Astronomy current events question: The New Solar Telescope

Astronomy 210L, fall 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!)

Monica Young, "Sharpest Ever Images of the Sun," September 13, 2012
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/newsblog/Images-of-the-Sun-Sharper-Than-Ever-169641826.html

The New Solar Telescope at Big Bear Solar Observatory uses __________ to obtain the highest resolution images ever taken of the sun.
(A) liquid nitrogen for cooling.
(B) sunlight reflected off of the moon.
(C) specialized polarizing fliters.
(D) advanced image-processing algorithms.
(E) actuators to reshape its primary mirror.

Correct answer: (E)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 9 students
(D) : 12 students
(E) : 30 students