Solid to the Core
Explain how Jupiter's gravitational influence creates Kirkwood Gaps in the asteroid belt. Discuss the concept of orbital resonance and its role in this phenomenon.
4 - Fully explains Kirkwood Gaps, accurately describes orbital resonance, and clearly links the two concepts
3 - Explains Kirkwood Gaps and orbital resonance with minor inaccuracies or incomplete connections
2 - Partially explains either Kirkwood Gaps or orbital resonance, but lacks clear connection between the two
1 - Demonstrates minimal understanding of either concept
Compare and contrast the characteristics of short-period and long-period comets. How do these differences contribute to our understanding of the outer solar system?
4 - Thoroughly compares and contrasts comets, including origins, orbital periods, composition, and approach directions.
3 - Compares and contrasts comets with minor omissions; partially explains implications for the outer solar system
2 - Provides some comparison of comets but lacks detail; minimal explanation of implications
1 - Lists a few differences between comets without comparison; no explanation of implications
0 - No relevant information provided
Compare and contrast asteroids and meteoroids in terms of their size, location, and potential impact on Earth. How do these differences affect our approach to studying and monitoring these objects?
4 - Thoroughly compares and contrasts asteroids and meteoroids; clearly explains how size and composition determines clasification and gives examples.
3 - Compares and contrasts with minor omissions; partially explains effects on study and monitoring
2 - Provides some comparison but lacks detail; minimal explanation of effects on study and monitoring
1 - Lists a few differences without comparison; no explanation of effects on study and monitoring
Describe the composition of a comet's nucleus and explain how its appearance and behavior change as it moves from beyond Jupiter's orbit to the inner solar system.
4 - Accurately describes nucleus composition; fully explains changes in appearance, behavior, and evolution with clear progression
3 - Describes nucleus composition with minor inaccuracies; explains most changes in appearance and behavior
2 - Partially describes nucleus composition; explains some changes but lacks clear progression
1 - Minimal description of nucleus or changes; lacks coherent explanation
Analyze the evidence of past asteroid strikes on terrestrial planets. How does this information contribute to our understanding of Earth's geological history and potential future risks?
4 - Thoroughly analyzes evidence of asteroid strikes; refers to examples on both the Earth and other terrestrial planets.
3 - Analyzes evidence with minor gaps; partially explains implications for Earth
2 - Describes some evidence of asteroid strikes; minimal connection to Earth's history or risks
1 - Mentions asteroid strikes but provides no analysis or connection to Earth
Describe how the galactic plane passage affects comets in the Oort Cloud. Explain the significance of this phenomenon for our understanding of comet behavior and solar system dynamics.
4 - Fully describes galactic plane passage effects on Oort Cloud; clearly explains significance for comet behavior and solar system dynamics
3 - Describes galactic plane passage effects with minor inaccuracies; partially explains significance
2 - Partially describes effects on Oort Cloud; minimal explanation of significance
1 - Mentions galactic plane passage but provides no clear connection to Oort Cloud or comet behavior
Draw a diagram of the asteroid belts between Mars and Saturn.
Includes the Main Belt with the Kirkwood Gaps and the different camps of the Trojan Asteroids labeled
Explain how comets act as "time capsules" of the early solar system. Discuss at least two specific ways this information contributes to our scientific understanding of solar system formation and evolution.
4 - Fully explains comets as "time capsules"; discusses how comets are leftovers from solar system formation and have changed very little since that time.
3 - Explains comets as "time capsules" with minor inaccuracies; discusses two contributions with some gaps in reasoning
2 - Partially explains comets as "time capsules"; discusses only one contribution or provides minimal explanation
1 - Mentions comets as "time capsules" but provides no clear explanation or scientific contributions