Free Astronomy and Space MCQs with Answers

286 Astronomy and Space MCQs from Everyday Science, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

286 questions · page 11 of 29

101. The distance between the earth and the sun is smallest in the month of _________?

  • A. February
  • B. January
  • C. December
  • D. April

Explanation: Earth is closest to the Sun at perihelion, which occurs in early January, despite the Northern Hemisphere experiencing winter then. Seasons result mainly from Earth's axial tilt, not changing distance from the Sun.

Correct answer: January

102. What is the name of newsly discovered galaxy which may be the earliest and most distant galaxy ever discovered in April 2022?

  • A. HD1
  • B. GN-z11
  • C. Milky way
  • D. None of these

Explanation: HD1 was reported in April 2022 as a candidate for the most distant and earliest known galaxy, with light dating to roughly 330 million years after the Big Bang. GN-z11 was an earlier record-holder but was not the newly reported April 2022 candidate.

Correct answer: HD1

103. The second largest moon "titan" is belongs to which planet?

  • A. Uranus
  • B. Venus
  • C. Saturn
  • D. Mercury

Explanation: Titan is Saturn's largest moon and the second-largest moon in the Solar System after Jupiter's Ganymede. Its thick atmosphere makes it especially notable among moons.

Correct answer: Saturn

104. Which planet of our solar system is name after a female?

  • A. Uranus
  • B. Saturn
  • C. Venus
  • D. Mercury

Explanation: Venus is named after Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. The other listed planets are named after male gods or figures.

Correct answer: Venus

105. The winter solstice in the southern Hemisphere occurs on __________?

  • A. 22 December
  • B. 23 September
  • C. 21 June
  • D. 22 March

Explanation: The Southern Hemisphere's winter begins around 21 June, when the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun. This is the June or southern winter solstice.

Correct answer: 21 June

106. The Summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere happens on: __________?

  • A. 21 July
  • B. 22 December
  • C. 22 March
  • D. 21 June

Explanation: Around 21 June, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, producing its longest day and the summer solstice. The exact date can vary slightly by year.

Correct answer: 21 June

107. Selenology is the study of __________?

  • A. Stars
  • B. Galaxy
  • C. Moon
  • D. Planets.

Explanation: Selenology is the scientific study of the Moon, including its surface, composition, origin and geological history. Stellar science is astronomy, while the study of planets is planetary science.

Correct answer: Moon

108. What divides the Earth into the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres?

  • A. Axis of rotation
  • B. Equator
  • C. North Pole
  • D. South Pole

Explanation: The equator is an imaginary circle halfway between the poles and divides Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Earth’s axis is the line around which it rotates, not the dividing circle.

Correct answer: Equator

109. Nearest star to sun is: __________?

  • A. Proxima Centurai
  • B. Alpha Scorpii
  • C. Beta Orionis
  • D. Vega

Explanation: Proxima Centauri is the nearest known star to the Sun, at about 4.24 light-years away. It is part of the Alpha Centauri star system, but it is closer than Alpha Centauri A or B.

Correct answer: Proxima Centurai

110. The source of the Sun's energy is the process of ____________?

  • A. Photoelectric emission
  • B. Nuclear fission
  • C. Nuclear fusion
  • D. Thermionic emission

Explanation: In the Sun's core, hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium through nuclear fusion, releasing energy because a small amount of mass is converted into energy. Fission instead splits heavy nuclei and does not power the Sun.

Correct answer: Nuclear fusion