Treasure Coast Trivia: Preserving the Night Sky
- Treasure Coast Almanac
- Oct 15
- 5 min read
The night sky plays an important role on our planet. You may have learned about constellations and our solar system in school, but how much do you know about astronomy in flroday? Test your knowledge of Florida's night skies and more!
Which constellation is one of the most easily spotted in Florida’s winter sky?
A) Big Dipper
B) Orion
C) Ursa Major
D) Southern Cross
Answer is B: Orion the Hunter. Seen clearly in Florida’s mild winters, Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations. The three bright stars in a row form Orion’s Belt.
Light pollution affects humans too. Poor nighttime lighting has been linked to disrupting what natural human cycle?
A) Digestion
B) Circadian rhythm
C) Breathing
D) Balance
The answer is B. Exposing the eyes to blue light (or white light, which includes blue light) during the sensitive periods triggers photoreceptors in the retina to send a signal to suppress melatonin and shift circadian rhythms.
Which annual meteor shower, peaking in mid-August, is one of the most popular to watch in Florida?
A) Geminids
B) Perseids
C) Quadrantids
D) Leonids
The answer is B. The Perseids are the most popular meteor shower as they peak on warm August nights as seen from the northern hemisphere. The Perseids are active from July 17 to August 24 and reach a aximum on August 12 or 13, depending on the year. Normal hourly rates seen from rural locations range from 30-50 shower members per hour at maximum. The Perseids are particles released from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle during its numerous returns to the inner solar system. In 2026, the moon is new on August 12 so conditions will be optimal for viewing this shower.The Perseids are the most popular meteor shower as they peak on warm August nights as seen from the northern hemisphere. Normal hourly rates seen from rural locations range from 30-50 shower members per hour at maximum. They are called Perseids since the radiant (the area of the sky where the meteors seem to originate) is located near the prominent constellation of Perseus the hero.
Why is Florida considered one of the best places in the U.S. for rocket launches?
A) Geography
B) Climate
C) Funding
D) Safety Record
The answer is A. Florida’s geography makes it one of the best places in the world for rocket launches. Located close to the equator, rockets launched from Florida benefit from the Earth’s rotational speed, giving them an extra boost that saves fuel and increases payload capacity. Its eastern coastline also allows rockets to launch safely over the open Atlantic Ocean, reducing risks to populated areas below. The flat terrain, favorable weather, and proximity to the ocean make Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center nearly perfect launch sites for reaching a wide range of orbits.Florida’s geography makes it one of the best places in the world for rocket launches. Located close to the equator, rockets launched from Florida benefit from the Earth’s rotational speed, giving them an extra boost that saves fuel and increases payload capacity. Its eastern coastline also allows rockets to launch safely over the open Atlantic Ocean, reducing risks to populated areas below. The flat terrain, favorable weather, and proximity to the ocean make Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center nearly perfect launch sites for reaching a wide range of orbits.
Migratory birds along Florida’s coast can become disoriented by artificial lights. What often happens as a result?
A) They migrate in the wrong season
B) They land in the ocean
C) They circle until dawn and exhaust themselves
D) They stop migrating altogether
The answer is C. Migrating birds often rely on the moon, stars, and Earth’s magnetic field to navigate their long journeys, but artificial lights can tragically lead them astray. In brightly lit areas, birds become disoriented and begin circling illuminated buildings, bridges, or city skylines, sometimes for hours. This confusion causes them to waste precious energy needed for migration, leaving them exhausted or unable to complete their journey. Many ultimately collide with glass or collapse from fatigue. Light pollution has become one of the leading urban threats to migratory birds, making dark skies and responsible lighting practices vital for their survival.
Which planet appears brightest just before sunset or sunrise in Florida skies?
A) Saturn
B) Jupiter
C) Mars
D) Venus
The answer is D. Venus, often called the “Evening Star,” is the brightest planet in our sky and one of the first celestial objects to appear after sunset. Its dazzling white glow can outshine every other star, making it a familiar and beautiful sight in the western sky. The planet’s thick atmosphere of carbon dioxide and reflective clouds of sulfuric acid bounce sunlight back toward Earth, giving Venus its radiant brilliance. Though it looks serene from afar, Venus is actually a world of scorching heat and crushing pressure—an extreme contrast to its gentle sparkle in our twilight skies.
What famous astronaut launched from Florida and became the first American to orbit Earth?
A) Neil Armstrong
B) Sally Ride
C) John Glenn
D) Alan Shepard
The answer is C. John Glenn, one of America’s most celebrated astronauts, has strong ties to Florida’s space legacy. In 1962, he launched from Cape Canaveral aboard Friendship 7, becoming the first American to orbit the Earth and marking a defining moment in the Space Race. Glenn’s historic flight not only cemented Florida’s Space Coast as the nation’s gateway to the stars but also inspired generations of explorers and engineers who would follow in his path. His courage and achievement remain deeply woven into Florida’s proud aerospace history.
Which Florida parks/preserves have official International Dark Sky designations?
A) Everglades National Park
B) Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
C) Big Cypress National Preserve
D) Sebastian Inlet State Park
The answer is B and C. Florida is home to a few officially designated International Dark Sky places, where efforts are made to protect night skies from light pollution. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park became Florida’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2016, offering some of the clearest views of the Milky Way in the state. That same year, Big Cypress National Preserve was also recognized for its dark skies, making it another premier spot for stargazing. These parks highlight Florida’s commitment to preserving natural nightscapes and providing safe havens for both wildlife and astronomy enthusiasts.
The brightest city on earth seen from space is:
A) Miami
B) New York
C) Tokyo
D) Las Vegas
The answer is D: Las Vegas is considered the brightest city on Earth, due to its concentration of neon signs, LED displays, and 24/7 lighting. Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) observe and photograph numerous metropolitan areas when they are illuminated by sunlight, but the extent and pattern of these areas is perhaps best revealed at night by city lights. The surrounding darkness of the desert presents a stark contrast to the brightly lit street grid of the developed area. The Vegas Strip is reputed to be the brightest spot on Earth due to the concentration of lights on its hotels and casinos. The tarmac of McCarran International Airport is dark by comparison, while the airstrips of Nellis Air Force Base on the northeastern fringe are likewise dark. The dark mass of Frenchman Mountain borders the city to the east.
LED lighting has become the fastest-growing source of light pollution in the world.
A) True
B) False
The answer is A. While street lighting is considered the single largest source of light pollution, followed by large commercial lighting such as billboards, stadiums, and large parkinglots, the rise of LEDs has amplified the problem, since white/blue-rich LEDs scatter more and create brighter skyglow than older sodium lamps.