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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is a cloud of vapor sent toward Rama?
(a) As a method to measure the temperature on the surface of Rama.
(b) To see if it will interact with Rama and produce "fireworks."
(c) To see if it will be sucked into the interior of Rama.
(d) To see if Rama has enough gravity to hold an atmosphere.

2. What is Sita?
(a) A big orbiting telescope.
(b) A pod of special cameras intended to photograph Rama from all sides.
(c) A long range missile designed to destroy Rama.
(d) A space-probe that is originally intended to launch from Mars to go beyond Neptune.

3. What possibility causes Dr. Petera to suggest that Rama be evacuated early?
(a) The detrimental effect of total darkness on humans.
(b) Hurricanes.
(c) The discovery of a new asteroid.
(d) Excessive heat.

4. How long is the radio time lag between the Endeavour and Earth?
(a) Ten minutes, and decreasing.
(b) Ten hours, and increasing.
(c) Ten minutes, and increasing.
(d) Ten hours, and decreasing.

5. In Chapter 3, who is the current chairman of the Space Advisory Council?
(a) Professor Davidson.
(b) Dr. Price.
(c) Commander Norton.
(d) Dr. Stenton.

6. In Chapter 11, what is identified as a psychological problem that may arise for the explorers?
(a) The path of Rama, which is very close to the Sun.
(b) Darkness.
(c) The cold.
(d) The fluctuation of gravitational force.

7. What cities narrowly miss being destroyed in the 20th century?
(a) New York and London.
(b) Venice and Rome.
(c) Padua and Verona.
(d) Moscow and Vladivostok.

8. How big is the mass of Rama?
(a) At least ten trillion tons.
(b) At least a million tons.
(c) At least a billion tons.
(d) At least a trillion tons.

9. What does Joe Calvert assume about the builders of Rama?
(a) The builders of Rama are able to see in the dark.
(b) The builders of Rama are small in stature.
(c) The builders of Rama are more intelligent than humans.
(d) The builders of Rama are humanoid.

10. Rama is compared to what ordinary object?
(a) A globe.
(b) An airship.
(c) A hot air balloon.
(d) A boiler.

11. Twice a day the explorers must perform an action. What is it?
(a) Chew a high calorie snack.
(b) Take a nap.
(c) Maintain radio silence while transmissions are relayed to Earth.
(d) Exercise at three-quarters of a gee for ten minutes.

12. SPACEGUARD is keeping track of how many asteroids at once?
(a) Fifty thousand.
(b) Two hundred fifty thousand.
(c) One hundred thousand.
(d) Half a million.

13. What is a light curve?
(a) A slow variation in the brilliance of all asteroids.
(b) The degree to which an asteroid's orbit bends.
(c) The extent to which an asteroid waxes over a period of hours.
(d) The extent to which an asteroid wanes over a period of hours.

14. What are the Calypso, Beagle, and Challenger waiting for?
(a) Refueling.
(b) Orders to rendezvous with the Endeavour.
(c) Extra propellant.
(d) A possible distress signal from the Endeavour.

15. What are the only items the explorers must bring to Rama?
(a) Food, water, and thermosuits.
(b) Food, water, and airsuits.
(c) Air tanks, water, and thermosuits.
(d) Water, food, and rebreathers.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Chapter 6, how far is the distance between Earth and Mars?

2. What does the Commander and his companion use to move around on Rama after landing?

3. What words does the author use to portray the vast majority of asteroids?

4. When the pillbox-shaped structure starts to move, it looks like what object?

5. Which way do "clocks and corkscrews" turn on Rama?

(see the answer keys)

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