Astronomy current events question: formation of exoplanet PDS 70b

Astronomy 210L, fall 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!)

Susanna Kohler, "Planet Formation Caught in the Act" (August 17, 2018)
aasnova.org/2018/08/17/planet-formation-caught-in-the-act/

High-resolution images of the exoplanet gas giant PDS 70b by the Magellan Clay Telescope in Chile provide evidence for:
(A) its extensive ring system.
(B) colliding with its star.
(C) potentially habitable moons.
(D) becoming a red dwarf.
(E) still collecting hydrogen.

Correct answer: (E)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186
(A) : 5 students
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 6 students
(D) : 3 students
(E) : 9 students