Astronomy current events question: methanol molecules and fundamental constants

Astronomy 210L, fall semester 2014
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!)

Gabby Russell, "Alcohol Points to Something Fundamental," (September 17, 2014)
http://csirouniverseblog.com/2014/09/17/alcohol-points-to-something-fundamental/

Australian scientists proposed radio waves emitted by methanol molecules in the Sculptor (NGC 253) galaxy could test whether the _________ of the universe changed over time.
(A) number of atoms.
(B) fundamental constants.
(C) radioactivity.
(D) conditions for life.
(E) expansion of space.

Correct answer: (B)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186
(A) : 2 students
(B) : 24 students
(C) : 7 students
(D) : 5 students
(E) : 3 students