Chapter 12. Beyond Earth-Extra Questions Examination Based Science Curiosity Class 6 In English

Chapter 12. Beyond Earth

The following important questions are prepared according to the latest NCERT Curiosity textbook and the latest CBSE competency-based pattern. These questions cover concepts, observations, applications, and higher-order thinking skills related to stars, planets, the Solar System, galaxies, and the Universe.

Important Questions with Answers

Practice these questions regularly to strengthen your conceptual understanding and improve your performance in examinations.

One Mark Questions

Question 1. What is a star?

Answer: A star is a huge celestial body that produces its own heat and light.

Question 2. Which is the nearest star to Earth?

Answer: The Sun.

Question 3. What is a constellation?

Answer: A constellation is a group of stars that appears to form a recognizable pattern in the sky.

Question 4. Name Earth's natural satellite.

Answer: The Moon.

Question 5. Which planet is known as the Red Planet?

Answer: Mars.

Question 6. Which planet is famous for its rings?

Answer: Saturn.

Question 7. Which is the largest planet in the Solar System?

Answer: Jupiter.

Question 8. What is the name of our galaxy?

Answer: The Milky Way Galaxy.

Question 9. What is an asteroid?

Answer: An asteroid is a small rocky object that revolves around the Sun.

Question 10. What is the Pole Star also known as in India?

Answer: Dhruva Tara.

Two Mark Questions

Question 1. Differentiate between stars and planets.

Answer:

Question 2. Why is the Pole Star important?

Answer:

The Pole Star appears almost fixed in the northern sky and helps travellers and sailors identify the north direction.

Question 3. Why is the Sun important for life on Earth?

Answer:

• Provides heat and light.
• Supplies energy for photosynthesis.
• Supports weather, seasons, and the water cycle.

Question 4. What are asteroids?

Answer:

Asteroids are small rocky bodies that revolve around the Sun. Most of them are found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Question 5. What is a galaxy?

Answer:

A galaxy is a vast collection of millions or billions of stars, planets, gas, and dust held together by gravity.

Three Mark Questions

Question 1. Explain the main members of the Solar System.

Answer:

The Solar System consists of the Sun, eight planets, their natural satellites, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and several smaller celestial objects. All these bodies revolve around the Sun due to its gravitational pull.

Question 2. Why do stars appear to twinkle?

Answer:

The light coming from distant stars passes through different layers of Earth's atmosphere. Continuous changes in air density bend the light in different directions, making stars appear to twinkle.

Question 3. Describe the importance of the Sun.

Answer:

• It is the nearest star to Earth.
• It provides heat and light.
• It is the ultimate source of energy.
• It supports life through photosynthesis, weather, and the water cycle.

Question 4. Why is the Milky Way Galaxy important?

Answer:

The Milky Way Galaxy is our home galaxy. It contains millions to billions of stars, including our Sun, and our Solar System is a small part of it.

Question 5. Why is a dark sky better for observing stars?

Answer:

Artificial lights produce light pollution, making faint stars difficult to see. Dark locations away from city lights provide a much clearer view of stars and constellations.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. Explain the Solar System with the help of its main members.

Answer:

The Solar System consists of the Sun at the centre and all the celestial bodies revolving around it. These include the eight planets, their natural satellites, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, and other small objects. Mercury is the nearest planet to the Sun, while Neptune is the farthest. The Sun's gravitational force keeps all these objects moving in their respective orbits.

Question 2. Describe the differences between stars and planets with suitable examples.

Answer:

Stars are self-luminous celestial bodies that produce their own heat and light. They appear to twinkle because of atmospheric effects. The Sun and Sirius are examples of stars. Planets do not produce their own light but reflect sunlight. They revolve around the Sun in fixed orbits and usually do not twinkle. Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are examples of planets.

Question 3. Explain the importance of constellations and the Pole Star.

Answer:

Constellations are groups of stars forming recognizable patterns in the night sky. They helped ancient people identify seasons and directions. The Pole Star remains almost fixed in the northern sky and has been used for navigation by travellers and sailors for centuries. Modern astronomy also uses constellations to identify different regions of the sky.

Question 4. Explain the Milky Way Galaxy and the Universe.

Answer:

The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System. It has millions to billions of stars along with gas and dust. Beyond the Milky Way, there are countless other galaxies spread across the Universe. Scientists continue to study these galaxies to understand the origin and evolution of the Universe.

Question 5. Describe the importance of astronomy in modern life.

Answer:

Astronomy helps us understand celestial objects and the Universe. It has contributed to the development of satellites, GPS, weather forecasting, communication systems, and space exploration. Studying astronomy also increases scientific curiosity and expands our knowledge about the origin and future of the Universe.