Quizology.Online

Tag: space

  • Walking on the Moon—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions posted earlier.

    The questions all relate to today, November 14th.

    Alan L Bean prepares to step onto the lunar surface.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Apollo 12, launched on 14 November 1969, became the second mission to land on the Moon. Among the three-man crew, who landed and walked on the lunar surface, was which of these: Mr Bean, Mr Hyde or Mr Spock?

    Answer: Mr. Bean

    Alan L Bean. Apollo 12’s crew consisted of Charles Conrad Jr., Richard F Gordon Jr and Alan L Bean. Alan Bean, an American astronaut, piloted the lunar module during the mission. He made two walks on the lunar surface, totalling eight hours, and later commanded the Skylab 3 mission. After retiring from NASA, Bean became a painter specialising in spaceflight themes.

    Two

    Is it true or false that Hannibal the Great was crowned pharaoh of Egypt today in 332 BCE?

    Answer: False

    It was Alexander the Great who was crowned pharaoh of Egypt today in 332 BCE. In Egypt, Alexander was portrayed as the son of Nectanebo II, the final pharaoh before Persian conquest. His victory over Darius was celebrated as Egypt’s salvation, demonstrating that Egypt remained under Egyptian rule.

    Three

    In Moby-Dick—which was published in the US today in 1851—Captain Ahab offers a gold coin as a reward for spotting the white whale. What real-world coin does he nail to the mast — and from which country does it come?

    Answer: A Spanish gold doubloon from Ecuador.

    The coin is a gold Spanish doubloon, specifically a sixteen-dollar piece from Ecuador. Its design includes symbols of the sun, zodiac signs, and the Andean mountains, which the crew interprets differently—each seeing their own meaning in it. The coin thus mirrors Ahab’s monomania and the novel’s larger theme of how individuals project their own beliefs and destinies onto the same object or event.

    Eugene B. Ely flies his Curtiss pusher airplane from USS Birmingham (Scout Cruiser # 2), in Hampton Roads, Virginia, during the afternoon of Nov. 14 1910.
    Image General Aviation News

    Four

    On this date, Eugene Burton Ely achieved the first aircraft takeoff from a ship. In which decade did this happen?

    Answer: 1910s

    In 1910, Ely took off from a makeshift deck on the USS Birmingham in a Curtiss Pusher aircraft and safely made landfall. A year later he made the first shipboard landing, complete with hooks attached to his Pusher to catch sandbagged ropes to abbreviate the landing roll.

    Five

    In the television series MASH*, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake, played by McLean Stevenson, was discharged and sent home in the final episode of Season 3. What shocking event was revealed at the end of that episode?

    Answer: His plane was shot down over the Sea of Japan, with no survivors.

    McLean Stevenson was born on this day in 1927. The twist ending of the episode ‘Abyssinia, Henry’ (1975) was kept secret from most of the cast until filming; their shocked reactions during Radar’s announcement were genuine. It marked one of the most memorable and emotional moments in television history.

  • Walking on the Moon

    The questions all relate to today, November 14th.

    Apollo 12 launch, November 14, 1969.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    Apollo 12, launched on 14 November 1969, became the second mission to land on the Moon. Among the three-man crew, who landed and walked on the lunar surface, was which of these: Mr Bean, Mr Hyde or Mr Spock?

    Two

    Is it true or false that Hannibal the Great was crowned pharaoh of Egypt today in 332 BCE?

    Three

    In Moby-Dick—which was published in the US today in 1851—Captain Ahab offers a gold coin as a reward for spotting the white whale. What real-world coin does he nail to the mast — and from which country does it come?

    Four

    On this date, Eugene Burton Ely achieved the first aircraft takeoff from a ship. In which decade did this happen?

    Five

    In the television series MASH*, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake, played by McLean Stevenson, was discharged and sent home in the final episode of Season 3. What shocking event was revealed at the end of that episode?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Remember, remember, the fifth of November—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

    King James VI of Scotland and James I of England.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    What event is commemorated in the United Kingdom on November 5th, when effigies of Guy Fawkes are traditionally burned on bonfires? Also, in what year did it occur?

    Answer: The Gunpowder Plot of 1605

    The failed plot was an attempt by Catholic conspirators to blow up the English Parliament and assassinate King James VI (of Scotland) & I (of England). ‘Remember, remember, the fifth of November’ became a famous rhyme, see below, recording the event.

