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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 3, The Great Demotions, Chapter 4, A Universe Not Made For Us.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What is the constituent particle of light?
(a) The photon.
(b) The neutrino.
(c) The electron.
(d) The neutron.

3. Which of the following is NOT one of the major unknowns that Sagan says he will address in this book?
(a) How humans can explore space.
(b) Whether or not there is intelligent life on nearby planets.
(c) What humanity's future is.
(d) Why humans should explore space.

4. What was the state of the knowledge and belief about life on other planets at the time the book was written?
(a) It was believed there was abundant life on Mars.
(b) Most believed life on other planets was impossible.
(c) Scientists expected to find life on most of the planets and moons.
(d) No signs of life were known to exist.

5. What is notable about the stars in Sagan's distant picture of the Earth?
(a) An immense number are visible.
(b) Very few are visible.
(c) They have many different colors.
(d) They appear very close.

Short Answer Questions

1. How old does Sagan state that "fundamentalist monotheists" believe the Earth to be?

2. What abstract concept does Sagan specifically say he is optimistic about?

3. How fast was Voyager I moving in 1990?

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

5. What concept does Sagan suggest that the image of the "pale blue dot" mocks?

(see the answer key)

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