Astronomy current events question: sunspot molecular hydrogen

Astronomy 210L, spring semester 2012
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!)

Jessica Orwig, "Sunspots' Secrets Unraveling," February 13, 2012
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/Sunspots-Secrets-Unraveling-139212143.html

The National Solar Observatory in New Mexico detected molecular hydrogen (H₂) in sunspots by observing:
(A) magnetic field lines.
(B) sunspot temperature fluctuations.
(C) sunlight reflected off of GPS satellites.
(D) the darkness of sunspot edges.
(E) a related molecule, hydroxide.

Correct answer: (E)

Student responses
Sections 30678, 30679, 30680
(A) : 9 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 7 students
(E) : 8 students