Astronomy quiz question: light pollution effects

Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, Spring Semester 2009
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

What power of an optical telescope is affected by light pollution?
(A) Light-gathering power.
(B) Resolving power.
(C) Magnifying power.
(D) (None of the above choices.)

Section 30674
(A) : 25 students
(B) : 12 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 0 students

Correct answer: (A)

The light from natural sources (the Moon), and from man-made sources (skyglow from streetlights) affects the ability of optical telescopes to see dim objects, thus affecting its light-gathering power.

"Difficulty level": 69% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.33