Space Exploration: Habitability

There is evidence of erosion from floods on Mars. What does this mean?

• Liquid water was present at one time
• Liquid water is present now
• Liquid water has evaporated
• Liquid water must never have been present

Is Mars warmer or colder than Earth?

• Warmer
• Colder
• Both
• Same temperature

Why can't astronauts go to Mars yet?

• Scientist don't know how to get them there safely and ho to get them back safely 
• Mars is too far away
• Mars doesn't have food 
• Scientists haven't learned the Martian language yet 

Does Mars have water? 

• Yes 
• No 
• Maybe 
• I am not sure 

Why are scientists interested in finding out if there was ever water on Mars?

• All life needs water. If there was never water on Mars, there was likely never life. 
• Water on Mars would prove that humans have lived on Mars. 
• Water on Mars would indicate it is safe for humans. 
• Scientists are not interested in finding out about water on Mars. 

How are Mars and Earth similar? 

• A day is about the same length
• Both have a metallic core and rocky outer crust.
• Both have ice caps that form at the poles.  
• All options are true.

The climate on Mars is most like which place on Earth? 

• Alabama
• Iceland
• Antarctica 
• China

Scientists searching for life in distant solar systems have discovered a planet known as D482.  Which of the following features of D482 would not be considered by scientists to determine if life could exist there?

• The atmosphere of D482 is made up of 95% carbon dioxide, 4.9% nitrogen, and 0.1% oxygen. 
• D482 is 67.5 million miles from the star that it orbits.
• It takes 149.5 earth days for D482 to make a complete orbit.
• The average temperature on D482 is 742 ˚F.

Which of the following is the strongest reason for Earth being habitable?

• The Earth is close enough to the Sun to have a night and day.
• The atmosphere of Earth has a favorable ratio of gases.
• The Earth is far enough from the Sun to be protected from radiation.
• The atmosphere is thin enough to allow energy to pass through it.

What features make a planet habitable?

• Oxygen, Water, Proximity to the Sun and Food
• Carbon Dioxide, Proximity to the Sun, Habitat and artificial satelites
• Lots of radiation, extreme temperatures, no food, no shelter
• Extreme sunlight, dangerous predators, and salty water