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

2. Why is astrometry important in astronomy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Which ancient civilization made significant advancements in astrometry?

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

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

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

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