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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Sagan, when viewed from space, how apparent would the existence of life on Earth be?
(a) Obvious.
(b) Ambiguous.
(c) Impossible to discern.
(d) Difficult to discern.

2. What does the Geocentric theory state?
(a) The sun moves around the Earth.
(b) The planets and heavens are all fixed.
(c) The Earth moves in a perfect circle.
(d) The Earth is a flat disc.

3. What unusual source of energy do the Voyager spacecraft take advantage of?
(a) Cosmic rays.
(b) Solar wind.
(c) Vacuum energy.
(d) Planetary gravity.

4. Sagan suggests that throughout history, many have claimed that our species is what?
(a) Irredeemable.
(b) Essentially good.
(c) Worthless.
(d) Unique.

5. Titan has what distinction among the moons of the planet it orbits?
(a) It has the widest orbit.
(b) It is the only spherical moon.
(c) It is the largest moon.
(d) It is the only moon with ice water.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Sagan say that philosophy and religion should provide?

2. What abstract concept does Sagan specifically say he is optimistic about?

3. When was Neptune discovered?

4. How does Sagan characterize NASA?

5. As of the writing of this book, how many moons was Uranus known to have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What advantage make it more likely that the Voyager records will eventually be found?

2. What aspects of science make it unappealing to some?

3. Why does Saga say he is optimistic about the "human prospect"?

4. What dangers did the Voyager I spacecraft face in taking a distant picture of Earth?

5. Why is it difficult to detect intelligent life on Earth?

6. What seemingly important features of humanity does Sagan deny to be distinguishing?

7. What is the problem of perspective in estimating the importance of human beings?

8. How was Sagan involved in discoveries about Titan?

9. What message do the Voyager craft carry with them from Earth?

10. What are the distinguishing characteristics of the moon Titan?

(see the answer keys)

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