20100222

Astronomy current events question: Cassini mission extended

Astronomy 210L, Spring Semester 2010
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!)
United Press International, "NASA Extends Cassini Tour of Saturn," February 3, 2010
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/wires?id=140832154&c=y
What has NASA planned for the Cassini space probe in orbit around Saturn?
(A) Moving it to rendevous with Pluto in 2012.
(B) Extending its operation through 2017.
(C) Crashing into Saturn's atmosphere to gather data on its composition.
(D) Parking it in Saturn's rings until its operating budget can be restored.
(E) Sending it out of the solar system after one last pass near Saturn.

Correct answer: (B)

Student responses
Sections 30678, 30679, 30680
(A) : 1 student
(B) : 50 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 5 students
(E) : 4 students

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