Astronomy current events question: Eris occulation

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!)

Kelly Beatty, "Eris and Pluto: Does Size Matter?," October 27, 2011
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/home/Eris-and-Pluto-Does-Size-Matter-132755658.html

Data from dwarf planet Eris passing in front of a star was used to:
(A) measure Eris' diameter.
(B) sample Eris' atmosphere.
(C) analyze Eris' methane content.
(D) estimate the distance to the star.
(E) detect a white dwarf companion to the star.

Correct answer: (A)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 42 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 5 students
(E) : 1 student