1. Introduction to Astronomy

Scientific Method — Quiz

Test your understanding of scientific method with 5 practice questions.

Practice Questions

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of a hypothesis in astronomical research?

Question 2

When astronomers analyze the light curves of exoplanets to infer their atmospheric composition, they are primarily engaged in:

Question 3

If an astronomer uses a chi-squared test to determine if observed star positions match a predicted distribution, they are applying:

Question 4

To determine if a newly discovered exoplanet's orbital period is consistent with Kepler's Third Law, an astronomer collects data on its distance from its star and its orbital period. They then perform calculations to see if the relationship $P^2 \propto a^3$ holds true. This process primarily involves:

Question 5

When an astronomer observes a celestial phenomenon and seeks to explain it, which step of the scientific method involves proposing a testable explanation?