Dwarf Planets
Models, Distances and Theories
Planets
The Outskirts of the Solar System
The Moon
100
What is an example of a dwarf planet?
Pluto, Eris or Ceres
100
What are the two models that describe a planet's orbit?
Geocentric and Heliocentric
100
Name the 4 Jovian planets?
Uranus, Neptune, Saturn and Jupiter
100
What is a comet made of?
Rocks, iced methane and ammonia.
100
What is the gravity on the moon?
1/6th of Earth's gravity
200
Who discovered Pluto?
Clyde Tombaugh
200
What is the distance between the Earth and the Sun in AU's and Millions of Miles?
1 AU 93 million miles
200
Why is Mars considered to be a terrestrial planet?
Terrestrial- Earth like planets, rocky surface (made up of rocks and/or metals) Molten metal core Sometime a liquid outer core
200
Name the six objects that are in the outskirts of space?
1. meteor 2. meteoroid 3. comet 4. asteroid 5. Kuiper belt 6. Oort Cloud
200
Why does the moon have extreme temperature changes?
the lack of atmosphere for protection from the sun's harmful rays.
300
Describe Pluto's orbit. How does it differ from the other planets' orbit?
Pluto is tilted from the normal solar system plane of orbit by 17 degrees.
300
What does the Nebular Theory say?
The theory stating the solar system formed from a rotating cloud of dust and gas.
300
What are the names of Jupiter's 4 famous moons? Who discovered them?
Io, Europa, Callisto, Ganymede Galileo
300
Draw or describe the path of a comet.
Parabola
300
What are the names of the two types of tides. Briefly describe each.
Spring tides- when the gravitational pull is the most noticeable due to it's location near the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. (Thanksgiving Day bulge). Neap tides - when the moon is pulling at the location of the North and South Pole.
400
Why do astronomers create categories for planetary objects?
* We don't want to memorize 1,000 planets * our brain can process information better when we categorize it
400
which of the following models do we know to be correct, the Geocentric or Heliocentric Model? How do we know it is correct
heliocentric. We know physics and mathematical equations. Spacecraft observations. How gravity acts between the sun and the Earth.
400
Name Galileo's contributions to astronomy?
1. telescope 2. moon 3. Jupiter’s moons 4. heliocentric model
400
What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteorite?
Meteorite- has reached Earth's surface Meteoroid - a floating space rock with ice.
400
Describe 2 features on the moon.
Maria- low flat plans formed by ancient lava flows. Aka the dark areas Lunar highlands- cover most of the moon’s surface, rough mountainous regions. Aka the light colored areas. Craters - large holes on the moon's surface.
500
Compare and Contrast dwarf planets and planets.
Planet criteria 1. It is in orbit around the Sun. 2. It has sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium (a nearly round shape). 3. It has "cleared the neighborhood" around its orbit. Dwarf Planet criteria 1. Orbits the sun. 2. Has enough mass to assume a nearly round shape. 3. Has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit. 4. Is not a moon.
500
Compare and Contrast the Geocentric and Heliocentric Model.
S- 1. they both go around the sun 2. both were accepted models at one point 3. both show orbit of the planet D - 1. Geocentric- the idea that everything goes around the Earth. 2. Heliocentric- the idea that everything goes around the sun.
500
Compare and Contrast Jovian and Terrestrial planets.
Terrestrial-  Earth like planets, rocky surface (made up of rocks and/or metals)  Molten metal core  Sometime a liquid outer core Jovian –  gaseous planets  faster rotation  less dense than terrestrial planets  bigger than earth  Have at least one ring
500
Provide one theory as to how the Kuiper belt and the Oort cloud came to be.
* Gravitational pull * left overs from the Big Bang * Answers can vary but they need to be supported.
500
Why are craters not erased on the moon?
The moon has no atmosphere, no wind or water therefore no erosion and it is not geologically active.
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