20110311

Astronomy current events question: Pan-STARRS telescope

Astronomy 210L, Spring Semester 2011
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students are assigned to read online articles on current astronomy events, and take a short current events quiz during the first 10 minutes of lab. (This motivates students to show up promptly to lab, as the time cut-off for the quiz is strictly enforced!)
Astronomy.com editors, "PS1 Telescope Establishes Near-Earth Asteroid Discovery Record," February 25, 2011
http://astronomy.com/en/News-Observing/News/2011/02/PS1%20telescope%20establishes%20near-Earth%20asteroid%20discovery%20record.aspx
The Pan-STARRS PS1 telescope on Haleakala, Maui is able to discover asteroids by:
(A) checking misclassified stars on old astronomical charts.
(B) measuring their gravitational effect on the moon's orbit.
(C) receiving radio signals reflected by them.
(D) tracking them as they pass in front of the sun.
(E) watching them move against background stars.

Correct answer: (E)

Student responses
Sections 30678, 30679, 30680
(A) : 1 student
(B) : 5 students
(C) : 8 students
(D) : 7 students
(E) : 26 students

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