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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 1, You Are Here, Chapter 2, Aberrations of Light.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What strange motion do all of the stars in the sky exhibit?
(a) They appear to drift towards the Earth.
(b) They change directions randomly.
(c) They move in identical tiny ellipses.
(d) They tend to move towards each other.

2. What is one trait of human beings that Sagan cites as being responsible for our belief in our importance in the universe?
(a) Insecurity.
(b) Ignorance.
(c) Industry.
(d) Creativity.

3. What astronomical discovery did Galileo make that significantly damaged the geocentric theory?
(a) Gravity moves the planets.
(b) Planets move in ellipses.
(c) Stars are stationary relative to the Earth.
(d) Jupiter has its own moons.

4. What means does Sagan suggest that humans use to represent and express their desire to wander?
(a) Stories and symbols.
(b) Adventures.
(c) Trade.
(d) Colonization.

5. What abstract concept does Sagan specifically say he is optimistic about?
(a) The future.
(b) Human destiny.
(c) The human capacity for love and discovery.
(d) The human prospect.

Short Answer Questions

1. What scientist is credited with making the first discoveries that caused problems for the geocentric theory?

2. As of 1990, how many planets did the Voyager craft explore?

3. What does Sagan claim is the key element of humanity's future?

4. Which of the following is a major point opponents of space exploration raise?

5. What is the major difference between space exploration and human exploration in the past?

(see the answer key)

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