博客

Space is very busy! Sometimes, one object moves in front of another object. This is called an occultation. For example, the moon often moves in front of a star. When this happens, we cannot see the star for a short time. This is because the moon blocks the starlight. Scientists like these events because they teach us new things. Long ago, scientists watched the planet Uranus move in front of a star. They saw the starlight go on and off several times. This helped them find dark rings around the planet. We can also learn about our moon. If the starlight flickers, it means there are high mountains or deep valleys on the moon. It is like hide and seek in the sky! These things happen almost every night. However, you usually need a telescope to see them well. Would you like to look at the stars tonight?

1. What is an occultation?

• A.When a star becomes very bright.
• B.When one space object moves in front of another.
• C.When a planet moves away from the sun.
• D.When the moon becomes smaller.

2. Why does a star disappear for a short time?

• A.Because it stops burning.
• B.Because it moves behind the sun.
• C.Because the moon blocks its light.
• D.Because it is daytime.

3. What did scientists find around Uranus using this method?

• A.New planets.
• B.Dark rings.
• C.Small aliens.
• D.Large oceans.

4. What can we learn about the moon’s surface from starlight?

• A.The names of the stars.
• B.The color of the moon.
• C.Where the mountains and valleys are.
• D.How much water is on the moon.

5. What tool do people usually need to see these events?

• A.A telescope.
• B.A camera.
• C.A mirror.
• D.A map.