Core Concepts
What are physical properties?
Measuring and comparing density, albedo, surface gravity, and surface composition.
How many people are on the team?
Two
What is the definition of asteroid?
A small rocky body orbiting the sun
What would happen if the planets lost their moons?
Earth and Mars would have unpredictable climate changes, Saturn and Jupiter would go out of orbit a little, and Mercury and Venus would have no effect
What is an Exoplanet?
These are planets outside of our Solar system
What is understanding observational data?
Information gathered by watching, recording, and analyzing behaviors, events, or phenomena in their natural setting without manipulating any variables
Are calculators allowed?
No, calculators are not allowed.
What is the definition of atmosphere?
The envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet
Why do comets have tails?
Comets develop tails because the Sun's heat causes their icy composition to vaporize as they approach the inner solar system releasing gas and dust
Is it possible to go to space with a high-tech spaceship?
Yes, you are able to go to space without a high-tech spaceship as long as it has a high efficient propulsion system
What is the nebular hypothesis?
Proposes that the solar system formed 4.6 billion years ago from the gravitational collapse of a massive, rotating cloud of gas and dust
How much time do you get?
50 minutes
What is the definition of solar system?
the collection of eight planets and their moons in orbit around the sun, together with smaller bodies in the form of asteroids, meteoroids, and comets
What would happen to Earth if the sun exploded?
What would happen is that the side of Earth facing the sun would vaporize and all life would be extinct
Could you survive 1 week on Jupiter?
No, you would only be able to survive 1 second
What are planetary characteristics?
Detailed knowledge of the eight planets, moons, and dwarf planets
How many pages of notes can you bring?
Two 8.5" x 11" pages of notes with both sides filled with notes.
What is the definition of a comet?
A celestial object consisting of a nucleus of ice and dust
Could you survive a nanosecond on the sun?
Yes, you would likely survive a single nanosecond on the surface of the Sun because In one nanosecond light only travels about one foot
What is the definition of Barycenter?
The common center of mass around which two or more bodies orbit, rather than orbiting the exact center of the larger body.
What are orbital mechanics?
Application of Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion, understanding elliptical orbits, and calculating astronomical units
How many you protect your notes?
you can have it laminated or put it in a seal.
What is the definition spectroscopic feature?
Specific, identifiable patterns such as peaks, lines, or absorption bands in a spectrum that reveal the structure of matter.
How are stars made?
Gravity causes dense regions within these clouds to collapse and heat up forming a hot spinning protostar at the center surrounded by an accretion disk of material When the core reaches roughly 10 million degrees nuclear fusion ignites birthing a new star
Could you survive 10 seconds in space without a spacesuit?
Yes, you can survive 10-15 seconds in space without a spacesuit.