UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Blood Moon, low Earth orbit and more (Week 101)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the Blood Moon, consider the following statements:

1. A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse.

2. It appears to us as a larger-than-usual Moon in our night sky.

3. It appears reddish because of dust, smoke or haze in the sky.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— In 1504, Columbus prophesied a Blood Moon, which he used to coerce and intimidate the Jamaican populace into complying with his requests, according to a 1999 story in The Guardian.

— On March 13 and 14, this year, there will be a total lunar eclipse that is comparable to the Blood Moon in 1504.

— During a total lunar eclipse, a blood moon occurs. Earth positions itself between the Moon and the Sun during a total lunar eclipse. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— When this occurs, the only light reaching the Moon’s surface comes from the boundaries of the Earth’s atmosphere. The majority of blue light is scattered by air molecules in Earth’s atmosphere. The remaining light reflects on the Moon’s surface, creating a red glow in the night sky.

— The term “blood moon” refers to the moon’s red hue. The term “blood moon” can also refer to a Moon that appears reddish due to dust, smoke, or haze in the atmosphere. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

— A “supermoon” appears to us as a larger-than-normal Moon in the night sky. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) is a:

(a) sort of a thermometer to carry out on-site temperature measurements of the Moon’s surface and sub-surface near the polar regions.

(b) device to carry out quantitative elemental analysis.

(c) instrument to measure seismicity around the landing site and delineating the structure of the lunar crust and mantle.

(d) instrument that measures the near surface plasma (ions and electrons) density and its changes with time.

Explanation

— The Moon may have more water-ice than previously thought. According to a recent examination of data from one of the instruments on board Chandrayaan-3, there was a high likelihood that water-ice existed outside of the Moon’s polar regions.

— Scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad have demonstrated that even very slight changes in altitude over a short distance can significantly alter surface and subsurface temperatures in the higher latitudes of the Moon’s surface using data from Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE).

— The first device to perform on-site temperature measurements of the Moon’s surface and subsurface close to the polar regions was ChaSTE, a device that functions similarly to a thermometer. Satellite observations were used to estimate the temperatures in these areas in the past.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

With reference to the low Earth orbit (LEO), consider the following statements:

1. The LEO satellites usually orbit between 550 and 1,200 km above the Earth.

2. The International Space Station is located in the LEO.

3. Geostationary satellites are placed in LEO.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

Explanation

— In January, around 120 SpaceX Starlink satellites were destroyed in the Earth’s atmosphere. According to reports, three to four re-entries occurred each day, resulting in the formation of artificial meteor showers that were visible to many people around the world.

— The main issue is the production of aluminium oxide particles, which could eventually harm the ozone layer.

— According to sources, small Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites such as Starlink contain an abundance of aluminium and have a lifespan of roughly five years.

— Typically, LEO satellites fly between 550 and 1,200 kilometres above the ground. They are deactivated and let to return to Earth at the conclusion of their operational period. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— The International Space Station currently orbits in this region, and numerous future platforms are planned to be built there as well. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— In order to seem stationary in relation to a location on Earth, satellites in Geostationary Orbit (GEO), a particular kind of HEO, orbit at a height of roughly 22,236 miles (35,786 km) above the equator. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 4

Which of the following are the sources of the PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5?

1. Power generation

2. Industrial activities

3. Crop burning

4. Burning of coal and wood

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1, 2 and 4

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation

— According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, Meghalaya’s Byrnihat is the most polluted metropolitan area in the world, while New Delhi remains the most polluted capital.

— New Delhi continued to be the most polluted capital city, with an average annual PM 2.5 concentration of 91.8 µg/m3, followed by N’Djamena, Chad, with a concentration of 91.6 and Dhaka, with a concentration of 78.

— PM (Particulate Matter) 2.5, which remains suspended in the air, has a substantial negative impact on health, causing and aggravating respiratory disorders while also increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

— The WHO’s yearly limit for PM 2.5 is 5 µg/m3, whereas India’s Central Pollution Control Board has put it at 40 µg/m3.

— PM 2.5 is mostly produced by combustion engines, electricity generation, industrial activities, crop burning and agricultural practices, as well as wood and coal combustion.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 5

The programme Commercial Lunar Payload Services works under:

(a) European Space Agency

(b) Canadian Space Agency

(c) National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(d) Indian Space Research Organisation

Explanation

— Firefly Aerospace, an American commercial space business, has successfully landed its spacecraft on the Moon.

— NASA has supported these private space flights by attempting to establish a broader ecosystem of space transportation businesses in anticipation for frequent human and cargo travels to the Moon in the coming years.

— Firefly is the third private operator to send a mission to the Moon under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services, or CLPS programme.

— CLPS aims to accelerate lunar exploration and establish capacity in the private sector to carry out difficult space missions. This is part of NASA’s broader and more ambitious Artemis program, which intends to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon, harness its natural resources, and use it as a base for future deep-space exploration missions.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 101)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 101)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 100)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 100)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 100)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 100)

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