Astronomy: Unit 4 Activity

Samuel is designing a new planet for his science project. How many astronomical units (AU) is his newly designed planet from the Sun?

• 5 AU

• 10 AU

• 20 AU

• 30 AU

Answer explanation

The newly designed planet is 20 AU from the Sun, which places it in a region of the solar system beyond the main planets, suitable for a new celestial body. This distance is significant compared to the other options.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

Grace and Kai are studying different planets. Does the planet they are studying have a solid surface or is it a gas giant? If it has a solid surface, describe its composition.

• Solid surface made of ice and rock

• Gas giant with no solid surface

• Solid surface made of metal

• Gas giant with a small rocky core

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Solid surface made of ice and rock' because it indicates a planet with a tangible surface, unlike gas giants which lack a solid surface. This composition suggests a potentially habitable environment.

Michael is studying the atmosphere of a distant planet. Which of the following best represents its composition?

• Mostly hydrogen and helium

• Rich in carbon dioxide and nitrogen

• Composed of methane and ammonia

• Oxygen-rich with traces of argon

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Mostly hydrogen and helium', indicates a gas giant atmosphere, typical of planets like Jupiter and Saturn, which are primarily composed of these light gases.

Charlotte and Mason are discussing the appearance of Earth from space. What is the primary color of Earth as observed from space?

• Blue

• Red

• Green

• Yellow

Answer explanation

The primary color of Earth as seen from space is blue due to the vast oceans. However, if the question refers to Mars, the correct answer is red, as Mars is often called the Red Planet because of its iron oxide surface.

Grace is studying the planets in our solar system. She wonders, does your planet have rings? If so, how would you describe them?

• No rings

• Massive rings like Saturn's

• Almost unnoticeable rings like Jupiter's

• Rings made of ice and dust

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Almost unnoticeable rings like Jupiter's' because it accurately describes a planet with subtle rings, distinguishing it from the more prominent rings of Saturn.

Hannah wants to determine the number of moons orbiting a newly discovered planet. How should she strategically plan her observation?

• Use a telescope to observe the planet over several nights

• Analyze the gravitational effects on nearby objects

• Send a space probe to orbit the planet

• Use radio waves to detect moon presence

Answer explanation

Sending a space probe to orbit the planet allows for direct observation and data collection of moons, providing accurate counts and details that other methods cannot achieve as effectively.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

Rohan is studying the moons of Jupiter. How can he determine their composition using available technology?

• Spectroscopy to analyze reflected light

• Direct sampling with a lander

• Observing their orbital patterns

• Measuring their gravitational pull

Answer explanation

Spectroscopy is the best method to determine a moon's composition as it analyzes the light reflected off its surface, revealing information about its materials. Other methods like landers or gravity measurements are less direct.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Rohan is studying a distant exoplanet and wants to hypothesize the potential for life there. What reasoning should he use?

• Presence of liquid water

• Atmospheric composition

• Distance from the Sun

• All of the above

Answer explanation

To hypothesize the potential for life, consider the presence of liquid water, which is essential for life, the atmospheric composition that supports life processes, and the distance from the Sun that affects temperature and climate. Thus, 'All of the above' is correct.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Benjamin and Abigail are studying a newly discovered planet. How would they use evidence to support the classification of this planet as a gas giant or terrestrial planet?

• Analyze its density and mass

• Study its atmospheric pressure

• Observe its magnetic field

• Measure its surface temperature

Answer explanation

To classify a planet as a gas giant or terrestrial, analyzing its density and mass is crucial. Gas giants have lower densities and larger masses compared to terrestrial planets, which are denser and smaller.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

What strategic approach would Kai take to discover new features of a distant planet that are not visible from Earth?

• Launch a satellite to map the planet

• Use Earth-based telescopes for long-term observation

• Collaborate with international space agencies

• Develop new imaging technology

Answer explanation

Launching a satellite allows for detailed mapping and data collection of the planet's surface and features that are not visible from Earth, making it the most effective approach to discover new features.