Astronomy Practice Exam

What does the earliest known supernova inscription from 1400 BC signify?

1. A celestial event was recorded in the sky.

2. A sign that predicted a disaster.

3. An astrological birth chart.

4. A ritualistic offering.

The correct answer is: A celestial event was recorded in the sky.

The earliest known supernova inscription from 1400 BC signifies a celestial event that was recorded in the sky. This historical record is important because it demonstrates that ancient civilizations observed and documented astronomical phenomena, such as supernovae, which are powerful explosions of stars. Such inscriptions serve as valuable evidence for our understanding of how ancient cultures interacted with the cosmos and recognized significant celestial occurrences. By capturing the details of these events, they contributed to the evolution of astronomical knowledge and helped establish a foundation for future observations and studies. This ancient documentation is a reflection of humanity's enduring fascination with the universe and our attempts to comprehend the natural world around us.