Latest MCQs on Universe for Competitive Exams

51. What is the name of the boundary of the solar system where the Sun’s influence ends?
A) Kuiper Belt
B) Oort Cloud
C) Heliopause
D) Asteroid Belt
Correct Answer: C) Heliopause
Explanation: The heliopause marks the boundary where the solar wind is stopped by the interstellar medium.

52. Which planet in the solar system has the largest number of natural satellites?
A) Jupiter
B) Saturn
C) Uranus
D) Neptune
Correct Answer: B) Saturn
Explanation: Saturn currently holds the record for the most confirmed moons in the solar system (146 as of 2023).

53. Which planet is known for having the fastest winds in the solar system?
A) Jupiter
B) Neptune
C) Uranus
D) Saturn
Correct Answer: B) Neptune
Explanation: Neptune’s winds can reach speeds of over 2,000 km/h (1,200 mph), the fastest in our solar system.

54. What is the name of the first spacecraft to successfully land on Mars?
A) Viking 1
B) Pathfinder
C) Curiosity
D) Opportunity
Correct Answer: A) Viking 1
Explanation: Viking 1 was the first spacecraft to land successfully on Mars on July 20, 1976.

55. What is the name of the region beyond Neptune filled with icy bodies and dwarf planets?
A) Asteroid Belt
B) Kuiper Belt
C) Oort Cloud
D) Van Allen Belt
Correct Answer: B) Kuiper Belt
Explanation: The Kuiper Belt extends from about 30 to 55 AU and contains thousands of icy bodies including Pluto.

56. Which planet has the largest canyon in the solar system, Valles Marineris?
A) Mars
B) Earth
C) Venus
D) Mercury
Correct Answer: A) Mars
Explanation: Valles Marineris stretches over 4,000 km (2,500 mi) long and reaches depths of up to 7 km (4.3 mi).

57. What is the primary gas found in the atmosphere of Jupiter?
A) Oxygen
B) Hydrogen
C) Carbon Dioxide
D) Nitrogen
Correct Answer: B) Hydrogen
Explanation: Jupiter’s atmosphere is about 90% hydrogen and 10% helium by volume.

58. Which planet is known for its hexagonal storm at the north pole?
A) Jupiter
B) Saturn
C) Uranus
D) Neptune
Correct Answer: B) Saturn
Explanation: Saturn’s north pole features a persistent hexagonal cloud pattern about 30,000 km across.

59. What is the name of the first woman to travel into space?
A) Sally Ride
B) Valentina Tereshkova
C) Mae Jemison
D) Kalpana Chawla
Correct Answer: B) Valentina Tereshkova
Explanation: Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space on June 16, 1963.

60. What is the name of the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth?
A) Neil Armstrong
B) John Glenn
C) Alan Shepard
D) Buzz Aldrin
Correct Answer: B) John Glenn
Explanation: John Glenn orbited Earth three times on February 20, 1962 aboard Friendship 7.