Solar Objects

Meteorites are particles of dust or rock that pass through Earth's atmosphere. Which reason best explains why meteorites are seen as brief streaks of light?

• They are produced by the Sun and are made up of flaming gases.

• They reflect the Sun's light as they enter Earth's atmosphere.

• They give off cool vapors as they enter Earth's atmosphere

• They burn up due to friction as they enter Earth's atmosphere.

The photograph is of Mariner 10 which helped explore the planet Mercury. How is Mariner 10 classified?

• satellite

• space probe

• spectrscope

• telescope

Examine the data in the table. Based on the table, what generalization can be made about characteristics of the planets?

• The diameter increases as distance from the Sun increases.

• The rotation period increases as diameter increases.

• The period of revolution increases as period of rotation increases.

• The period of revolution increases as distance from the Sun increases.

Study the diagram showing several orbits. Which path most closely illustrates the orbit of a comet?

• W

• X

• Y

• Z

Astronomers use telescopes that measure the radiation from objects in space to detect the object's size and distance. The Chandra X-ray telescope is designed to get information from some of the hottest objects that emit X-rays. Where are telescopes like Chandra located to capture the sharpest images?

• on mountain tops

• on satellites

• in deserts

• in rural observatories

What technology do astronomers use to identify the elements that compose a star?

• satellite

• space probe

• spectroscope

• telescope

How are meteoroids and asteroids similar?

• Both meteoroids and asteroids have predictable orbits around the Sun.

• Both meteoroids and asteroids are typically made of rock.

• Neither meteoroids nor asteroids have paths that cross Earth's orbit.

• Neither meteoroids nor asteroids are larger than a few meters in diameter

Scientists are interested in studying the geology of Uranus by collecting mineral samples from its rings. Which technology would be best for collecting samples?

• radio telescope

• satellite

• space probe

• spectroscope

Which planet orbits the Sun in the shortest amount of time?

• Earth

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Venus

Which technology would be most useful in the search for life on other planets?

• orbital satellites

• space probes

• spectroscopes

• telescopes