2024 U.S. Election Quiz

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Questions and Answers

In the 2024 election, what was the approximate difference in the popular vote between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris?

Approximately 2 million votes

Approximately 12 million votes

Approximately 15 million votes

Approximately 5 million votes (correct)

Besides Donald Trump, who is the only other individual who has won the U.S. presidency for two non-consecutive terms?

Barack Obama

Grover Cleveland (correct)

Joe Biden

George W. Bush

Considering the information, what was the latest possible year that someone could be born to be considered a 'Millennial'?

1998

2000

1996 (correct)

1994

If the results in the House of Representatives election continue at the current rate, how many seats will the Republican Party need to secure a majority?

17 (D) Signup and view all the answers

In his victory speech, what specific promise did Donald Trump make to his supporters regarding his daily commitment?

He will fight for them every single day. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary environmental concern associated with the re-entry of conventional satellites into Earth's atmosphere?

The creation of aluminum oxide particles that could harm the ozone layer. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key technological advancement of the Aftershock II rocket that contributed to its record-breaking altitude?

Titanium-coated fins and heat-resistant paint for extreme temperatures. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The Kármán line is an important demarcation in space exploration. What does it represent?

The internationally recognized edge of space. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why do ancient cultures celebrate the winter solstice as a kind of 'rebirth' of the Sun?

Because it's the shortest day, after which the days begin to lengthen, which is understood as the sun's 'rebirth'. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 23.5-degree tilt of Earth's axis in determining the seasons?

It dictates how much solar radiation each hemisphere receives at different times of the year. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mission objective of the Europa Clipper, according to NASA?

To determine if there are areas below Europa’s icy surface that could support life. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes why the Europa Clipper will travel 1.8 billion miles instead of the direct distance of 480 million miles to Jupiter?

The spacecraft will use ‘gravity assist’ maneuvers to gain speed on its journey. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What celestial event will occur on November 15, 2024?

The last of four consecutive supermoons for the year 2024. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is the heat generated that prevents Europa's underground ocean from freezing?

The gravitational pull of Jupiter, stretching and squeezing Europa’s interior. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, what is the approximate average distance of the Moon from Earth during its perigee?

226,000 miles (363,711 km) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the magnetic circuit in the drone developed by Professor Emad Ebeid's team?

To enable the transfer of electrical power from the power line to the drone's battery. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The Chew Valley Hoard is historically significant for which of these reasons?

It confirms the existence of various minting locations in England after the Norman Conquest. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What led researchers to choose magnolia wood for the LignoSat satellite?

After an analysis of several wood samples that returned from space, magnolia wood was tested to have superior qualities. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why did the metal detectorists in Somerset, England, receive only half of the value of the Chew Valley Hoard?

The other half was paid to the owner of the land where the coins were discovered. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using wooden satellites over traditional metal ones?

Wooden satellites significantly reduce space junk by combusting more cleanly upon re-entry. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the limited daily access to the central chamber of the 5,200-year-old stone structure during the winter solstice period?

The structure's popularity necessitates a lottery system for dawn admission. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What unique method did Banksy use to confirm authorship of his animal series murals, following their appearance on the streets of London?

He posted images of the artworks on his Instagram page. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the radiocarbon dating of the Big Basin Redwood trees' stored energy reveal their resilience?

It demonstrates the trees can survive and regrow using stored energy that is 50 to 100 years old. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the study of the wood beneath the sprouting areas of the redwood trees reveal about their regrowth capability?

It shows that the sprouts grow from bud tissue nearly as old as the tree itself. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Thomas Fernsler, what is the primary reason for the superstition surrounding the number 13?

It is perceived as incomplete because it follows the 'complete' number 12. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to folklore historian Donald Dossey, what is the primary reason for the number 13 being considered unlucky?

A Scandinavian legend involving a trickster god and the death of a god of joy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated financial impact of Friday the 13th on the US economy?

A reduction of around $900 million due to avoidance of work, travel, and purchases. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Climeworks' Mammoth plant?

To capture carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into stone. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the key objective for reaching the record-setting altitude during the Polaris Dawn mission?

To assess the impact of radiation on the Dragon capsule and its crew. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is expected to be the annual CO2 capture capacity of the new Climeworks plant in Louisiana by 2030?

1,000,000 tons, significantly more than the Mammoth plant. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of the 12-foot cords used by Isaacman and Gillis during their spacesuit functionality test?

To deliver oxygen for breathing, since the suits lacked their own life support. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What specific challenge did researchers face when initially attempting to read the Herculaneum scrolls?

Mechanical unrolling caused the fragile scrolls to crumble into dust. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these best describes the core innovation of Brent Seales' approach to analyzing the Herculaneum scrolls?

