Astrophysics Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge of the Universe

Question 1

What is the name of the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy?

Accepted Answer

Sagittarius A*

Answer

Cygnus X-1

Answer

V4641 Sagittarii

Answer

Event Horizon Telescope

Question 2

What is the primary process by which stars generate energy?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear fusion

Answer

Gravitational collapse

Answer

Electromagnetic radiation

Answer

Chemical reactions

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a key factor that affects the evolution of a star?

Accepted Answer

Distance from Earth

Answer

Mass

Answer

Rotation

Answer

Temperature

Question 4

What is the name of the prevailing theory for the origin and evolution of the universe?

Accepted Answer

Big Bang Theory

Answer

Steady State Theory

Answer

Oscillating Universe Theory

Answer

Cyclic Universe Theory

Question 5

Which of the following processes is responsible for the formation of elements heavier than iron in the universe?

Accepted Answer

Supernova explosions

Answer

Nuclear fusion in stars

Answer

Cosmic ray interactions

Answer

Gravitational collapse

Question 6

How can a protostar be distinguished from a main-sequence star?

Accepted Answer

Protostars emit intense infrared radiation, while main-sequence stars emit mostly visible light.

Answer

Protostars are much larger than main-sequence stars.

Answer

Protostars are powered by nuclear fusion, while main-sequence stars are not.

Answer

Protostars have a lower surface temperature than main-sequence stars.

Question 7

Which property is characteristic of neutron stars?

Accepted Answer

They have an extremely high density.

Answer

They are exceptionally hot.

Answer

They are very large in size.

Answer

They are powered by nuclear fusion.

Question 8

Which theory is widely accepted as the explanation for the formation of the universe?

Accepted Answer

Big Bang theory

Answer

Steady State theory

Answer

Oscillating universe theory

Answer

Quantum gravity theory

Question 9

In astrophysics, which of the following is NOT a type of compact object?

Accepted Answer

Supernova remnant

Answer

White dwarf

Answer

Neutron star

Answer

Black hole

Question 10

What is the primary source of energy that powers the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear fusion

Answer

Gravitational collapse

Answer

Chemical reactions

Answer

Solar flares

Question 11

Which type of galaxy is typically the largest and most massive?

Accepted Answer

Elliptical galaxy

Answer

Lenticular galaxy

Answer

Spiral galaxy

Answer

Irregular galaxy

Question 12

What is the cosmic microwave background radiation?

Accepted Answer

The leftover radiation from the Big Bang

Answer

Electromagnetic radiation emitted by galaxies

Answer

Radiation from black holes

Answer

Radiation from supernovae

Question 13

Approximately how old is the universe estimated to be?

Accepted Answer

13.8 billion years

Answer

10 billion years

Answer

20 billion years

Answer

25 billion years

Question 14

What is the primary difference between a planet and a star?

Accepted Answer

Stars emit their own light while planets reflect light.

Answer

Planets emit their own light while stars reflect light.

Answer

Planets are generally larger than stars.

Answer

Stars are hotter than planets.

Question 15

What is the primary cause of the phenomenon known as 'redshift' observed in the light from distant galaxies?

Accepted Answer

Expansion of the universe

Answer

Doppler shift due to motion away from us

Answer

Gravitational lensing

Answer

Interstellar dust

Question 16

The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram plots which two main stellar properties?

Accepted Answer

Luminosity and surface temperature

Answer

Mass and radius

Answer

Surface gravity and magnetic field

Answer

Age and composition

Question 17

What is the fundamental process by which stars generate energy?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear fusion of light elements

Answer

Gravitational collapse

Answer

Chemical reactions

Answer

Electromagnetic radiation

Question 18

Which of the following is a recognized type of galaxy?

Accepted Answer

Elliptical

Answer

Binary

Answer

Nebulous

Answer

Planetary

Question 19

What is the approximate estimated age of the observable universe?

Accepted Answer

13.8 billion years

Answer

4.6 billion years

Answer

65 million years

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental force in physics?

Accepted Answer

Friction

Answer

Electromagnetism

Answer

Gravity

Question 21

What is the name of the prevailing cosmological model that describes the expansion of the universe?

Accepted Answer

Big Bang Theory

Answer

Quantum Mechanics

Answer

General Relativity

Answer

Theory of Everything

Question 22

Which of the following is a characteristic of active galactic nuclei?

Accepted Answer

Emission of powerful electromagnetic radiation

Answer

Low mass

Answer

Absence of a supermassive black hole

Answer

Rapid rotation

Question 23

What is the general process by which stars are formed?

Accepted Answer

Gravitational collapse and accretion of gas and dust

Answer

Nuclear fusion

Answer

Electromagnetic interactions