Astronomy current events question: Kepler-78b

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!)

Irene Klotz, "Earth's Hellish 'Twin Sister' Discovered," October 30, 2013
http://news.discovery.com/space/alien-life-exoplanets/earths-hellish-twin-sister-discovered-131030.htm

Earth-sized exoplanet Kepler-78b's __________ indicate that it is covered with molten lava.
(A) close orbit to its star.
(B) lack of polar ice caps.
(C) strong greenhouse effect.
(D) massive iron core.
(E) lack of impact craters.

Correct answer: (A)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186
(A) : 28 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 8 students
(E) : 1 student