How space-savvy were you?

Did inspiration strike? How big a crater did it leave?

Here are the answers, from the Edited Guide. (Where else?)

1. Name three varieties of NEO.
   Asteroid, meteor, comet. Bone up on your Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).
2. What did Shoemaker-Levy do to Jupiter?
   Banged into Jupiter. And made a big plume.
3. If you were born under a wandering star, what does that mean?
   Your star was a planet. Know your Solar System.
4. What official explanation was given starting in 1999 for the appearance of a trio of UFOs over the UK?
   Naval Ocean Surveillance Satellites, or NOSS. That's their story, and they're sticking to it. Read about Naval Ocean Surveillance Satellites – a 'UFO'.
5. What did the ancient Egyptians do with meteorites?
   Worshipped them. After all, they came from the heavens. Find out more fascinating facts in Asteroids and Meteorites - Mankind's Fate?
6. What is that spooky star on the Bayeux Tapestry?
   Halley's Comet. It showed up in 1066, alarming the natives. It comes around every 76 years.
7. What NEOs answered the question, 'Why is there a hole in our solar system?'
   The Asteroid Belt. A lot of things were cleared up by The Discovery of the Asteroid Belt.
8. Why does the Moon have such a pitted complexion?
   It's been hit by too many meteors. Our satellite is in urgent need of an astronomical dermatologist. Read about other Evidence of Meteorite Impacts.
9. On what unlucky day do frightened people think that Apophis will strike the Earth?
   Friday, 13 April, 2036. It would have to be Friday the 13th. There go our weekend plans.
10. If you want to see more of these NEOs more clearly, what initiative should you support?
    Dark Skies Awareness. They help fight Light Pollution.

How good an NEO-spotter were you? Perhaps you are ready to join Galaxy Babe in star-gazing.

Now remember: 2012 DH14 is not going to hit the Earth. Really.

Dmitri Gheorgheni

11.02.13 Front Page

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