Question 1: Today’s image captures the Perseid meteor shower. During which month does it typically peak?
A August
B December
C March
The Perseids are widely regarded by astronomers as one of the year’s finest meteor showers. Though active from July to September, they reach peak visibility in mid-August, offering a dazzling display of bright, fast-moving meteors across the night sky.
Correct Answer: August
Question 2: The Perseid meteor shower is caused by debris from which comet?
A Swift–Tuttle
B Encke
C Hale–Bopp
Comet Swift–Tuttle is a large periodic comet with a 16-mile nucleus and an orbital period of 133 years. It is the source of the Perseid meteor shower, shedding particles that form the Perseid cloud—a stream of debris trailing its orbit, with many particles existing for about a thousand years.
Correct Answer: Swift–Tuttle
Question 3: In which state is Great Basin National Park?
A Nevada
B Texas
C Oregon
Great Basin National Park, established in 1986 in east-central Nevada, is named after the surrounding dry, mountainous Great Basin region. It features ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak Glacier, and some of the darkest night skies in the contiguous United States, making it a perfect place to witness the Perseid meteor shower.
Correct Answer: Nevada