Superlatives

The first question is connected to today, 16 August. The subsequent questions are not date-related but continue a Superlative’s theme which moves on from first, to furthest, heaviest, furthest (again) and finally shortest.

One

In 1858, Queen Victoria sent the U.S. President the first message via the Transatlantic telegraph. How long did the transmission of the message take:

1. 7 minutes 
2. 9 hours
3. 16 hours

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Two

The summit of what stratovolcano is the furthest point from the centre of the Earth?

1. Chimborazo, Ecuador
2. Eyjafjallajökull, Iceland
3. Kogajajima, Japan

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Three

Which species is the heaviest living monkey?

1. Mandrill
2. Nepal Grey Langur
3. Olive Baboon 

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Four

On 15 August 2026, how far was Voyager 1 from Earth?

1. 8.7 billion miles (14.0 billion km)
2. 11.3 billion miles (18.2 billion km)
3. 15.9 billion miles (25.6 billion km)

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Five

What is the fastest time taken to complete the world’s shortest domestic scheduled flight?

1. 53 seconds
2. 97 seconds
3. 131 seconds

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Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

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