Lick Observatory atop Mount Hamilton houses what was once the largest _____ in the world.
A Refracting telescope
B Armillary sphere
C Astronomical clock
Fact: The 36-inch refracting telescope at the Lick Observatory was the largest that had ever been built when it saw first light on January 3, 1888. The 40-inch refractor at Wisconsin’s Yerkes Observatory took top prize for the largest telescope in 1897.
Correct Answer: Refracting telescope
Albert Einstein shares his birthday with which quirky holiday?
Pi Day
Star Wars Day
Groundhog Day
National Inventors’ Day
March 14 is celebrated as Pi Day in honor of the mathematical constant (pi), whose first three digits—3.14—match the date format 3/14. The day holds added significance because it’s also the birthday of Albert Einstein, who was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany. Although Pi Day wasn’t officially recognized until 1988, the coincidence has since made the date a favorite among math and science enthusiasts. The shared date offers a fitting tribute to one of history’s greatest physicists with one of the most famous constants in mathematics.
Answer: Pi Day
Question 1: Today we celebrate …
A International Museum Day
B National Colouring Book Day
C International Artist Day
Each year since 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has organised International Museum Day. The 2025 edition, themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ aligns with the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai, focusing on museums as connectors, innovators and stewards of cultural identity.
Correct Answer: International Museum Day
Question 2: Raoul Dufy—the artist of the painting in today’s image—is associated with which art movement?
A Realism
B Pop art
C Fauvism
The French painter Raoul Dufy (1877-1953) is associated with the Fauvism movement. Fauvism emerged at the beginning of the 20th century in Paris. Artists of Fauvist works emphasised a strongly expressive style over realistic values, using bold and vibrant colours. The group of artists adopting this art movement were called ‘les Fauves,’ meaning ‘the wild beasts.’
Correct Answer: Fauvism
Question 3: Which is the oldest museum in the US?
A American Museum of Natural History
B Charleston Museum
C Smithsonian Institution
The Charleston Museum in South Carolina was established on January 12, 1773. It is known for its extensive collections of historic artifacts, and natural history and decorative arts exhibits.
Correct Answer: Charleston Museum
Today we celebrate …
A International Museum Day
B National Colouring Book Day
C International Artist Day
Fact: Each year since 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has organised International Museum Day. The 2025 edition, themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ aligns with the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai, focusing on museums as connectors, innovators and stewards of cultural identity.
Correct Answer: International Museum Day
Raoul Dufy—the artist of the painting in today’s image—is associated with which art movement?
A Realism
B Pop art
C Fauvism
Fact: The French painter Raoul Dufy (1877-1953) is associated with the Fauvism movement. Fauvism emerged at the beginning of the 20th century in Paris. Artists of Fauvist works emphasised a strongly expressive style over realistic values, using bold and vibrant colours. The group of artists adopting this art movement were called ‘les Fauves,’ meaning ‘the wild beasts.’
Correct Answer: Fauvism
Which is the oldest museum in the US?
A American Museum of Natural History
B Charleston Museum
C Smithsonian Institution
Fact: The Charleston Museum in South Carolina was established on January 12, 1773. It is known for its extensive collections of historic artifacts, and natural history and decorative arts exhibits.
Correct Answer: Charleston Museum
Question 1: What is the name of the Italian coastal area in today’s image?
A Venetian Lagoon
B San Francisco Bay
C Marano-Grado Lagoon
The Venetian Lagoon is a shallow, enclosed body of water in northeastern Italy, surrounding the iconic city of Venice. It’s the largest wetland in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique blend of natural features and human history makes it one of the most remarkable coastal areas in Europe.
Correct Answer: Venetian Lagoon
Question 2: What natural event regularly floods parts of Venice?
A Fog tide
B High tide
C Tsunami
‘Acqua alta’ (‘high water’ in Italian) refers to the unusually high tides that occur in the Venetian Lagoon, especially in the fall and winter. These tides are intensified by wind and atmospheric pressure, often flooding parts of the city like the Piazza San Marco. The phenomenon has become more frequent due to climate change and sea level rise.
Correct Answer: High tide
Question 3: What popular festival is celebrated annually in Venice?
A Carnival
B Oktoberfest
C Diwali
The Carnival of Venice or ‘Carnevale di Venezia,’ is one of the city’s most famous cultural events, held every year before Lent. Known for its elaborate masks, costumes, and grand parades, it dates back to the 12th century and celebrates Venice’s history of art, drama, and masquerade.
Correct Answer: Carnival
What is the name of the Italian coastal area in today’s image?
A Venetian Lagoon
B San Francisco Bay
C Marano-Grado Lagoon
Fact: The Venetian Lagoon is a shallow, enclosed body of water in northeastern Italy, surrounding the iconic city of Venice. It’s the largest wetland in the Mediterranean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique blend of natural features and human history makes it one of the most remarkable coastal areas in Europe.
Correct Answer: Venetian Lagoon
What natural event regularly floods parts of Venice?
A Fog tide
B High tide
C Tsunami
Fact: ‘Acqua alta’ (‘high water’ in Italian) refers to the unusually high tides that occur in the Venetian Lagoon, especially in the fall and winter. These tides are intensified by wind and atmospheric pressure, often flooding parts of the city like the Piazza San Marco. The phenomenon has become more frequent due to climate change and sea level rise.
Correct Answer: High tide
What popular festival is celebrated annually in Venice?
A Carnival
B Oktoberfest
C Diwali
Fact: The Carnival of Venice or ‘Carnevale di Venezia,’ is one of the city’s most famous cultural events, held every year before Lent. Known for its elaborate masks, costumes, and grand parades, it dates back to the 12th century and celebrates Venice’s history of art, drama, and masquerade.
Correct Answer: Carnival