9B) Astrophysics and Space Technology (Prelims PYQs)

1] If a major solar storm (solar-flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? [2022]
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras ‘could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code give-n below:

a) 1, 2, 4 dnd 5 only
b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

2] Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in the media? [2022]

a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.
b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.
c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.
d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface

3] Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years? [2021]

a) Distances among stellar bodies do not change
b) Gravity of stellar bodies does not change
c) Light always travels in straight line
d) Speed of light is always same

4] “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to: [2020]|

a) Voyager-2
b) New horizons
c) Lisa Pathfinder
d) Evolved LISA

5] For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used? [2019]
1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location
2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location
3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a) 1 Only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

6] In which of the following area can GPS technology be used? [2018]
1. Mobile phones operation
2. Banking operations
3. Controlling the power grids
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

7] Consider the following statements: [2018]
1. The Earth’s magnetic fields has reserved every few hundred thousand years.
2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 millions years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.
3. When living organism originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

8] With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) , consider the following statements: [2018]
1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
2. Geosynchronous covers entire India and about 5500 sq. Km beyond its border.
3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) none

9] Consider the following phenomenon: [2018]
1. Light is affected by gravity.
2. The universe is constantly expanding.
3. Matter wraps its surrounding space- time.
Which of the above is/are prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory Of Relativity, often discussed in media?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

10] With the reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: [2018]
1. PSLVs launch the satellite useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLVs appear to remain permanently fixed in the first same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given below is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 2
d) 3 only

11] The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, `String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of: [2017]

a) Observation and understanding of the Universe
b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth

12] What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project? [2017]

a) To detect neutrinos
b) To detect gravitational waves
c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system
d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

13] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news? [2016]

a) Electric plane tested by NASA
b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
c) Space observatory launched by China
d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

14] With reference to `Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2016]
1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

15] Consider the following statements: [2016]
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
1. Is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. Made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. Made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

16] In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used? [2015]
1. Assessment of crop productivity
2. Locating ground water resources
3. Mineral exploration
4. Telecommunications
5. Traffic studies
Select the correct answer using the code given below

a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 4 and 5 only
c) 1 and 2 only
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

17] Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? Spacecraft Purpose: [2014]
1. Cassini-Huygens: Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth
2. Messenger: Mapping and investigating
3. Voyager 1 and 2: Exploring the outer solar system
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

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