Astronomy , Supernova - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following statements are correct?

1. Exoplanet  orbits a star other than the Sun.
2. Rogue planet orbits the galaxy directly.
3. An exomoon, is a natural satellite that orbits an exoplanet.


a. 1,2
b. 2,3
c. 1,3
d. All
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: All

Explanation:
The discovery of exoplanets has intensified interest in the search for extraterrestrial life, particularly for those that orbit in the host star's habitable zone where it is possible for liquid water (and therefore life) to exist on the surface. NASA astronomers have discovered the nearest rocky planet outside the solar system which is larger than earth.


2)   According to IAU's definition of planet ,”A planet is a body that orbits the Sun, is massive enough for its own gravity to make it round, and has "cleared its neighborhood" of smaller objects around its orbit.” Which criteria is not fulfilled by pluto?

a. It needs to be in orbit around the Sun
b. It needs to have enough gravity to pull itself into a round shape
c. It needs to have “cleared the neighborhood” of its orbit
d. Both b and c
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: It needs to have “cleared the neighborhood” of its orbit

Explanation:
As planets form, they become the dominant gravitational body in their orbit in the Solar System. As they interact with other, smaller objects, they either consume them, or sling them away with their gravity. There are still many objects with similar size and mass to Pluto jostling around in its orbit. And until Pluto crashes into many of them and gains mass, it will remain a dwarf planet.


3)   Which of the following statements are correct?

1. The IAU General Assembly meets every three years.
2. 29th IAU General Assembly will be held at Honolulu, Hawaii in 2015.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
Since 1922, the IAU General Assembly meets every three years, with the exception of the period between 1938 to 1948, due to World War II. After a Polish request in 1967, and by a controversial decision of the then President of the IAU, an Extraordinary IAU General Assembly was held in February 1973 in Warsaw, Poland, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus


4)   Which of the following statements are correct?

1. IAU acts as the internationally recognized authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies.
2. IAU is located at Prague.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Only 1

Explanation:
IAU headquarters is located at Paris.


5)   Asteroid belt is Located Between

a. Mars and Jupiter
b. Jupiter and Saturn
c. Mercury and Venus
d. Saturn and Uranus
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Mars and Jupiter

Explanation:
The asteroid belt is the region of the Solar System located roughly between the orbits of the planets Mars and Jupiter.