Universe
As we've already established, the smaller stars actually live the longest. That means that Red Dwarfs, the smallest classification of stars, are actually the longest living stars in the universe. What this means it that the larger a sun is, the more energy it takes to keep that reaction "fueled" if you will. A Red Dwarf, because it is pretty small, needs less energy and fuel to keep itself going. And that means it can live longer. But is it true that they can live 800 times the current age of the universe?
How Long Does It Take For The Space Station To Circle The Earth?
The international space station, abbreviated as the "ISS," is another major source of pride for the whole world. International cooperation has long been a prime directive of the space station project, and nationalities of all kinds have contributed in some way. The Americans constructed the majority of it, but the Canadians have also built an arm for the station, and the Russians are responsible for ferrying astronauts and cosmonauts alike to and from the station in their soyuz rockets. But how long does it take to circle the Earth?
Which Planet Has The Most Volcanoes
Volcanoes are by no means exclusive to our happy little planet. There are many planets in our solar system that experience a lot of volcanic activity. In fact it's probably a common occurrence across the known universe. These fiery peaks have the ability to reshape not only the surface of a planet, but also its atmosphere. One planet in the solar system has more volcanoes than any other. This planet is considered by many to be a vision of what Earth was like billions of years ago. Which planet is this?
The Milky Way Will One Day Collide With What Galaxy?
Hate to break it to you, but this galaxy won't be here forever. Scientists have noticed that it's on a direct course for impact with another galaxy. In the course of this impact, both galaxies will be irrevocably changed, and the Milky Way will be ripped apart. But don't worry, the process is extremely gradual and will not happen for many, many years. By that time we'll all be dead! But which galaxy is the one which the Milky Way will collide with?
In Which Constellation Is The Horsehead Nebula Found?
The horsehead nebula is one of the most beautiful things in the entire universe. It gets its name from the shape of a plume seen within the nebula. As you can see, it looks a lot like a horse's head. Nebulas are actually clouds of collected space dust and other bits of matter. The horsehead nebula is probably one of the most famous nebulas, because of its beauty but also because you can quite clearly see the clouds of dust in the head of the horse. But where is this nebula located?
True Or False, Humans Can Survive For A Short Time Completely Unprotected In Space
The subject of whether a human can survive in space unprotected by a space suit or similar means of protection has been a subject of much debate over the years. We used to think that you would immediately explode, or freeze solid in seconds. In pretty much every scenario, it would definitely not be a good idea to go for a spacewalk with just the shirt on your back to protect you. But is it true that humans can theoretically survive for a short time unprotected in space?
What Causes A Comet To Appear As Though It Has A "Tail?"
Comets sightings are some of the most awe-inspiring events in a person's life. They are recorded from early history as strange omens and signs from the gods, and you really get the feeling that there is something divine about them, even with today's understanding of how comets work and what they actually are. The most beautiful and striking comets are the ones with long, magnificent tails. But what exactly causes these tails to form in the first place? Most don't actually know...
Which Phenomena Are Also Known As "Star Nurseries," Where Stars Are Born.
Stars are born, just like humans. Well maybe not exactly in the same way, but they are created and brought to life just like a living creature. This is a good thing to know, because if the human race theoretically wanted to live forever, we would one day have to leave our current system in search for a new star. Stars die, but they also come to life. Most stars are born in the same sort of places in the universe, one being called "The Pillars of Creation." What are they?
What Is At The Center Of The Milky Way Galaxy?
The galaxy we inhabit is a spiral type, and as you can see, it twists around its center in the most beautiful way. We can observe in this spiral the golden ration, or the Fibonacci sequence. This is the same spiral pattern that is seen in flower petals, hurricanes, and even DNA molecules. The microcosm and the macrocosm are one and the same. At the very center of our galaxy is something very special. It's what gives the entire galaxy the spiral shape. But what is it?
What Are Planets Found Outside The Solar System Called?
NASA scientists get people excited when they talk about planets in our Solar System, but when they really get people thrilled is when they talk about new planets outside of our solar system. These alien planets are filled with possibilities. Even though we might not know too much about them, we're discovering more and more of these planets every day. These are the planets that people hope will hold the promise of a new inhabitable world. But what are these planets from outside our system called?
