Astronomy current events question: Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON)

Astronomy 210L, spring semester 2013
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 D. Lemonick, "Coming in 2013: The Comet of the Century?," December 20, 2012
http://science.time.com/2012/12/20/coming-in-2013-the-comet-of-the-century/

Because of its __________, Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) is predicted to become as bright as the full moon as it passes near the sun in November.
(A) large size.
(B) rapid rotation rate.
(C) extremely cold temperatures.
(D) transparent crust.
(E) decaying orbit.

Correct answer: (A)

Student responses
Sections 30678, 30679, 30680
(A) : 43 students
(B) : 6 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 6 students
(E) : 4 students