Using advanced X-ray technology and AI for virtual unwrapping and ink identification without physically opening them. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the symbolic significance of the first word, 'porphyras', discovered in the Herculaneum scrolls?

It represents the historical moment of successfully accessing the long-hidden information within the scrolls. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Besides her family, what was the main motivating factor behind Alex Morgan's decision to retire from professional soccer?

A fundamental shift in her personal priorities and life goals. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the final game score for the San Diego Wave in Alex Morgan’s last match on September 8, 2024?

A 4-1 loss (A) Signup and view all the answers

What did historian Peter Brand's analysis of the sword discovered in Tell Al-Abqain suggest about the military fort?

The fort was well-defended and possibly had a weapons production site. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary implication of the Ramses II insignia found on the bronze sword?

That it was a gift to a high-ranking military official. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is closest to the number of combined goals and assists that Alex Morgan has throughout her career playing for the USWNT?

176 (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the limestone block bearing the name 'Bay' that was found at the Tell Al-Abqain archeological site?

It is the name of an important official, potentially the fort's commander. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Presidential Election 2024

Donald Trump was re-elected as the 47th US President on November 5, 2024.
He secured 292 electoral votes, exceeding the 270 needed to win.
Trump also projected to win the national popular vote with nearly 72 million votes, compared to Vice President Kamala Harris's approximately 67 million votes.
This would be the first time a Republican candidate has won both electoral and popular votes since President George W. Bush in 2004.
At 78, Trump is the oldest person ever elected US president.
Trump is the second person to win the presidency for two non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland.

JD Vance

Trump's running mate, JD Vance, will become the first millennial vice president, at 40 years old—one of the youngest in US history.

Republican Party Victory

The Republican party secured a majority of seats in the Senate.
The House of Representatives' election outcome is pending, but leaning in favor of Republicans with 201 / 218 seats won.

Europa Clipper Mission

NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft launched to Jupiter on October 14, 2024.
The spacecraft entered orbit about an hour and 10 minutes after launch.
The mission duration expected is over 5.5 years to reach its destination, using gravity assist maneuvers to gain speed.
Europa Clipper will fly by Mars in February 2025 and Earth in December 2025.
Entering Jupiter's orbit in April 2030, it will orbit Europa 49 times over the next three years, mapping the moon's surface and gathering data.
The spacecraft will get as close as 16 miles (25 km) to Europa's surface.
The aim is to examine if areas below Europa's icy surface could support life, not to directly search for life.
Deliberately crash into Ganymede's surface at the end of the mission.

Beaver Moon Supermoon

The November 15, 2024, full moon is designated as the Beaver Moon.
It's the last supermoon of 2024.
Supermoons appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than average full moons.
They occur when the full moon aligns with the lunar perigee (closest point to Earth).
In 2024, the November 15 supermoon will be about 224,853 miles from Earth.
This is a few thousand miles farther than the closest supermoon in recent history (November 2016).

Drone Recharge Technology

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark developed a drone that recharges on the go.
The drone uses radar and cameras to locate and connect to overhead power lines to draw power.
A 9.5-pound (4.3 kg) prototype successfully recharged five times and flew for over two hours.
The technology is anticipated to revolutionize industries like power line inspections/maintenance by being more efficient, cost-effective, and safe.

Ancient Silver Coins

Metal detectorists unearthed the Chew Valley Hoard - 2,584 silver pennies from the 11th century (1066-1068).
The coins were minted in 46 different locations in England.
The hoard was valued at $5.5 million, becoming Britain's most valuable treasure find.
The discoverers will split $800,000; and the landowner receives the remaining $2.8 million
The coins featured King Harold II and King William I, mirroring the Norman Conquest.

Wooden Satellite

LignoSat, the world's first wooden satellite reached the International Space Station.
The satellite is constructed primarily of wood from magnolia trees.
The purpose is to assess the ability of wood to endure space conditions, and to reduce space junk, as aluminum satellites release harmful particles during re-entry.
LignoSat is expected to gather data in its six-month orbit before burning up.

Student-Built Rocket

Aftershock II, built by USC students, broke a 20-year-old amateur rocket altitude record.
Reaching an altitude of 470,000 feet (143.3 km) in October 2024, it surpassed the previous record by 90,000 feet.
The rocket, exceeding existing speed records, reached 3,600 mph (5,800 km/h).
Aftershock II utilizes new technologies, such as titanium-coated fins and heat-resistant paint.
This accomplishment is attributed to real-time data tracking from meticulously designed computer systems.

Winter Solstice 2024

The winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is December 21, 2024.
This day marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and the longest day and shortest night in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Earth’s tilt and orbit around the Sun cause these seasonal changes.
Sites such as Stonehenge and Newgrange offer historical records of solstice celebrations.

