20180309

Astronomy current events question: predicting SpaceX's Tesla Roadster future trajectory

Astronomy 210L, spring semester 2018
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!)
Don Campbell, "That Tesla Shot into Space Will Likely Collide with Earth or Venus--Just Not Any Time Soon" (February 15, 2018)
utsc.utoronto.ca/news-events/breaking-research/tesla-shot-space-will-likely-collide-earth-or-venus-just-not-any-time-soon
Computer simulations predict the future path of SpaceX's Tesla Roadster incorporate random fluctuations, due to the accumulated effects of:
(A) gamma ray radiation.
(B) colliding with micrometeorites.
(C) rocket fuel leaks.
(D) solar flares.
(E) passing by Earth.

Correct answer: (E)

Student responses
Sections 30679, 30680
(A) : 4 students
(B) : 8 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 3 students
(E) : 24 students

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