FUN FACTS SPACE TRIVIA: Mission Control: We Have 177 Questions To Challenge Students, Avidly Curious Novice & Above. 501 Thought-Provoking Astronomy Facts. Test Your Memory on a Galactic Game Night! by Academy Pantheon Space

Author:Academy, Pantheon Space
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-08-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four: All About Astronomy

What exactly is astronomy in the first place?

Astronomy is the study of objects and phenomena that occur outside of Earth and its atmosphere. Points of interest include measuring distances to planets, stars, and other galaxies, looking for life on other planets, and studying how the Universe works.

Where and when was the first known telescope invented?

In the Netherlands, in 1608, a lens-maker applied for a patent on something that fits the definition of a telescope. Although the application never completed approval, and other similar ideas in development elsewhere, this is the first time that a proper telescope appears in historical records.

Who was the first person known to make astronomical observations using a telescope successfully?

Galileo! Not only did he have the first up-close views of the five known planets (including being the first to see Saturn’s rings) and Jupiter’s four biggest moons, but his use of the telescope also helped him realize that Earth orbits the Sun.

What made Galileo’s telescopic observations so effective?

While he didn’t invent the telescope, Galileo used his engineering skills to improve the models’ design. So, it wasn’t just how he used it. These modifications ultimately gave Galileo an advantage in making astronomical observations.

True or false: Space-based telescopes have a better view of the stars than ground-based ones?

True! However, this isn’t because they’re closer to the stars. Earth’s atmosphere distorts and dims light (this is why stars appear to twinkle), so while modern ground-based telescopes can view a lot more than historical assemblies, Space-based ones will always have a more transparent and better view.

The Large Binocular Telescope is the largest in the world in terms of its lens-opening size. In which U.S. state is the LBT located?

Arizona. Telescopes need to be as far away from artificial light as possible because the light produced by humans at night blocks out starlight. Even though it’s on a mountain far away from cities, light pollution still sometimes gets into its images.

What is the James Webb Space Telescope?

A decades-long collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency, Webb is the largest Space telescope ever assembled. It will allow astronomers to study every stage of the Universe's lifespan, as well as the formation of solar systems.

Who was the first person to calculate the circumference of the Earth?

Eratosthenes, born in Cyrene (modern Libya,) is primarily known as a mathematician. Accurately logging the Earth’s size allowed later astronomers to calculate distances to both the Moon and Sun, as well as their sizes. His measurement led to humanity’s ability to measure cosmic distances.

True or false: before Christopher Columbus sailed, most people believed the Earth was flat?

False! There is no historical basis for this idea. Ancient peoples knew the Earth was round. They could see that ships sailing away from the coast would dip under the horizon. They also noticed the shadow Earth casts on the Moon in a lunar eclipse.

Wait, is our planet called “Earth” or “the Earth”?

Both! It depends on who you ask and how they’re using it. Since we live on it, Earth feels special, hence “the” in front of it.

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