What Is The Name Of The Chinese Space Station?
The ISS isn't the only space station in orbit around the Earth. There's also another space station that was built entirely by the Chinese. Although not as large as the ISS, it's very sophisticated and impressive since it was built by only one nation. The station played a small role in the hit movie about space, called "Gravity." This space station rivals the ISS but only in structure. There have been other instances of cooperation between the Americans and Chinese in space. But what is this space station called?
How Long Does It Take Neptune To Orbit The Sun?
Neptune is another very unique planet. It was named after the Roman god of the sea. But the Romans were not the ones who first discovered this planet, as Neptune is completely invisible to the naked eye, and one of the furthest planets away from the sun. The name really fits the planet, because the surface of Neptune is regularly ripped apart by storms that are incredibly violent. It's also characterized by the amount of time it takes to orbit the sun. How long does it take?
Which Is The Hottest Planet In Our Solar System?
The solar system is a place of many temperatures. On the one hand, those close to the sun get bombarded with intense heat via the sun's radiation. On the other end of the scale, you have planets that are very far away from the sun, like Pluto, which are essentially ice planets. But atmosphere and the planet's geological features also come into play when determining a surface's heat. One planet is hotter than any other in the solar system. Do you know which one it is?
True Or False, There Is Water On The Moon
We're always talking about how great it would be if we found signs of water and life on a nearby planet. But before we go sailing across the galaxy looking for new planets to colonize, we might want to look in our own backyards. Our moon, given the right approach, could be an ideal place to grow a new human settlement. But to do this, we need one crucial thing - water. But there are rumors that significant amounts of water were found on the moon. Is this true?
True Or False, Only The Moon Is Responsible For The Earth's Tides
The moon is also connected with water in a very different way. We've known for a long time now that the moon plays a huge role in dictating the earth tides. Whether the sea is right up against the shores or pulled all the way out to sea is largely due to the moon's gravitational pull. It's a wonderful reminder of cosmic forces at work, and we can see them without ever having to leave our planet. But is it true that the moon is the only thing responsible for the changing tides?
How Long Does One Night On Uranus Last?
Uranus is a very interesting planet. It's a brilliant shade of blue, and we've already established that this is because of a high concentration of methane in its atmosphere. Fascinating. It also has a single ring around its circumference, making it one of the most visually striking and compelling of all the planets. It also has a totally unique "tilt" when it comes to its rotation. This can have quite an effect on how long its nights are. But do you know how long a night lasts on Uranus?
True Or False, We Know More About Space Than The Depths Of Our Oceans
The depths of space can seem like the most mysterious thing known to man. Humanity has now been confronted with an expanse that we know almost nothing about. We can only see as far as our telescopes can stretch, and our deep space probes are still barely leaving what is essentially Earth's backyard. There are probably things out there that would blow our minds. But how does that lack of knowledge compare to our knowledge of the deep seas and our ocean floors? Is it true we know more about space?
How Many Stars Are There In The Milky Way?
It might seem like a ridiculous question. How many stars are there in the Milky Way? Even just by looking up at the night sky, it seems to many that actually counting them would be pointless. It's safe to say that whatever the amount is, it's too huge for the average human to even comprehend. But before you dismiss this entirely, it seems that people have actually calculated how many stars there are in our home galaxy. Want to take a guess?
What Agreement Prevents Countries From Putting Weapons Of Mass Destruction In Orbit Around The Earth?
Space may be a wonderful place, but it's also an area where the potential for danger and violence is incredibly high. Putting aside the fact that meteors and space debris are a constant source of danger whether you're on the surface of Earth or not, there is also the potential for countries to weaponize space. In theory, a nation could bypass mutually assured destruction by launching nukes from orbit. The delivery times would be significantly decreased. Not to mention Rods Of God (google it). But what treaty prevents nations from doing this?
How Long Is A Parsec?
