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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Sagan, how profitable is it for a nation to invest in space exploration?
(a) It is highly profitable.
(b) It has high costs.
(c) It is not related to a nation's welfare.
(d) It has great benefits in a limited scope.

2. What is the main component of the atmosphere of Venus?
(a) Phosphate.
(b) Quicklime gas.
(c) Hydrogen.
(d) Sulfuric acid.

3. What planet in the solar system obviously suffers from a severe greenhouse gas effect?
(a) Venus.
(b) Mars.
(c) Jupiter.
(d) Saturn.

4. Sagan discusses in detail a theory that Saturn's rings are caused by what effect?
(a) Cosmic perturbation.
(b) Planetary tides.
(c) Gravity waves.
(d) Ether condensation.

5. What types of information does SETI analyze?
(a) Gravitational waves.
(b) Magnetic waves.
(c) Cosmic rays.
(d) Radio waves.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Sagan characterize most of the benefits gleaned from the space programs of the 60s and 70s?

2. Sagan estimates that intelligent life might arise on average in one out of how many stars?

3. Which of the following is NOT one of the missions that observed Venus using radar telescopes?

4. Mars apparently once had what resource?

5. What did Steven Hawking worry about with regard to black holes?

Short Essay Questions

1. How well can an asteroid's path be calculated?

2. What does Sagan think were the major upsides of the Apollo missions?

3. What is unusual about the surface of Venus?

4. What resources does Sagan believe that carbon asteroids have that make them suitable for human habitation?

5. What would the process of "terraforming" on Mars be like?

6. What promising signs does Mars have for being host to life?

7. Why does Sagan believe it is unlikely that a manned mission to Mars will be carried out in the near future?

8. Why does Sagan suggest that space exploration aids in protecting the planet?

9. What does Sagan want to see on Mars?

10. Why does Sagan believe that America sent men to the moon?

(see the answer keys)

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