UPSC Prelims Previous Year Questions

Prelims 2024

1 question

Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement relationship
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Giant stars · Dwarf stars · Stellar lifetime

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2024 · Q32

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Giant stars live much longer than dwarf stars. Statement-II: Compared to dwarf stars, giant stars have a greater rate of nuclear reactions. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

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Prelims 2023

1 question

Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsMedium

Question details

Type:: Pairs
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: astronomical objects · Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2023 · Q56

Consider the following pairs: Objects in space — Description 1. Cepheids : Giant clouds of dust and gas in space 2. Nebulae : Stars which brighten and dim periodically 3. Pulsars : Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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Prelims 2021

1 question

Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: light-year measurement · Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2021 · Q76

Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?

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Prelims 2020

1 question

Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsMedium

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: space gravitational-wave observatory · Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2020 · Q43

"The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft." The experiment in question refers to

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Prelims 2019

1 question

Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: black-hole merger and gravitational waves · Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics
Related topics:: Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2019 · Q97

Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant 'blackholes' billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

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Prelims 2018

1 question

Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics · Space Science and Space Programmes
Related topics:: Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2018 · Q62

Consider the following phenomena: 1. Light is affected by gravity. 2. The Universe is constantly expanding. 3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time. Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?

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Prelims 2017

2 questions

Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics · Space Science and Space Programmes
Related topics:: Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2017 · Q44

The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of

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Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics · Space Science and Space Programmes
Related topics:: Atomic, Nuclear and Particle Physics

Classification and difficulty are editorial labels. Explanations are awaiting review.

2017 · Q87

What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

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Prelims 2015

1 question

Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsEasy

Question details

Type:: Single choice
Skill:: Fact recall
Tags:: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics
Related topics:: Planetary, Lunar and Solar Science

2015 · Q45

The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of

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Prelims 2012

1 question

Science & TechnologySpace Science and Space ProgrammesAstronomy, Cosmology and AstrophysicsMedium

Question details

Type:: Statement based
Skill:: Concept understanding
Tags:: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

2012 · Q19

Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of universe? 1. Detection of microwaves in space 2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space 3. Movement of asteroids in space 4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

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Microthemes in this theme· 8

Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

PYQs on Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2024

Prelims 2023

Prelims 2021

Prelims 2020

Prelims 2019

Prelims 2018

Prelims 2017

Prelims 2015

Prelims 2012

Microthemes in this theme· 8

Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

PYQs on Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2024

Prelims 2024, question 32: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2023

Prelims 2023, question 56: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2021

Prelims 2021, question 76: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2020

Prelims 2020, question 43: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2019

Prelims 2019, question 97: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2018

Prelims 2018, question 62: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2017

Prelims 2017, question 44: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2017, question 87: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2015

Prelims 2015, question 45: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics

Prelims 2012

Prelims 2012, question 19: Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrophysics