Question 1
Match: (i) satellite of Earth (ii) red planet (iii) constellation (iv) planet commonly called the evening star. Options: Orion, Venus, Mars, Moon.
Steps only
(i) d, (ii) c, (iii) a, (iv) b
Answer
Moon, Mars, Orion, Venus.
CLASS 6 · SCIENCE · CHAPTER 12
Beyond Earth
Simple answers to all 11 end questions and sample guidance for the chapter’s night-sky observation and creative prompts.
18 worked answersComplete chapter answers
18 worked answers · short steps first, explanations when you need them
Let us enhance our learning
Textbook pages 249–252
Question 2
Solve the riddle: first letter is in MAN but not CAN; second is in ACE and FAN; third is in RAT but not CAT; fourth is in SUN but not FUN. Then write two similar riddles.
Steps only
M + A + R + S = MARS.
Answer
MARS. The two sample riddles have answers Moon and Jupiter.
Question 3
Which is not a member of our Solar System: Sirius, comets, asteroids, or Pluto?
Steps only
Sirius
Answer
Sirius is not part of our Solar System.
Question 4
Which is not a planet of the Sun: Jupiter, Pluto, Neptune, or Saturn?
Steps only
Pluto
Answer
Pluto is a dwarf planet.
Question 5
Which is the brighter star, the Pole Star or Sirius?
Steps only
Sirius
Answer
Sirius is brighter than the Pole Star.
Question 6
Write the planets in the correct order outward from the Sun for the Solar System diagram.
Steps only
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
Answer
Mercury → Venus → Earth → Mars → Jupiter → Saturn → Uranus → Neptune.
Question 7
In the star picture, identify the Big Dipper and Little Dipper patterns and label the Pole Star.
Steps only
Big Dipper: bowl and handle. Extend the bowl's two pointer stars about five times their gap to find the Pole Star in the Little Dipper.
Answer
Label Big Dipper, Little Dipper, and the Pole Star using the pointer stars.
Question 8
In the star picture, connect the stars that form Orion and label Sirius.
Steps only
Find Orion's three belt stars; extend their line eastward to locate Sirius.
Answer
Connect Orion and label the bright nearby star Sirius.
Question 9
Why do stars appear at dusk and fade at dawn, and why can we not see them during the day?
Steps only
Daylight makes the sky too bright for us to see the faint stars.
Answer
Stars remain there, but sunlight makes them hard to see during the day.
Question 10
Observe the Big Dipper several times during one clear night, note the Pole Star, and sketch what changes.
Steps only
The Big Dipper appears to shift around the nearly stationary Pole Star as Earth rotates.
Answer
Sketch its changing position and keep the Pole Star nearly fixed.
Question 11
Write a poem or story about the night sky.
Steps only
Write original lines about stars, the Moon, constellations, or planets.
Answer
Any original poem or story about the night sky is suitable.
Chapter activities and learning prompts
Textbook pages 232–248, 252
Question Activity 12.1
How can you make and compare imaginary patterns from a group of stars?
Steps only
Join stars with imaginary lines, name the pattern, and compare it with others.
Answer
Patterns and stories can differ from person to person.
Question Sections 12.1–12.2
What is a constellation, and how were star patterns useful to travellers?
Steps only
Constellations help identify sky regions; familiar stars once helped travellers find directions.
Answer
Star patterns helped people recognise stars and directions.
Question Activity 12.2
How should a student prepare for observing stars at night?
Steps only
Go with an adult to a safe, dark, open place; plan ahead and let your eyes adjust.
Answer
Observe safely with an adult, away from lights and obstructions.
Question Learning further
Give examples of traditional Indian names for planets and a story linked to a constellation.
Steps only
Examples: Budha (Mercury), Śhukra (Venus), Mangala (Mars), Guru (Jupiter), Śhani (Saturn).
Answer
Planet names and constellation stories vary across regions.
Question Learning further
How can too much artificial light affect the night sky, and what can one person do?
Steps only
Switch off unneeded lights and aim necessary lights downwards.
Answer
Reducing unnecessary upward light helps keep the sky darker.
Question Learning further
What weather and location features make Hanle, Ladakh suitable for an observatory?
Steps only
High altitude, dry clear weather, and low light pollution help astronomers see the sky.
Answer
Hanle's dark, dry, often clear skies suit astronomy.
Question Section 12.3
How can we see planets or other sky objects that are too faint for the naked eye?
Steps only
Use binoculars or a telescope with adult guidance; never point them at the Sun.
Answer
A telescope or binoculars can help show faint objects.