Before the 1920s, There was a Long-Standing Debate about the Nebulae that are Visible Between Galaxies.

Reading Passage Question

Before the 1920s, there was a long-standing debate about the nebulae that are visible between galaxies. When viewed from a terrestrial telescope, they appear to be gas and dust emissions. In 1927, however, the team of Edwin Hubble theorized that these nebulae are actually star systems.

The bulk of Hubble’s evidence came from the analysis of gamma rays in the range of invisible light called 10^19 Hz. Hubble theorized that the arrival of these rays onto the earth’s surface was consistent with the most up-to-date knowledge about the collapse of a distant star system called 7.8ART. Existing data reveals that 7.8ART went Supernova roughly 27 billion years ago. Hubble’s team argued that the arrival of gamma rays in the 10^19 Hz spectrum are consistent with star materials having been ejected from the region of 7.8ART at a corresponding time in galactic history.

There continues to be some doubt surrounding Hubble’s theory, however. Some scientists point out that the origins of gamma rays landing on earth today are not easily determined, because the expanding nature of the universe means that the radiation has traveled farther than Hubble’s calculations suggest. However, Hubble’s team did provide an answer to that objection by stating that the expanding universe theory applies mainly to its edges, and not within its center, which is the previous home of 7.8ART.

The skeptics’ most powerful objection to Hubble’s hypothesis is the argument that had the rays traveled for 27 billion years, it is unlikely that their trajectory would have been linear, due to the curvature of the known universe. Hubble’s team, however, pointed out that the curvature of the universe has no measurable effect on the path taken by gamma rays, because they are not affected by the gravitational pull of star systems in the same way as are celestial bodies.

“Before the 1920s, there was a long-standing debate about the nebulae that are visible between galaxies.”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.
This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

1. The primary purpose of the passage is to

1. propose new methods for studying the ages of ancient star systems
2. rewrite a hypothesis regarding the trajectory of gamma rays
3. reconcile competing hypotheses regarding the expansion of the universe
4. evaluate a new hypothesis regarding the life cycle of 7.8ART
5. describe a controversy surrounding 7.8ART and its origins

2. The passage suggests that Hubble’s team would agree with which of the following regarding the gamma rays that land on earth today?

1. These rays are not likely to have originated on 7.8ART.
2. These rays have probably been on earth for more than 27 billion years.
3. These gamma rays are unlikely to have been produced during a Supernova.
4. It is impossible to determine the precise distance traveled by gamma rays that originate at the edge of the universe.
5. These gamma rays are likely to accelerate as they approach the center of the universe.

3. The passage asserts which of the following about the claim that 7.8ART went Supernova roughly 27 billion years ago?

1. It was initially hypothesized by Edwin Hubble.
2. It is not widely disputed.
3. It has been questioned by some of Hubble’s critics.
4. It has been refuted thanks to recent work on gamma rays.
5. It is incompatible with the fact that the earth is now receiving gamma rays in the 1019 Hz frequency spectrum.

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