UPSC 1997 › Science & Technology › Space Technology & Astronomy
4 questions · 1997 · answers as per the UPSC key
UPSC 1997 · Q13 · Science & Technology › Space Technology & Astronomy · Save
The tail of a comet is directed away from the sun because
(a) as the comet rotates around the sun, the lighter mass of the comet is pushed away due to the centrifugal force alone
(b) as the comet rotates, the lighter mass of the comet is attracted by some star situated in the direction of its tail
(c) the radiation emitted by the sun exerts a radial pressure on the comet throwing its tail away from the sun
(d) the tail of the comet always exists in the same orientation
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Answer: (c) the radiation emitted by the sun exerts a radial pressure on the comet throwing its tail away from the sun
UPSC 1997 · Q68 · Science & Technology › Space Technology & Astronomy · Save
Which one of the following stars is nearest to the earth?
(a) Polaris
(b) Alpha Centauri
(c) Sun
(d) Sirius
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Answer: (c) Sun
UPSC 1997 · Q70 · Science & Technology › Space Technology & Astronomy · Save
Which one of the following conditions is most relevant for the presence of life on Mars?
(a) Atmospheric composition
(b) Thermal conditions
(c) Occurrence of ice caps and frozen water
(d) Occurrence of ozone
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Answer: (c) Occurrence of ice caps and frozen water
UPSC 1997 · Q108 · Science & Technology › Space Technology & Astronomy · Save
The planet Mercury is revolving in an elliptical orbit around the sun as shown in the given figure. The kinetic energy of Mercury is greatest at the point labelled
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
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Answer: (a) A
This question uses a table or figure from the original paper that is not reproduced here.