    Two

    Which spacecraft, launched on 5 November 2013, was India’s first interplanetary mission?

    Answer: The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)

    Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Mangalyaan made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first country in the world to do so successfully on its maiden attempt — all on a remarkably low budget.

    Flag of Antigua and Barbuda.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    On 5 November 1981, a small Caribbean nation achieved independence from the United Kingdom. Its capital is St. John’s. Can you name the country?

    Answer: Antigua and Barbuda

    The twin-island nation remains a member of the Commonwealth, recognizing the British monarch as its head of state, but governs itself independently.

    Four

    November 5th is a central date in the storyline of what 2005 film which opens with the line, ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November’?

    Answer: V for Vendetta

    The film, based on a graphic novel, turned the Guy Fawkes mask into a global symbol of resistance — later adopted by protest movements such as Anonymous and Occupy Wall Street.

    Five

    On November 5th, Google introduced its first Android-based mobile operating system, signalling the start of a new era in smartphones. In what year did this occur?

    Answer: 2007

    The Android OS announcement reshaped the mobile landscape — today, Android powers over 70% of the world’s smartphones.

    Remember, remember, the 5th of November

    Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
    Gunpowder, treason and plot.
    I see no reason
    Why gunpowder treason
    Should ever be forgot.
    Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ’twas his intent
    To blow up the King and the Parliament
    Three score barrels of powder below
    Poor old England to overthrow
    By God’s providence he was catch’d
    With a dark lantern and burning match
    Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
    Holler boys, holler boys
    God save the King!

    The undercroft beneath the House of Lords.
    Image Wikipedia

  • Remember, remember, the fifth of November

    Today’s five questions all relate to the date, November 5th.

    Fireworks display.
    Image msn.com

    One

    What event is commemorated in the United Kingdom on November 5th, when effigies of Guy Fawkes are traditionally burned on bonfires? Also, in what year did it occur?

    Two

    Which spacecraft, launched on 5 November 2013, was India’s first interplanetary mission?

    See question 3.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    On 5 November 1981, a small Caribbean nation achieved independence from the United Kingdom. Its capital is St. John’s. Can you name the country?

    Four

    November 5th is a central date in the storyline of what 2005 film which opens with the line, ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November’?

    Five

    On November 5th, Google introduced its first Android-based mobile operating system, signalling the start of a new era in smartphones. In what year did this occur?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Capital Gain—Answers

    Here are the answers to my earlier post.

    National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument,
    Washington D.C.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    What decade saw the first time that residents of Washington, D.C. could vote in a U.S. presidential election

    Answer: 1960s (1964)

    Twenty-Third Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1961, granted D.C. three electoral votes—the same number as the least-populous state. Before this, its residents had no say in electing the president or vice-president.

    Two

    Today Henry VIII of England became the first Supreme Head of the Church of England. In which century was this?

    Answer: 16th century (1534)

    The Act of Supremacy officially severed England’s ties with the Roman Catholic Church and papal authority, paving the way for the English Reformation. Henry’s motivations were both political and personal; he desired an annulment from Catherine of Aragon.

    Laika in a mock cockpit.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    A dog named Laika went into space on this day in 1957. Which of these craft carried her: Soyuz 1, Sputnik 2 or Salyut 3?

    Answer: Sputnik 2

    Laika, a stray from Moscow’s streets, became a global icon of the Space Race. Sadly, she died within hours due to overheating, although the Soviets initially claimed she survived for several days.

    ⸻

    Four

    On this date, the Caribbean island nation of Dominica was first sighted by Europeans. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, it gained independence from a European country. What does the island’s name mean and from which country did it achieve independence?

    Answer: United Kingdom; and Sunday

    On 3 November 1493, Christopher Columbus sighted Dominica and named it Dies Dominica, meaning ‘the Lord’s Day’. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, on 3 November 1978, Dominica achieved independence after being a British colony and briefly a French one.

    ⸻

    Five

    On this day in 1911, a racing driver and engineer, born in 1878, co-founded the American motor car manufacturer Chevrolet, who was he and in what country was he born?

    Answer: Louis Chevrolet; Switzerland

    Louis Chevrolet’s name lives on in one of America’s most famous car brands, but he sold his stake early and never profited from its later success. Ironically, he died while working for a rival carmaker.

