What is NGC 6530 within the Lagoon Nebula known for?
A Being a black hole
B Kindling newborn stars
C A distant galaxy
Fact: NGC 6530 is a cluster within the Lagoon Nebula that is actively forming new stars, thus it’s known for its role in stellar formation rather than being a black hole or a galaxy.
Correct Answer: Kindling newborn stars
How far away is the Lagoon Nebula from Earth?
A Approximately 4,350 light-years
B Around 2,000 light-years
C Nearly 10,000 light-years
Fact: The Lagoon Nebula is located about 4,350 light-years away from Earth, which highlights its vast distance compared to other celestial formations.
Correct Answer: Approximately 4,350 light-years
What concept is celebrated on Carl Sagan Day?
A Scientific curiosity and understanding
B Astronomical discoveries only
C Technological innovations
Fact: Carl Sagan Day, observed on November 9, commemorates Sagan’s contributions to popularising science and emphasizes the importance of scientific curiosity and understanding.
Correct Answer: Scientific curiosity and understanding
If London Bridge were really falling down, into which river would it land?
Seine
Thames
Rhine
Danube
Fact: London Bridge is a simple box girder bridge made of concrete and steel that crosses the River Thames in central London. The original wooden bridge was built by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago, and several versions have stood in its place since. The bridge we see today opened in 1973, replacing the 19th-century stone bridge that was famously sold and relocated to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. No one is totally sure why there’s a nursery rhyme about the London Bridge collapsing, but some think it references a destructive Viking raid in the year 1014.
Correct Answer: Thames
Who played the role of “The Good” in the 1966 Western The Good, the Bad and the Ugly?
Charles Bronson
Clint Eastwood
Henry Fonda
Lee Van Cleef
Fact: Clint Eastwood portrayed “The Good” — a laconic, sharp-shooting bounty hunter — in Sergio Leone’s 1966 Italian spaghetti Western film, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The film completed Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy,” following A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More, all of which helped cement Eastwood’s image as the ultimate Western antihero. Alongside Lee Van Cleef as “The Bad” and Eli Wallach as “The Ugly,” Eastwood’s stoic presence and minimal dialogue became legendary, defining both the film and the modern Western genre.
Answer: Clint Eastwood
What primary food source do polar bears hunt for in Hudson Bay?
A Caribou
B Seals
C Fish
Fact: Polar bears primarily hunt seals in Hudson Bay. Seals are their main food source, providing the necessary calories for survival, especially during the harsh Arctic winter.
Correct Answer: Seals
What adaptation helps polar bears stay warm in cold climates?
A Thin fur
B Thick layer of fat
C Heavy paws
Fact: Polar bears have a thick layer of fat beneath their skin that traps heat, helping them to survive in frigid temperatures. This adaptation is crucial for maintaining their body temperature in extreme Arctic conditions.
Correct Answer: Thick layer of fat
What environmental issue affects the polar bears’ hunting ability each year?
A Overfishing
B Warming temperatures
C Deforestation
Fact: Warming temperatures delay the freezing of Hudson Bay, affecting polar bears’ ability to hunt seals. This environmental concern highlights the impact of climate change on their habitat and food supply.
Correct Answer: Warming temperatures
The number 5 is the first digit of all account numbers associated with which major credit card?
MasterCard
Visa
American Express
Discover
Fact: Credit card numbers follow a global system called the Major Industry Identifier, where the first digit reveals the network or industry associated with the card. MasterCard numbers always begin with the digit 5, setting them apart from other major networks: Visa cards start with 4, American Express with 34 or 37, and Discover typically with 6. These identifiers help banks, merchants, and payment processors quickly determine the card network and routing system. This numbering system plays a key role in keeping the financial ecosystem organized.
Correct Answer: MasterCard
The Grateful Dead released a 1972 live double album named after which continent?
Asia
Africa
Europe
South America
Fact: In 1972, the Grateful Dead released Europe ’72, a live double album recorded during their celebrated tour across Western Europe. The album captured performances from cities like London, Paris, and Copenhagen, blending their signature mix of rock, folk, and improvisational jams. Unlike most live records, it also introduced several new songs that would become staples of their catalog, including “Jack Straw” and “Brown-Eyed Women.” With its vibrant performances and iconic “ice cream cone kid” cover art, Europe ’72 remains one of the Grateful Dead’s most celebrated and enduring albums.
Correct Answer: Europe