Astronomy current events question: Comet Elenin C/2010 X1

Astronomy 210L, fall semester 2011
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, "Comet Elenin Poses No Threat to Earth," August 18, 2011
http://astronomy.com/en/News-Observing/News/2011/08/Comet%20Elenin%20poses%20no%20threat%20to%20Earth.aspx

When it makes its closest approach to Earth in October, Comet Elenin C/2010 X1 is expected to:
(A) pass between Earth and the moon.
(B) slightly increase the probability of earthquakes.
(C) briefly eclipse part of the sun.
(D) require binoculars at a dark sky location to be visible.
(E) increase the intensity of the northern lights.

Correct answer: (D)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 7 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 9 students
(D) : 36 students
(E) : 3 students