Solar System & Deep Space Astronomy Quiz: Planets, Moons & Missions
Quick Summary & Learning Objectives
Why is Venus hotter than Mercury despite orbiting nearly twice as far from the Sun? Which moon in our solar system boasts a thicker nitrogen atmosphere than Earth? Take our Solar System & Deep Space Astronomy Quiz to test your cosmic literacy.
Play the Quiz: 5 Questions
Which planet has the hottest average surface temperature (~464 °C / 867 °F) in our solar system due to a runaway greenhouse effect?
Which moon of Saturn is the only moon in the solar system known to have a dense nitrogen-rich atmosphere and liquid hydrocarbon lakes on its surface?
What is the name of the tallest known volcano and mountain in the Solar System, standing roughly 21.9 km (72,000 ft) high on Mars?
Launched in 1977, which NASA spacecraft became the first human-made object to cross the heliopause and enter interstellar space in August 2012?
Which four moons of Jupiter were independently discovered by Galileo Galilei and Simon Marius in 1610?
Planetary Data Sheet: Distance, Size, Temperature and Moons
Solar system trivia often hinges on counterintuitive rotational dynamics—such as the fact that a sidereal day on Venus (243 Earth days) lasts longer than a Venusian year (225 Earth days). Study the planetary table below for instant reference.
Relative Planetary Diameters & Orbital Distance Profile
| Planet | Type | Distance (AU) | Equatorial Diameter | Mean Temp | Notable Satellite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Terrestrial | 0.39 AU | 4,879 km | 167 °C | None |
| Venus | Terrestrial | 0.72 AU | 12,104 km | 464 °C | None |
| Earth | Terrestrial | 1.00 AU | 12,756 km | 15 °C | The Moon (Luna) |
| Mars | Terrestrial | 1.52 AU | 6,792 km | -65 °C | Phobos & Deimos |
| Jupiter | Gas Giant | 5.20 AU | 142,984 km | -110 °C | Ganymede, Europa, Io, Callisto |
| Saturn | Gas Giant | 9.58 AU | 120,536 km | -140 °C | Titan & Enceladus |
| Uranus | Ice Giant | 19.20 AU | 51,118 km | -195 °C | Titania, Miranda, Oberon |
| Neptune | Ice Giant | 30.05 AU | 49,528 km | -200 °C | Triton (Retrograde orbit) |
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Frequently Asked Questions: solar system astronomy quiz
Which moon in our solar system is larger than the planet Mercury?
Two moons are larger in diameter than the planet Mercury (4,879 km): Jupiter’s moon Ganymede (5,268 km) and Saturn’s moon Titan (5,149 km). However, Mercury has more than twice their mass due to its huge iron core.
Sources and further reading
This research-assisted study collection preserves the supplied project material. These references support further reading; inclusion does not mean every sentence received a separate human review. Report a specific correction through the contact information on our About page.
- NASA: the planets
Planet and moon facts; visited November 9, 2026.
- OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology
Educational anatomy reference. This quiz is not medical advice.
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