Astrometry

1. Astrometry is the branch of astronomy that involves precise measurements of the positions and movements of stars and other celestial bodies. By accurately determining the positions of stars relative to each other and observing their apparent motions across the sky, astrometry enables scientists to study the structure and dynamics of the universe, track the orbits of planets and asteroids, and even detect the presence of unseen objects such as exoplanets or black holes. Astrometry plays a fundamental role in astronomy, serving as the foundation for many other fields of research and contributing valuable data to our understanding of the cosmos.

What is a star's position defined by in astrometry?

A) Galactic latitude and longitude.
B) Ecliptic longitude and latitude.
C) Right ascension and declination.
D) Altitude and azimuth.

2. Why is astrometry important in astronomy?

A) To measure the temperature of planets.
B) To study the chemical composition of stars.
C) To determine the positions, distances, and motions of celestial objects.
D) To observe black holes.

3. When was the first precision astrometric satellite launched by the European Space Agency?

A) 1989.
B) 2009.
C) 1979.
D) 1999.

4. What is the goal of Gaia mission by the European Space Agency?

A) To measure the rotation speed of Mars.
B) To study the origin of comets.
C) To create a precise 3D map of the Milky Way galaxy.
D) To search for extraterrestrial life.

5. What does the term 'proper motion' refer to in astrometry?

A) Apparent motion of a star across the sky over time.
B) Size of a planet.
C) Brightness of a star.
D) Distance to a galaxy.

6. Which early astronomer is known for having made significant contributions to astrometry?

A) Galileo.
B) Hipparchus.
C) Kepler.
D) Copernicus.

7. What is the celestial equator in astrometry?

A) An imaginary line connecting the stars Sirius and Procyon.
B) A line that connects the North and South celestial poles.
C) A projection of Earth's equator onto the celestial sphere.
D) A region in space with high concentration of galaxies.

8. Which event in history led to the necessity of precise astrometry for navigation?

A) Age of Exploration.
B) Renaissance.
C) Industrial Revolution.
D) Middle Ages.

9. What is the Tycho-2 Catalog in astrometry?

A) A collection of asteroid names.
B) A list of exoplanets discovered by NASA.
C) A stellar catalog that provides positions and proper motions of 2.5 million stars.
D) A compilation of meteorite impact craters.

10. What is the significance of measuring the barycenter in astrometry?

A) Locating the North celestial pole.
B) Finding the center of a galaxy.
C) Determining the center of mass in a binary star system.
D) Calculating the rate of expansion of the universe.

11. Which unit is commonly used to express the distance to stars in astrometry?

A) Parsec
B) Light-years
C) Miles
D) Kilometers

12. What is the term for the apparent path of the Sun in the sky?

A) Prime meridian
B) Zenith
C) Ecliptic
D) Equator

13. Which ancient civilization made significant advancements in astrometry?

A) Romans
B) Egyptians
C) Greeks
D) Babylonians

14. What role does astrometry play in the search for extraterrestrial life?

A) It studies distant quasars.
B) It tracks meteor showers.
C) It helps identify habitable exoplanets by studying their orbital parameters.
D) It observes black hole accretion disks.

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