Banksy's Artwork

Banksy created a series of animal-themed murals in London for nine days.
The murals appeared on walls and shutters, starting on August 5, 2024 and concluding on August 13.
The artworks featured animals like a mountain goat, elephants, monkeys, a wolf, pelicans, and a gorilla, and elicited public appreciation.

Big Basin Redwoods Recovery

A massive wildfire (CZU Lightning Complex Fire) in 2020 charred 97% of Big Basin Redwood State Park.
The redwoods displayed remarkable resilience, sprouting new needles within months of the fire's extinction.
Research revealed that the redwoods' thick bark, extraordinary height, and stored energy reserves contributed to this remarkable recovery.

Friday the 13th Superstition

Friday the 13th is a globally observed unlucky day.
This is possibly sparked by the symbolic significance of the number 13, following the "complete" number 12.
The fear is also linked to a Norse legend and associations with biblical historical events.
Despite widespread anxiety, scientific evidence suggests that Friday the 13th does not correlate with increased accidents, fires, or thefts.

Direct Air Capture (DAC) Technology

Climeworks' Mammoth, the world's largest direct air capture plant, started operation in Iceland on May 8, 2024.
Mammoth is capable of absorbing 39,000 tons of CO2 annually, significantly reducing atmospheric CO2 levels by removing carbon from the atmosphere through the use of fans that filter air, trapping carbon.
This process utilizes geothermal energy and produces no carbon emissions.
The plant is part of an effort to mitigate the harmful carbon dioxide emissions that are major contributors to global warming.

SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission

Polaris Dawn, a SpaceX commercial space mission, reached an altitude of 870 miles (1400 km) on September 15.
Four civilian astronauts, led by entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, conducted the mission.
The mission tested radiation levels on the Dragon capsule and crew.
It also saw the first civilian spacewalk by astronauts Sarah Gillis and Jared Isaacman.

Herculaneum Scrolls Decoding

The Vesuvius Challenge, launched in 2023, incentivizes individuals to decode ancient Herculaneum scrolls via AI.
The project uses 3D X-ray images to examine the scrolls, allowing for the reconstruction of ancient texts and symbols.
Ancient texts were deciphered to reveal writings by a philosopher named Philodemus, about if joy relates to abundance.

Alex Morgan's Retirement

Alex Morgan, a renowned US soccer player, retired from professional soccer in September 2024.
Morgan played for 15 years on the US Women's National Team and secured double FIFA Women's World Cup titles.
Motivation for retirement stemmed from the imminent birth of her second child and a desire to focus on her young family.

Ramses II Sword Discovered

Egyptian archeologists discovered a gleaming bronze sword in Tell Al-Abqain military fort with engravings of Pharaoh Ramses II (3000+ years old).
The sword discovery supports evidence that the fort was a well-fortified military facility with potential weapons production.

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene, a devastating Category 4 hurricane, made landfall in Florida on September 26, 2024.
It was the strongest storm in the region since record-keeping began.
Helene caused extensive property damage, flooding, and widespread power outages.
A high number of casualties, with 170 deaths confirmed, and many missing, making it one of the most deadly hurricanes in the region.

Earthworm Impact on Plant Growth

Studies found that earthworms play a vital role in global food production, contributing to 6.5% or 140 million tons of annual grain crop production.
Their impact is especially significant in developing countries, where their actions boost yields by 8-10% in specific regions.
Their burrowing and soil aeration contribute to nutrient availability for plants.
Earthworms were shown to defend plants from microplastic pollution, likely by boosting their immune system.

Spider Manipulation of Firefly Signals

A study examined the Araneus ventricosus spider, revealing its deceptive tactic of manipulating firefly mating signals to capture prey.
When a spider is present, male fireflies can be seen mimicking the single flash of a female firefly to attract more prey.

US Presidential Election Process

Americans elect their president through the Electoral College.
Voters cast ballots for electors who then vote on behalf of the states (winner-takes-all system).
Each state receives electoral votes proportional to its population and Senate representatives.
A candidate needs at least 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

East Greenland Landslide and Tsunami

A slow-onset seismic event, lasting nine days in early 2023, was traced to a massive landslide and tsunami that occurred in East Greenland's Dickson Fjord.
The confined space of the fjord caused the mega-tsunami wave to create a standing wave (seiche) that ultimately shook the entire Earth for nine days.
Rising temperatures in Greenland were identified as a likely catalyst for the glacier collapse.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the key facts and figures from the 2024 U.S. elections. This quiz covers popular vote differences, historical presidential terms, and technological advancements in space exploration. Challenge yourself and see how much you know about recent political events!