20091124

Astronomy current events question: Phoenix lander status

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, "Frost-Covered Phoenix Lander Seen in Winter Images," November 5, 2009
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8778
The NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera has recently observed the NASA Phoenix Lander:
(A) stuck between two medium-sized boulders.
(B) covered by dry-ice frost.
(C) sinking in quicksand.
(D) surrounded by rising waters from melting ice.
(E) currently enroute to salvaging parts from the NASA Mars Spirit Rover.

Correct answer: (B)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 5 students
(B) : 42 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 5 students
(E) : 4 students

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