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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of missions does Sagan recommend in order to prepare to deal with Earth-bound asteroids?

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

3. What characteristic of the atmosphere of Venus was initially impossible to explain?

4. At the time this book was written, about how many asteroids were known to have paths that take them close to the Earth?

5. According to the plans Sagan discussed, how would nuclear weapons typically be used to stop an asteroid from colliding with the Earth?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is unusual about the ring systems of the planets in our solar system?

2. How could planetary tides pull a small planet apart?

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

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

5. What does Sagan believe black holes have to offer?

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

7. How is Venus different from Earth?

8. What does Sagan want to see on Mars?

9. How is Venus similar to Earth?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and the most Earth-like of all of the moons in the solar system, making it a good candidate for finding extraterrestrial life.

1) Describe the characteristics of the moon Titan, including a discussion of its atmosphere and hydrocarbon lakes.

2) Assess the specific characteristics of the moon that make it suitable for life.

3) Discuss Sagan's personal involvement in the study of Titan, its importance to him, and why he believes the moon warrants further study.

Essay Topic 2

Venus was once considered to be a "sister planet" to Earth, but is now known to be dramatically different from our own planet.

1) Discuss the characteristics of Venus, including the oddities in its climate, atmosphere, and surface.

2) Explain some of the similarities and differences between Earth and Venus and explain why this planet was once considered a "sister planet" to Earth.

3) Discuss Venus' unique place in the mythologies of ancient cultures around the world, as well as its unique positioning in the night sky as seen from Earth.

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 1, Sagan discusses in detail the photo of the "pale blue dot" for which he named this book. He regards it as a singular and impressive symbol of man's place in the universe.

1) Describe how the photo of the "pale blue dot" was taken, the risks involved, and how Sagan was personally involved in its creation.

2) Describe the photo itself, using details from the book.

3) Explain how Sagan thinks that this photo demonstrates part of the triumph of the Voyager spacecraft.

4) Discuss in detail the meaning of this photo to Sagan and what it says to him about man's place in the universe.

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