Indian Observations of Cometary Collisions and Impacts

Description: This quiz covers Indian observations of cometary collisions and impacts. It explores the historical and cultural significance of these events in Indian astronomy and their contribution to our understanding of cometary behavior and impact phenomena.
Number of Questions: 14
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Tags: indian astronomy comets collisions impacts historical observations
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Which ancient Indian text mentions the collision of a comet with the Earth?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Atharvaveda

  3. Yajurveda

  4. Samaveda


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Rigveda, one of the four Vedas, contains references to a cometary collision event that caused widespread destruction.

In Indian mythology, which deity is associated with comets?

  1. Indra

  2. Surya

  3. Chandra

  4. Rahu


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Rahu, the serpent deity, is often associated with comets and eclipses in Indian mythology.

Which Indian astronomer made detailed observations of the Great Comet of 1680?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Jyeshtadeva


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Jyeshtadeva, a 17th-century astronomer, made extensive observations of the Great Comet of 1680 and recorded its path and appearance.

What was the name of the comet that collided with Jupiter in 1994, as observed by Indian astronomers?

  1. Shoemaker-Levy 9

  2. Hale-Bopp

  3. Hyakutake

  4. Swift-Tuttle


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Indian astronomers were among the first to observe the collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter in 1994.

Which Indian space mission was designed to study the impact of a comet on the Moon?

  1. Chandrayaan-1

  2. Chandrayaan-2

  3. Mangalyaan

  4. Astrosat


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Chandrayaan-1 mission included an impact probe designed to study the effects of a cometary impact on the lunar surface.

What is the name of the Indian lunar crater formed by a cometary impact?

  1. Tycho

  2. Copernicus

  3. Aristarchus

  4. Manzinus C


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Manzinus C is a lunar crater believed to have been formed by a cometary impact and is named after the Italian astronomer Manzinus.

Which Indian astronomer proposed the theory of cometary collisions as a cause of mass extinctions?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Jyeshtadeva


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Varahamihira, a 6th-century astronomer, suggested that cometary collisions could cause widespread destruction and mass extinctions.

What is the name of the Indian research institute dedicated to the study of comets and asteroids?

  1. Indian Institute of Astrophysics

  2. Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences

  3. Physical Research Laboratory

  4. National Centre for Radio Astrophysics


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences in Nainital, India, has a dedicated program for studying comets and asteroids.

Which Indian astronomer discovered a comet that bears his name?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Jyeshtadeva


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Jyeshtadeva discovered a comet in 1664 that was later named Comet Jyeshtadeva.

What is the name of the Indian satellite that was designed to study the composition of comets?

  1. Chandrayaan-1

  2. Chandrayaan-2

  3. Mangalyaan

  4. Astrosat


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Astrosat satellite carries instruments designed to study the composition and properties of comets.

Which Indian astronomer proposed the idea of using a cometary impact to deflect an asteroid on a collision course with Earth?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Jyeshtadeva


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata, in the 5th century, suggested the idea of using a cometary impact to alter the trajectory of an asteroid threatening Earth.

What is the name of the Indian space mission planned to study a comet up close?

  1. Chandrayaan-1

  2. Chandrayaan-2

  3. Mangalyaan

  4. Aditya-L1


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Aditya-L1 mission aims to study the Sun and its impact on Earth's climate, but it also has a secondary objective of studying comets.

Which Indian astronomer made detailed observations of the Great Comet of 1811?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Jyeshtadeva


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Jyeshtadeva also made extensive observations of the Great Comet of 1811 and recorded its path and appearance.

What is the name of the Indian lunar crater formed by a cometary impact that is visible to the naked eye?

  1. Tycho

  2. Copernicus

  3. Aristarchus

  4. Manzinus C


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Tycho is a prominent lunar crater believed to have been formed by a cometary impact and is visible to the naked eye.

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