Astronomy MCQ Questions Free Practice Set-2
50+ Astronomy MCQ Qustions In this blog, we’ve curated 50+ thought-provoking multiple-choice questions covering both fundamental and advanced concepts of astronomy. ‘Astronomy MCQ Questions Free Practice Set-2 [Free PDF]’ is designed to help you build on your basics, challenge your knowledge further, and gain deeper insights into celestial mechanics, planetary science, and the mysteries of the universe. Whether you’re an astronomy student, space enthusiast, or a professional in the field, this quiz is an excellent way to expand your understanding of astronomy and its endless wonders. Let’s dive into the ‘Astronomy MCQ Questions Free Practice Set-2 [Free PDF]’ and continue our exploration of the cosmos! 1. What is one challenge associated with using sidereal time for civil time reckoning? A. Sidereal time is too complex for everyday use B. Sidereal time is not universally accepted C. Sidereal time is always shorter than solar time D. Sidereal time is not fixed in relation to the hours of light and darkness Answer D. Sidereal time is not fixed in relation to the hours of light and darkness 2. What is the difference between right ascension and declination? A. Right ascension is used for terrestrial coordinates, while declination is used for celestial coordinates B. Right ascension indicates the north-south position, while declination indicates the east-west position C. Right ascension is measured in degrees, while declination is measured in time units D. Right ascension is measured in time units, while declination is measured in degrees Answer D. Right ascension is measured in time units, while declination is measured in degrees 3. What is the relationship between mean solar time and apparent solar time? A. Mean solar time is always ahead of apparent solar time B. Apparent solar time is based on a constant speed of the sun C. Mean solar time is derived from lunar cycles D. Mean solar time accounts for variations in apparent solar time Answer D. Mean solar time accounts for variations in apparent solar time 4. What are Great Circles and how do they relate to spherical trigonometry? A. Great Circles are circles formed by planes containing the center of the sphere B. Great Circles are circles that do not intersect the center of the sphere C. Great Circles are irrelevant to spherical trigonometry D. Great Circles are the same as parallels of latitude Answer A. Great Circles are circles formed by planes containing the center of the sphere 5. What role do celestial bodies play in determining geographical positions? A. Celestial bodies help determine geographical positions through position circles B. Celestial bodies are used to measure distances between locations C. Celestial bodies influence weather patterns on Earth D. Celestial bodies provide timekeeping for navigation Answer A. Celestial bodies help determine geographical positions through position circles 6. What does the term “hour circle” refer to in celestial navigation? A. A circle that represents the path of the sun across the sky B. A circle that defines the equator on the celestial sphere C. A great circle passing through the celestial poles and a star D. A circle that indicates the position of stars at a specific time Answer C. A great circle passing through the celestial poles and a star 7. What is the Prime Meridian, and how is it defined? A. The Prime Meridian is the meridian that passes through Greenwich, defined as 0° longitude B. The Prime Meridian is the line that divides the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres C. The Prime Meridian is the line at 90° longitude D. The Prime Meridian is the equator Answer A. The Prime Meridian is the meridian that passes through Greenwich, defined as 0° longitude 8. What is the relationship between the geoid and the mathematical surface in surveys? A. The geoid is a perfect sphere used for all calculations B. The mathematical surface is always higher than the geoid C. The geoid serves as a reference for the mathematical surface in surveys D. The geoid is a flat surface used in engineering surveys Answer C. The geoid serves as a reference for the mathematical surface in surveys 9. What is the role of a gyro-theodolite in determining azimuth? A. To measure vertical angles for elevation changes B. To calculate distances between two points C. To provide a reference for magnetic north D. To provide precise measurements of horizontal angles for azimuth Answer D. To provide precise measurements of horizontal angles for azimuth 10. How does the orientation of a geodetic survey become uncertain as it progresses? A. The orientation becomes more accurate as the survey progresses B. The orientation remains constant throughout the survey C. The orientation becomes uncertain due to changes in local geography D. The orientation becomes increasingly uncertain due to accumulated observational errors Answer D. The orientation becomes increasingly uncertain due to accumulated observational errors 11. Which two surfaces are compared to assess discrepancies in geodetic measurements? A. Geoidal surface and ellipsoid B. Geoidal surface and mean sea level C. Topographical surface and geoidal surface D. Topographical surface and ellipsoid Answer A. Geoidal surface and ellipsoid 12. Which time system is based on the rotation of the Earth around its polar axis? A. Sidereal time B. Greenwich Mean Time C. Universal Time D. Solar time Answer A. Sidereal time 13. How is the local hour angle of a celestial body determined? A. By calculating the angle between the celestial body and the horizon B. By taking the difference between local sidereal time and right ascension C. By determining the angle from the celestial pole to the celestial body D. By measuring the angle from the zenith to the celestial body Answer B. By taking the difference between local sidereal time and right ascension 14. What is the relationship between the plumb line and the normal to the reference spheroid? A. The plumb line does not necessarily coincide with the normal to the reference spheroid B. The plumb line is determined by the reference spheroid only C. The plumb line and the normal to the reference spheroid coincide at all points D. The plumb line is always parallel to the normal to the reference spheroid Answer A. The plumb line does not necessarily coincide with the normal to the reference spheroid 15. What is the purpose of using field astronomy in surveying? A. To predict weather patterns B. To determine the position of points on the Earth and orientation C. To measure distances using celestial bodies D. To analyze … Read more