Vera Rubin — Questions and answers

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What hidden truth did Vera Rubin unveil about galaxies?

Choices

  1. Galaxies rotate faster than expected, suggesting unseen mass. ✓
  2. Galaxies are much smaller than scientists thought.
  3. Galaxies are made of visible dust clouds.
  4. Galaxies do not spin at all.

Answer: Galaxies rotate faster than expected, suggesting unseen mass.

From page 1

What did Amir's dad say about Vera Rubin?

Choices

  1. She was fascinated by how galaxies moved and wasn't afraid to ask questions. ✓
  2. She was a famous painter.
  3. She taught people how to draw stars.
  4. She didn't like to ask questions.

Answer: She was fascinated by how galaxies moved and wasn't afraid to ask questions.

From page 2

What was the 'huge mystery' Vera Rubin found about stars on the edge of a galaxy?

Choices

  1. They were orbiting at the same speed as the stars closer in. ✓
  2. They were much brighter than other stars.
  3. They were disappearing into space.
  4. They were not orbiting at all.

Answer: They were orbiting at the same speed as the stars closer in.

From page 3

What was one of the big obstacles Vera Rubin faced as a scientist?

Choices

  1. Not everyone believed that women could be scientists. ✓
  2. She couldn't find a telescope to use.
  3. She was afraid of the dark.
  4. She didn't like looking at stars.

Answer: Not everyone believed that women could be scientists.

From page 5

How did Vera Rubin measure how fast stars were moving?

Choices

  1. By using spectroscopy to analyze their light. ✓
  2. By guessing based on their brightness.
  3. By touching them with a special tool.
  4. By listening to their sounds in space.

Answer: By using spectroscopy to analyze their light.

From page 6

According to Amir's dad, what did Vera Rubin's work change?

Choices

  1. Our entire understanding of the cosmos. ✓
  2. The way people cook dinner.
  3. How children learn to read.
  4. The color of the sky.

Answer: Our entire understanding of the cosmos.

From page 9

What did Vera Rubin teach us about 'fundamental assumptions'?

Choices

  1. Even the most fundamental assumptions can be challenged. ✓
  2. Fundamental assumptions are always correct.
  3. Only adults can make fundamental assumptions.
  4. Fundamental assumptions are not important.

Answer: Even the most fundamental assumptions can be challenged.

From page 10