2. Which one of the following is NOT one of the Galilean Moons?
c. Miranda
Miranda is an ice moon of Uranus.
The Galilean moons are Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. Although Galileo discovered these moons in 1609-1610, his contemporary Simon Marius named each one of them.
3. When did Galileo invent the telescope?
d. he didn't. Hans Lipperhey invented the telescope
Galileo often receives undue credit for having invented the telescope. In fact, Dutch lens maker Hans Lipperhsy invented the telescope in 1609. However, Galileo was the first person to use the telescope to make astronomical observations.
4. The largest Galilean moon is _______________.
c. Ganymede
With a 1,636.8 mile radius, Ganymede is not only the largest Galilean moon, it is also the largest moon in the solar system. In fact, it is 26% larger than Mercury by volume, but is 45% as massive.
5. What is the Cross Quarter Day between the summer solstice and autumnal equinox?
b. Lammas
Occuring on August 1st, Lammas is the next cross-quarter day after Beltane (May Day) which happens on May 1st. Imbolc (Groundhog's Day) falls on Feb 2nd and Halloween on October 31st.
6. ______________ is the parent comet of the Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower.
a. Halley's Comet
The famous comet due to reappear in our sky in 2061 is the parent body of the minor shower Eta Aquarid, which peaks in early May. Halley's Comet is also the parent body of the Orionid Meteor shower which peaks around October 20th.
7. Saturn currently occupies the constellation ________________
b. Capricornus
One will find Capricornus and Saturn in the early morning eastern sky. Saturn will remain in Capricornus until 2023.
8. When will Mercury be at opposition in May?
d. Mercury can never be in opposition.
Mercury will be at greatest eastern elongation on May 17th.
9. Mythologically, Scorpius killed __________, which explains why one never sees these two constellations in the sky simultaneously.
a. Orion
Orion is a prominent winter constellation. Scorpius is a prominent summer constellation. Orion will soon vanish into the dusk and Scorpius will soon move into the eastern sky.
10. During the week of May 12 - 19, the moon will appear to move near each of the following planets except ___________.
d. Jupiter
Mercury, Venus and Mars are now all evening sky planets. Jupiter is a morning sky planet and so the moon will not appear to pass close to it this week.
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