Hubble Space Telescope and the Big Bang

Description: This quiz aims to assess your knowledge on the Hubble Space Telescope and its role in understanding the Big Bang theory.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: astronomy cosmology hubble space telescope big bang
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What was the primary mission of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) when it was launched in 1990?

  1. To study the formation of stars and galaxies in the early universe.

  2. To observe distant objects in the solar system, such as planets and comets.

  3. To search for signs of extraterrestrial life in nearby star systems.

  4. To monitor weather patterns and climate change on Earth.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The HST was primarily designed to study the universe at large distances and to investigate the origin and evolution of galaxies and stars.

Which of the following is NOT a major scientific discovery made by the HST?

  1. The existence of black holes at the centers of galaxies.

  2. The presence of water vapor in the atmosphere of Mars.

  3. The acceleration of the universe's expansion.

  4. The age of the universe is approximately 13.8 billion years.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The HST has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe, but it was not directly involved in the discovery of water vapor on Mars.

What is the name of the camera installed on the HST that has captured iconic images of distant galaxies and nebulae?

  1. Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3)

  2. Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS)

  3. Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS)

  4. Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS)


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) is a versatile instrument on the HST that has produced stunning images of galaxies, nebulae, and other celestial objects.

Which of the following is an example of a Hubble Deep Field (HDF) image?

  1. A composite image of the Andromeda Galaxy.

  2. A detailed view of the surface of Jupiter.

  3. A long-exposure photograph of the Milky Way galaxy.

  4. A deep observation of a small patch of the universe, revealing distant galaxies.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Hubble Deep Field images are long-exposure observations of small regions of the sky, revealing faint and distant galaxies.

How has the HST contributed to our understanding of the Big Bang theory?

  1. By providing evidence for the existence of cosmic microwave background radiation.

  2. By measuring the age of the universe to be approximately 13.8 billion years.

  3. By observing the formation of the first stars and galaxies in the early universe.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The HST has made significant contributions to our understanding of the Big Bang theory by providing evidence for cosmic microwave background radiation, measuring the age of the universe, and observing the formation of early galaxies.

What is the name of the Hubble Space Telescope's successor, which is scheduled to launch in the 2030s?

  1. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

  2. Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (Roman)

  3. Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST)

  4. Advanced Technology Large-Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST)


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the planned successor to the HST and is designed to study the universe in infrared light.

Which of the following is NOT a scientific instrument on the HST?

  1. Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS)

  2. Fine Guidance Sensors (FGS)

  3. Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI)

  4. High Resolution Spectrograph (HRS)


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI) is not an instrument on the HST.

What is the approximate size of the HST's primary mirror?

  1. 2.4 meters (7.9 feet)

  2. 4.2 meters (13.8 feet)

  3. 6.5 meters (21.3 feet)

  4. 8.3 meters (27.2 feet)


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The HST's primary mirror has a diameter of approximately 2.4 meters (7.9 feet).

How many times has the HST been serviced by astronauts during its mission?

  1. 3

  2. 5

  3. 7

  4. 9


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The HST has been serviced by astronauts during five different missions.

Which of the following is NOT a type of observation that the HST can perform?

  1. Imaging

  2. Spectroscopy

  3. Polarimetry

  4. Astrometry


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Polarimetry is not a type of observation that the HST can perform.

What is the name of the HST's current mission phase?

  1. Cycle 31

  2. Cycle 32

  3. Cycle 33

  4. Cycle 34


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The HST is currently in its Cycle 34 mission phase.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using the HST for astronomical observations?

  1. High angular resolution

  2. Ability to observe in a wide range of wavelengths

  3. Freedom from atmospheric interference

  4. Low cost of operation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The HST is not known for its low cost of operation.

How long has the HST been in operation since its launch in 1990?

  1. Approximately 10 years

  2. Approximately 20 years

  3. Approximately 30 years

  4. Approximately 40 years


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The HST has been in operation for approximately 30 years since its launch in 1990.

What is the expected lifetime of the HST before it is decommissioned?

  1. 5 years

  2. 10 years

  3. 15 years

  4. 20 years


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The HST is expected to remain in operation for approximately 15 more years before it is decommissioned.

Which of the following is NOT a major scientific goal of the HST?

  1. Studying the formation and evolution of galaxies

  2. Searching for signs of extraterrestrial life

  3. Measuring the age of the universe

  4. Observing the surface of Mars


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Observing the surface of Mars is not a major scientific goal of the HST.

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