About this quiz
Looking up at the night sky has fascinated people for thousands of years. This quiz covers the Solar System, our home galaxy and some of the records set by planets and moons. Questions start with well-known basics and progress to details that even keen stargazers sometimes miss.
Astronomy is full of numbers that are hard to imagine, so each explanation tries to give a sense of scale. Read the notes after each answer, particularly on the questions you miss, and you will soon have a handful of impressive facts to share the next time you are under a clear sky.
Space facts to impress your friends
- Sunlight takes about eight minutes and twenty seconds to reach Earth.
- Venus is hotter than Mercury because its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere traps heat.
- Ganymede, a moon of Jupiter, is larger than the planet Mercury.
- Olympus Mons on Mars is the tallest known volcano in the Solar System, roughly two and a half times the height of Mount Everest.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pluto still a planet?
Since 2006 the International Astronomical Union classifies Pluto as a dwarf planet, so the Solar System officially has eight planets.
Do I need a telescope to enjoy astronomy?
No. Many planets, the Moon and bright stars can be seen with the naked eye, and a simple pair of binoculars shows far more.
How accurate are the numbers?
Values are rounded and based on widely published figures. Scientific measurements are refined over time, so treat them as approximations.