A lot of people probably thought that a parsec was just a made up term when they heard it being talked about in Star Wars. Han Solo's legendary line, bragging that he and the Millennium Falcon had made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs is one of the most heavily referenced lines in science fiction history. But just what is a parsec? It's actually a measurement of time/space, much like a Light-year. So how long is a parsec?
What Is The Largest Known Star?
The rest of the universe may be a bit of a mystery, but there are some things we just can't ignore. Some stars are so big that they put our own sun to shame, and it's impossible to ignore these giants as they light up night sky, dominating the area of space which they inhabit. We've discovered some pretty huge stars over the years, but one star in particular really stands out in terms of sheer size. Remember, the question is which is the BIGGEST star, not the most massive. There's a difference.
Which Is The Only Planet In Our Solar System That Emits More Energy Than It Receives From The Sun?
There are some planets in our Solar System that have incredible power within. These planets are so huge that they seem to rival even the sun. And in terms of energy output, some planets actually do compete with the sun. Most planets absorb incredible amounts of radiation from the sun. The amount of radiation and energy most planets emit themselves is negligible compared to the sun's energy output. But one planet in our Solar System actually emits more energy than it receives from the sun. Which planet is this?
True Or False, There Is No Such Thing As A "White Hole"
One of the most popular subjects when it comes to space is the mysterious black hole. This puzzling phenomenon is something of a legend among space fanatics, and it still isn't very well understood. This is basically a gravitational anomaly that sucks matter into itself, and is capable of destroying entire stars. There are all sorts of theories about them, some of which say that black holes are portals to new dimensions or gateways for time travel. But is there such a thing as a white hole?
What Is The Smallest Type Of Star?
We've already discussed the largest star known to man, but what about the opposite end of the spectrum? Don't worry, we're not going to ask you to identify the specific star that is the smallest, only the type or classification. As you probably know, there are all kinds of different classifications for stars. They are as unique as the people that inhabit this planet. But there is one specific classification of star that is the smallest. What type is this?
What Is The Temperature Of Space?
One of the main reasons why space is so unsafe, dangerous and inhospitable to human life is because of its temperature. Space is one of the coldest areas, and because of this space stations, vessels and space suits must take extensive measures to make sure that people don't freeze to death when they're in space. One of the most important things about life support in a space vessel is heating. Without it people will die. But just how cold is space?
How Long Does It Take For The Sun To Fully Rotate?
The sun is at the center of the solar system, and it plays a massive role in everything that goes on within it. On Earth, we owe our very existence to this immensely powerful ball of light. Without it, plants would not grow and we wouldn't be able to breathe. Our planet would also be too cold to inhabit. But if you get too close to the sun, as many planets are, the surface is too hot for life as we know it. But how long does it take for the sun to fully rotate?
If You Want To Survive For A Short Time In Space Unprotected, What Must You Do Before Exposing Yourself To The Vacuum?
We've already established that surviving in space unprotected by a space suit is theoretically possible, albeit for a very short period of time. But it's not easy. There are many things that can go wrong, and these things can kill you. There is one thing that you absolutely must do if you know you're about to exposed to the vacuum of space. Doing this will save your life, as long as you can be taken into a positive atmosphere within a short time. What is it?
Which Probes Are Currently The Furthest Away From Earth?
Throughout human history, we've sent many probes out into the far reaches of space. The purpose of these probes is simple - discover and explore the furthest reaches of space, and then send as much information back as possible. Some of these probes have been lost, while others are still faithfully transmitting information back to us. But out of all these probes we've launched, two of them from the same program are now further away than any man-launched object in history. What probes are these?
Pluto Is Not The Only Dwarf Planet In Our Solar System. Which Of The Following Is NOT A Dwarf Planet?
After much debate, Pluto was demoted to a "Dwarf Planet." This is actually an interesting, relatively new classification of planet which includes many other Dwarf Planets within our own solar system. That's right, there are actually quite a few other Dwarf Planets in our solar system other than Pluto. These planets have been dubbed "Plutoids" in honor of the first ever Dwarf Planet, Pluto. Now Pluto is not alone in its oddball classification. But can you recognize which planet out of these four is NOT a Dwarf Planet?