Astronomy current events question: lava planet CoRoT-7/TYC 4799-1733-1

Astronomy 210L, Fall Semester 2009
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!)

Kelly Beatty, "CoRoT-7b, The Lava Planet," September 16, 2009
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/home/59480512.html

How did the French CoRoT satellite discover the first rocky exoplanet CoRoT-7/TYC 4799-1733-1? Circle your answer below.
(A) Traces of organic compounds associated with life on Earth.
(B) Presence of high plumes of volcanic ash.
(C) Measurements of its mass and size, as it orbits around and passes in front of its star.
(D) Its rotation axis is tilted over on its side.
(E) Infrared light emitted from fresh lava flows on its surface.

Correct answer: (C).

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 25 students
(D) : 1 student
(E) : 3 students