  • Capital Gain

    Here are five questions which are all related to today’s date, November 3rd.

    National Mall, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument,
    Washington D.C.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    What decade saw the first time that residents of Washington, D.C. could vote in a U.S. presidential election

    Two

    Today Henry VIII of England became the first Supreme Head of the Church of England. In which century was this?

    Laika in a mock cockpit.
    Image Wikipedia

    Three

    A dog named Laika went into space on this day in 1957. Which of these craft carried her: Soyuz 1, Sputnik 2 or Salyut 3?

    ⸻

    Four

    On this date, the Caribbean island nation of Dominica was first sighted by Europeans. Four hundred and eighty-five years later, it gained independence from a European country. What does the island’s name mean and from which country did it achieve independence?

    ⸻

    Five

    On this day in 1911, a racing driver and engineer, born in 1878, co-founded the American motor car manufacturer Chevrolet, who was he and in what country was he born?

  • Here, There and Everywhere—Answers

    The Battle of Agincourt, 15th-century miniature, Enguerrand de Monstrelet. Image Wikipedia

    One

    The Battle of Agincourt took place on 25 October 1415. In what department of France is the battlefield?

    Answer: Pas-de-Calais

    The unexpected victory of the vastly outnumbered English troops against the numerically superior French army boosted English morale and prestige crippling France and heralding a new era of English dominance in the war.

    Two

    On what island in New York Harbor does the Statue of Liberty stand, and by what name was the island known prior to it being renamed by an act of the United States Congress in 1956?

    Answer: Liberty Island, formerly Bedloe’s Island

    The Statue of Liberty, a neoclassical sculpture gifted by France, stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbour. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, it was dedicated on 28 October 1886.

    Three 

    The deepest known point on Earth’s seabed is almost 7 miles (approximately 11 kilometres) deep. What is its name and in which ocean is it located?

    Answer: Challenger Deep in the Pacific Ocean

    On 23 March 1875, the British Royal Navy’s HMS Challenger with depth soundings taken by Baillie-weighted marked rope, and geographical locations were determined by celestial navigation (to an estimated accuracy of two nautical miles). Seventy-five years later HMS Challenger II took depth soundings but the depth was beyond their echo sound equipment so they used a weighted line…

    The Senior Scientist aboard Challenger II, Thomas Gaskell, recalled:

    It took from ten past five in the evening until twenty to seven, that is an hour and a half, for the iron weight to fall to the sea-bottom. It was almost dark by the time the weight struck, but great excitement greeted the reading…

    — Wikipedia 

    Challenger Deep has a depth of approximately 10,935 meters (35,876 feet) below sea level.

    Four

    On 20 July 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon at the Sea of Tranquillity (Mare Tranquillitatis).  A few months later, on 19 November 1969, Apollo 12 landed at a seemingly less tranquil location.  Where did Apollo 12 land?

    Answer: Ocean of Storms (Oceanus Procellarum)

    Six Apollo missions landed on the Moon: Apollo 11 to 17, except Apollo 13, which suffered severe damage after an explosion and missed landing. Twelve astronauts walked on the lunar surface during these missions. The final Apollo astronauts departed the Moon in December 1972.

    Photograph of Mount Erebus (and Adélie penguins) taken by the Terra Nova expedition in 1913. Image Wikipedia

    Five

    McMurdo Station (US) and Scott Base (NZ) are Antarctic research stations located on the Hut Point Peninsula. Two questions: firstly, on what island is this peninsula located; and secondly, the island is home to the planet’s southernmost active volcano, what is that volcano?

    Answer: Ross Island and Mount Erebus

    Ross Island was named after James Clark Ross a British naval officer and explorer. Hut Point, at the southern tip of Hut Point Peninsula on Ross Island, is a small, ice-free promontory near McMurdo Station. Designated as ASPA No. 158, entry requires a permit. It holds historical significance with a hut and artefacts from the 1901-04 British National Antarctic Expedition led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, also designated as HSM No. 18. McMurdo Station, operated by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is the largest research station in Antarctica, serving as a logistics hub. Ross Island’s Mount Erebus is 3,794 metres (12,448 ft) in height.

  • Here, There and Everywhere

    The first question concerns today, October 25th, and the subsequent questions follow a theme. 

    The Battle of Agincourt, 15th-century miniature, Enguerrand de Monstrelet. Image Wikipedia

    One

    The Battle of Agincourt took place on 25 October 1415. In what department of France is the battlefield?

