20110912

Astronomy current events question: Pinwheel Galaxy supernova PTF 11kly

Astronomy 210L, fall 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, "Scientists Discover an 'Instant Cosmic Classic' Supernova," August 26, 2011
http://astronomy.com/en/News-Observing/News/2011/08/Scientists%20discover%20an%20instant%20cosmic%20classic%20supernova.aspx
The recent supernova PTF 11kly in the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) was discovered by the Palomar Transient Facility survey, which:
(A) tracks star motions from a high-altitude airplane.
(B) watches stars and constellations during daylight hours, using filters.
(C) automatically scans new images for changes.
(D) asks internet volunteers to monitor videos of the sky.
(E) detects spacetime vibrations with laser pulses.

Correct answer: (C)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 3 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 20 students
(D) : 8 students
(E) : 15 students

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