What three qualifications does a celestial body have to meet in order to be called a planet?
orbit star, round, dominant body in orbit
100
What are the 5 things that a planet needs in order to sustain "Earth like" life?
Atmosphere, liquid water, chemistry, temperature range, energy source
100
Explain the orientation of the Earth, sun, and moon when we see a solar eclipse.
Moon is between the Earth and sun
100
If a planet increases in mass, what happens to its gravitational force?
gravity increases (becomes stronger)
200
Which solar layer has the highest temperature?
Core
200
Where is the astroid belt located?
between Mars and Jupiter
200
Why is an atmosphere so important for life? (give 3 reasons)
helps trap heat near surface, protection from UV, protection from meteorites
200
Where do we expect to find high tides in relation to the moon?
Where the moon is and directly opposite the moon.
200
How is mass different from weight?
Mass is a measurement of how much matter something is made of, Weight is a measurement of how strongly gravity is pulling on an objects mass
300
What is happening to the sun's magnetic field when we see sunspots?
becoming twisted and pulled causing cool spots on the surface
300
What is an astronomical unit?
The distance from the Earth to the Sun (unit of measure used for things within the solar system)
300
Which if the following is not considered necessary for life? (A) availability of abundant energy (B) presence of solid land (C) presence of liquid water (D) presence of carbon
B
300
Explain the orientation of the Earth, sun, and moon when we see a half-moon.
The moon, Earth, and sun form a 90 degree angle
300
If I travel to a planet with less mass, what happens to my weight? Why?
My weight decreases because a less massive planet would have less gravitational force
400
What is happening to the sun's magnetic field when we see a solar flare?
magnetic field is snapping sending plasma hurling out into space
400
Why is Pluto known as a Dwarf Planet?
It isn't the dominant object in its orbital path.
400
What is a habitable zone and what are 2 things that can effect it?
An area around a star that is not too hot or too cold for life on a planet. Size and temp of star, size of planet, presence of atmosphere on planet, any additional heat sources.
400
Why do we always see the same side of the moon from Earth?
The moon spins once for every one revolution around the Earth
400
If I travel to a planet with more mass, what would happen to my mass? Why?
Nothing, because I would still be made of the same amount of matter
500
What effect do coronal mass ejections have on the Earth's magnetic fields and atmosphere?
cause bending and possible auroras
500
The distance from Neptune to the Sun is 4,490,000,000 km how many AU is that? (1AU = 1.5x10^8km)
29.9 AU
500
How is the water discovered on Mars different from water that we find on Earth?
It is chemically bonded to the soil on Mars
500
Why don't solar eclipses occur every time we have a new moon?
The moon orbits on a 5 degree angle to the Earth so the sun, moon, and Earth do not always fall into perfect alignment.
500
A planet has the following conditions: -100C, no atmosphere, gravity of 0.135, distance from star 778 million km, no liquid water.
Could this planet support "Earth like" life? Why or why not?