Astronomy current events question: reversal of the sun's magnetic poles

Astronomy 210L, fall 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!)

Adam Hadhazy, "Don't Flip Out, but the Sun's Magnetic Field Is About to Flip," August 14, 2013
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/space/dont-flip-out-but-the-suns-magnetic-field-is-about-to-flip-15809511

The sun's magnetic field is expected to completely flip within the next few months, which is speculated to affect __________ on Earth.
(A) magnetic pole polarity.
(B) bird and whale migration.
(C) ocean tides.
(D) polar ice melting.
(E) lightning storms.

Correct answer: (E)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 19 students
(B) : 1 student
(C) : 5 students
(D) : 7 students
(E) : 35 students