Astronomy current events question: the moon's temporary atmosphere

Astronomy 210L, fall semester 2017
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!)

Lunar and Planetary Institute news release, "New NASA Study Shows Moon Once Had an Atmosphere" (October 4, 2017)
lpi.usra.edu/features/100517/moon-atmosphere/

Analysis of trapped gases in rocks brought back from the moon indicate the possible presence of __________ there in the past.
(A) a temporary atmosphere.
(B) dangerous radioactivity levels.
(C) mineral-rich oceans.
(D) strong magnetic fields.
(E) plate tectonics.

Correct answer: (A)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186
(A) : 40 students
(B) : 1 student
(C) : 6 students
(D) : 0 students
(E) : 0 students