Meaning: 'Shortage' means a situation where there is not enough of something, in this case, charts and catalogues in astronomy.

Wrong options:

• deficiancy: 'Deficiancy' is a misspelling of 'deficiency' and does not fit grammatically as it is not a recognized word.
• shortfall: 'Shortfall' implies a failure to meet a target or expectation, which is slightly different from a general lack, making it less suitable in this context.
• inadequacy: 'Inadequacy' refers to the state of being insufficient or not good enough, but it does not fit as smoothly as 'shortage' in this specific context.

Correct answer: facilitated

Explanation: The word 'facilitated' is the correct choice as it indicates that electronic calculators and computers have made the analysis of observations easier. It fits grammatically in the past tense and aligns with the context of technological advancement in astronomy.

Meaning: 'Facilitated' means to make an action or process easier or more achievable, in this case, the analysis of astronomical observations.

Wrong options:

• maximised: 'Maximised' suggests increasing something to its greatest possible amount, which does not fit the context of making analysis easier.
• cultivated: 'Cultivated' typically refers to fostering growth or development, which is not the intended meaning in this context.
• upheld: 'Upheld' means to maintain or support something, which does not accurately describe the role of technology in analysis.

Correct answer: age

Explanation: The word 'age' is appropriate here as it refers to a significant period in time, particularly in the context of amateur astronomy. It fits grammatically and contextually as it follows 'golden' to describe a favorable time for the field.

Meaning: 'Age' refers to a distinct period characterized by particular events or developments, in this case, a flourishing time for amateur astronomy.

Wrong options:

• period: 'Period' could fit but is less commonly used in this specific phrase compared to 'age' when describing a golden time.
• time: 'Time' is too vague and does not convey the same sense of a significant era as 'age' does in this context.
• term: 'Term' usually refers to a fixed or limited duration, which does not align with the broader concept of a golden era.

Correct answer: plagued

Explanation: The word 'plagued' is the correct choice as it conveys the idea of being troubled or afflicted by something, in this case, aircraft condensation trails. It fits grammatically and contextually, indicating a negative impact on daytime skies.

Meaning: 'Plagued' means to be troubled or afflicted by something persistent, suggesting that aircraft trails are a significant nuisance.

Wrong options:

• bothered: 'Bothered' is too mild and does not capture the severity implied by 'plagued' in this context.
• troubled: 'Troubled' is similar but lacks the strong connotation of ongoing distress that 'plagued' provides.
• badgered: 'Badgered' implies persistent harassment, which does not accurately reflect the situation of aircraft trails affecting the skies.

Correct answer: persist

Explanation: The word 'persist' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates that the trails continue for hours. It is in the present tense, which aligns with the ongoing nature of the trails described in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Persist' means to continue firmly in a course of action despite difficulty, indicating that the trails remain visible for a long time.

Wrong options:

• proceed: 'Proceed' means to begin or continue a course of action, which does not convey the idea of ongoing visibility as effectively as 'persist.'
• pursue: 'Pursue' implies chasing or following something, which does not fit the context of trails remaining in the sky.
• prolong: 'Prolong' means to extend the duration of something, which does not accurately describe the nature of the trails as they are already present.

Correct answer: hampering

Explanation: The word 'hampering' is the correct choice as it indicates that aircraft trails are obstructing or interfering with night-time observations. It fits grammatically and contextually, suggesting a negative impact on the ability to observe the night sky.

Meaning: 'Hampering' means to hinder or impede the progress of something, in this case, night-time astronomical observations.

Wrong options:

• smothering: 'Smothering' implies suffocating or overwhelming, which is too strong and does not accurately describe the interference caused by trails.
• overcoming: 'Overcoming' suggests defeating or conquering something, which does not fit the context of hindrance in observations.
• combating: 'Combating' means to fight against something, which does not align with the passive nature of the trails affecting observations.