Astronomy current events question: cosmic ray origin

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, "VERITAS Telescope Array Helps Solve The Origin of Cosmic Rays," November 2, 2009
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8766

Researchers using evidence from the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS) have determined that cosmic rays are:
(A) the product of processes deep within Earth's core.
(B) caused by the decay of unstable, ultraheavy elements.
(C) antimatter particles from the big bang.
(D) photons emitted by quasars.
(E) protons accelerated by exploding stars and stellar winds.

Correct answer: (C)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 2 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 6 students
(E) : 44 students