Astronomy Quiz

Posted by Kelly Whitt Mar 9, 2007

Here is a simple 10-question test of your astronomical knowledge.

Good luck!

1. What is the closest star to Earth?
2. What is the moment of the creation of the universe called?
3. What is at the center of the Milky Way galaxy?
4. How many planets are in our solar system?
5. Which planets have no moons?
6. How many moons does Pluto have?
7. What is the name for a gas and dust cloud from which stars form?
8. Which astronomer placed the sun at the center of the solar system instead of Earth?
9. What is the major component of Earth's atmosphere?
10. What is the name for a rapidly spinning neutron star that emits radiation with a regular period?

How do you think you did? Did you watch out for trick questions? Check your answers below.

Answers:

1. The Sun
2. The Big Bang
3. A black hole
4. 8 (Pluto is no longer considered a major planet)
5. Mercury and Venus
6. Three
7. Nebula
8. Copernicus
9. Nitrogen
10. Pulsar