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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 scientist is credited with making the first discoveries that caused problems for the geocentric theory?
(a) Kelper.
(b) Ptolemy.
(c) Galileo.
(d) Copernicus.

2. What concept does Sagan suggest that the image of the "pale blue dot" mocks?
(a) Human achievement.
(b) Technology.
(c) Individuality.
(d) Human conceit.

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

4. What punishment did Galileo suffer as a result of his works?
(a) He was beheaded.
(b) He was imprisoned for life.
(c) He was burned at the stake.
(d) He was put under permanent house arrest.

5. Sagan compares the human need for religion to what?
(a) A man's need for water.
(b) An injured person's need for aid.
(c) A blind person's need for a cane.
(d) An infant's need for a parent.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is notable about the stars in Sagan's distant picture of the Earth?

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

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

4. What strange motion do all of the stars in the sky exhibit?

5. Which of the following does Sagan NOT cite as evidence for the age of the universe?

(see the answer key)

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