Astronomy current events question: LIGO detection of gravitational waves

Astronomy 210L, spring semester 2016
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!)

News release, "Gravitational Waves Detected 100 Years After Einstein's Prediction" (February 11, 2016)
ligo.caltech.edu/news/ligo20160211

The twin Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory detectors located in Louisiana and Washington were able to detect gravitational waves emitted from:
(A) deep within our sun.
(B) moonquakes.
(C) cosmic background radiation.
(D) a collapsing pulsar.
(E) two black holes merging.

Correct answer: (E)

Student responses
Sections 30678, 30679, 30680
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 3 students
(E) : 36 students