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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 1, You Are Here, Chapter 2, Aberrations of Light.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is one trait of human beings that Sagan cites as being responsible for our belief in our importance in the universe?
(a) Creativity.
(b) Ignorance.
(c) Industry.
(d) Insecurity.

2. What strange motion do all of the stars in the sky exhibit?
(a) They move in identical tiny ellipses.
(b) They change directions randomly.
(c) They appear to drift towards the Earth.
(d) They tend to move towards each other.

3. Sagan suggests that the image of the "pale blue dot" teaches the need for what?
(a) Peace.
(b) Space exploration.
(c) Science education.
(d) Kindness.

4. How many planets were known to ancient people?
(a) Three.
(b) Four.
(c) Five.
(d) Six.

5. What other medium was used to express the desire to wander, according to Sagan, as human civilization developed?
(a) Law.
(b) Technology.
(c) Religion.
(d) Ethics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What astronomical discovery did Galileo make that significantly damaged the geocentric theory?

2. As of 1990, how many planets did the Voyager craft explore?

3. What is notable about pictures taken of the Earth from the moon?

4. What hazard threatened the Voyager craft in Sagan's plan to take a distant picture of Earth?

5. What does Sagan claim is the key element of humanity's future?

(see the answer key)

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