Astronomy current events question: Saturn opposition

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!)

Michael E. Bakich, "Saturn to Make Its Best Appearance of the Year," March 15, 2010
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=9666

Saturn is currently in opposition, which is the best time to observe it. Opposition is when Saturn:
(A) has its rings tilted most towards Earth.
(B) does not pass behind the moon.
(C) is brighter than light pollution.
(D) lies opposite the sun from our perspective on Earth.
(E) has the opposite season of Earth.

Correct answer: (D)

Student responses
Sections 30678, 30679, 30680
(A) : 9 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 44 students
(E) : 1 student