22.9 & 22.10 Flashcard: Mercury and Venus

Front

Which planet is the closest to the Sun?

Back

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.

Front

What unique phenomenon can be observed from the right spot on Mercury's surface due to its spin-orbit relationship?

Back

The Sun appears to stop in the sky and move backwards for a few days.

Front

What is unusual about Mercury's magnetic field?

Back

Mercury's magnetic field is surprisingly strong given its slow rotation.

Front

What is a Venus transit?

Back

A Venus transit occurs when Venus passes directly across the Sun's face as seen from Earth.

Front

How often do the orbits of Venus and Earth align to create pairs of Venus transits?

Back

The orbits of Venus and Earth align to create pairs of Venus transits every eight years.

Front

What is the primary reason Mercury has a weak atmosphere?

Back

Mercury's weak atmosphere is due to its small size and proximity to the Sun, which causes solar winds to strip away gases.

Front

Describe the surface temperature variations on Mercury.

Back

Mercury experiences extreme temperature variations, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 800°F (427°C) and nighttime temperatures dropping to -330°F (-201°C).

Front

What is the significance of Mercury's spin-orbit resonance?

Back

Mercury's spin-orbit resonance means it rotates on its axis three times for every two orbits around the Sun, affecting how the Sun appears in its sky.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect, and how does it relate to Venus?

Back

The greenhouse effect on Venus is caused by its thick atmosphere, which traps heat and leads to surface temperatures around 900°F (475°C).

Front

Why is Venus often called Earth's twin?

Back

Venus is called Earth's twin because of their similar size, composition, and proximity to the Sun.