DSST Astronomy — Information & Free Practice
US · Examination information
100 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required
DSST Astronomy
- Provider
- Prometric
- Format
- Multiple-choice, one correct answer and three incorrect options; remote or authorized test centre delivery.
- Exam questions
- Total questions: 100; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
- Time limit
- 2 hours
Examination outline
Introduction to the Science of Astronomy (5%)
- Nature and methods of science
- Applications of scientific thinking
- History of early astronomy
Astrophysics (15%)
- Kepler’s laws and orbits
- Newtonian physics and gravity
- Relativity
Celestial Systems (10%)
- Celestial motions
- Earth and the Moon
- Seasons, calendar and time keeping
The Science of Light (15%)
- The electromagnetic spectrum
- Telescopes and the measurement of light
- Spectroscopy
- Blackbody radiation
Planetary Systems: Our Solar System and Others (20%)
- Contents of our solar system
- Formation and evolution of planetary systems
- Exoplanets
- Habitability and life in the Universe
The Sun and Stars: Nature and Evolution (15%)
- Our Star, the Sun
- Properties and classification of stars
- Birth, life and death of stars
- Nuclear fusion and the origin of the elements
Galaxies (10%)
- Our Galaxy: The Milky Way
- Classification and structure of galaxies
- Measuring Cosmic Distances
The Universe: Contents, Structure, and Evolution (10%)
- Galaxy clusters and large-scale structure
- The Big Bang and Hubble’s law
- The evolution and fate of the Universe
- Dark matter and dark energy
Examination sources
- Astronomy fact sheet
p. 1, EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE, introduction and I-V
- Astronomy fact sheet
p. 2, continuation V.d and VI-VIII
- Astronomy fact sheet
p. 2, REFERENCES guidance
- Astronomy fact sheet
pp. 3-4, SAMPLE QUESTIONS and format
- Astronomy fact sheet
p. 1, EXAM INFORMATION, question count
- Astronomy fact sheet
p. 3, SAMPLE QUESTIONS introduction
- Astronomy fact sheet
p. 1, CREDIT RECOMMENDATIONS
- About DSST
Story, audience
- Prometric College Student (DSST)
Registration Instructions, remote requirements
- Prometric College Student (DSST)
Registration Instructions, NTC
- Prometric College Student (DSST)
Registration Instructions, Prometric Test Center
- Prometric College Student (DSST)
Identification Requirements
- Prometric College Student (DSST)
Retest Policy
- Astronomy subject page
FAQ, testing centre policies
- Astronomy subject page
FAQ, score reporting school conditions
- About DSST
Mission, administration