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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9, An American Ship at the Frontiers of the Solar System, Chapter 10, Sacred Black.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is notable about the Sun's light in Sagan's distant picture of the Earth?
(a) It creates a halo around the Earth.
(b) It appears as many distinct shafts of light.
(c) It appears to bathe the Earth in light.
(d) It is extremely dim.

2. Which planet was Voyager 2 intended to visit first?
(a) Venus.
(b) Mars.
(c) Jupiter.
(d) Mercury.

3. According to Sagan, how do early Earth and Titan compare?
(a) They are similar.
(b) They are totally different.
(c) They are only vaguely related.
(d) They are almost exactly the same.

4. What unusual source of energy do the Voyager spacecraft take advantage of?
(a) Solar wind.
(b) Vacuum energy.
(c) Planetary gravity.
(d) Cosmic rays.

5. How does Sagan describe his reaction to the difficulties in detecting human life and intelligence on Earth from space?
(a) Sobering.
(b) Unsurprising.
(c) Disappointing.
(d) Aggravating.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which other nation besides the United States led the way in space exploration?

2. What was Neptune's position in the solar system as of the writing of this book?

3. What scientist is well-known for writing about the differences between species of animals?

4. William Herschel, the discoverer of Uranus, had what unusual profession?

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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