1997 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1997 · General Studies

Question 68: Science and Technology

Which one of the following stars is nearest to the earth?

aPolaris
bAlpha Centauri
cSun
dSirius

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Among the stars listed, the Sun is by far the nearest, at about 150 million km, or roughly eight light-minutes. The next nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, is over four light-years away, Sirius is about 8.6 light-years away and Polaris is hundreds of light-years away.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Polaris is hundreds of light-years away.
  • (b) Alpha Centauri is the nearest star system after the Sun, but still over four light-years away.
  • (c) Right: the Sun is the nearest star.
  • (d) Sirius is about 8.6 light-years away.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1997, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.