20091002

Astronomy current events question: Jupiter aurorae

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!)
Astronomy.com editors, "Ganymede's Magnetosphere Makes a Big Impression on Jupiter's Auroral Lights," September 17, 2009
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8634
What did scientists from the University of Liege in Belgium detect on Jupiter using ultraviolet images from the Hubble Space Telescope? Circle your answer below.
(A) An impact from a colliding comet.
(B) New spiral weather patterns in its belt zones.
(C) The effect of the magnetic fields of its moons on its auroral bright spots.
(D) A newly discovered bright red spot.
(E) Traces of organic compounds associated with life on Earth.

Correct answer: (C).

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 3 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 46 students
(D) : 6 students
(E) : 5 students

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