    Two

    On what island in New York Harbor does the Statue of Liberty stand, and by what name was the island known prior to it being renamed by an act of the United States Congress in 1956?

    Three 

    The deepest known point on Earth’s seabed is almost 7 miles (approximately 11 kilometres) deep. What is its name and in which ocean is it located?

    Four

    On 20 July 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon at the Sea of Tranquillity (Mare Tranquillitatis).  A few months later, on 19 November 1969, Apollo 12 landed at a seemingly less tranquil location.  Where did Apollo 12 land?

    Five

    McMurdo Station (US) and Scott Base (NZ) are Antarctic research stations located on the Hut Point Peninsula. Two questions: firstly, on what island is this peninsula located; and secondly, the island is home to the planet’s southernmost active volcano, what is that volcano?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

  • Today’s the Day—Answers

    Here are the answers to the questions about October 10th which were posted earlier.

    Giant, film poster, 1956. Image Wikipedia

    One

    On this day in 1956, an American film premiered and became particularly notable as the final film featuring James Dean, who died in a car crash shortly after filming concluded. Which film was it?

    Answer: Giant

    James Dean, a 1950s Hollywood actor, became an influential figure despite a brief career. His three major films, Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden, and Giant, are preserved in the National Film Registry.

    Two

    In 1969, the album In the Court of the … was released by a band which included Greg Lake. What words complete the album title and what was the band called?

    Answer: (In the Court of the) Crimson King and King Crimson

    King Crimson, an English progressive rock band formed in 1968, is known for its diverse musical influences and significant impact on the progressive rock movement. In the Court of the Crimson King, King Crimson’s debut album, is a pioneering work of progressive rock, blending rock with jazz, classical and symphonic music.

    Three

    In 1846, English astronomer William Lassell discovered Triton, a moon of which planet?

    Answer: Neptune

    William Lassell (18 June 1799 – 5 October 1880) was an English merchant and astronomer.  He’s best known for his improvements to the reflecting telescope which led to his discovery of four planetary satellites.

    Matt Monro, publicity picture for the single, Born Free, 1966.
    Image Wikipedia

    Four

    In 1963, the second film in the official James Bond franchise, From Russia with Love, premiered. Which Englishman sang the title song in the film?

    Answer: Matt Monro

    If I had to choose three of the finest male vocalists, Matt would be one of them.
    — Frank Sinatra

    Born on December 1, 1930, Terence Edward Parsons, known as Matt Monro on stage, was an English singer renowned as ’The Man with the Golden Voice’. The former London bus driver, performed internationally for 30 years and sold 23 million records. AllMusic called him ‘one of the most underrated pop vocalists of the ‘60s’, praising his ‘easiest, most perfect baritone’. Monro, a heavy smoker and drinker, died of liver cancer in 1985 after which ‘Frank Sinatra said of him, ‘If I had to choose three of the finest male vocalists, Matt would be one of them.’
    Monro’s recordings include UK top 10 hits Portrait of My Love, My Kind of Girl, Softly As I Leave You, Walk Away and a cover of the Beatles’ Yesterday. He also recorded film themes such as From Russia with Love, Born Free, and On Days Like These.

    Five

    In 1935, Porgy and Bess opened on Broadway. Who composed this opera?

    Answer: George Gershwin

    Porgy and Bess is an English-language opera by George Gershwin, based on a novel and play by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward. It premiered in 1935 and is now one of the most frequently performed operas, known for its story of Porgy’s attempts to rescue Bess from her violent lover and drug dealer.

  • Today’s the Day

    These five questions are about events that all happened on October 10th.

    James Dean, c. 1953.
    Image Wikipedia

    One

    On this day in 1956, an American film premiered and became particularly notable as the final film featuring James Dean, who died in a car crash shortly after filming concluded. Which film was it?

    Two

    In 1969, the album In the Court of the … was released by a band which included Greg Lake. What words complete the album title and what was the band called?

    Three

    In 1846, English astronomer William Lassell discovered Triton, a moon of which planet?

    Four

    In 1963, the second film in the official James Bond franchise, From Russia with Love, premiered. Which Englishman sang the title song in the film?

    Five

    In 1935, Porgy and Bess opened on Broadway. Who composed this opera?

    Good luck! I’ll post the answers later today.