NASA | Observing Comet Siding Spring at Mars

The video discusses the Oort Cloud, a distant region of icy debris in our solar system, believed to be the source of comets like Comet Siding Spring. Discovered in 2013, this comet is on a path to closely pass Mars, providing a unique opportunity for observation. NASA's rovers and orbiters will study the comet while taking precautions to avoid potential dust impacts. Global observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, and amateur astronomers will also observe this rare event.

What is the Oort Cloud believed to be?

• A belt of planets

• A reservoir of comets

• A region of rocky asteroids

• A cluster of stars

How close will Comet Siding Spring come to Mars?

• 88,000 miles

• 150,000 miles

• 200,000 miles

• 50,000 miles

What will NASA's Curiosity Rover do during the comet's flyby?

• Study the comet's features and chemical makeup

• Launch a probe to the comet

• Send a signal to the comet

• Capture the comet with a net

Why will NASA position its orbiters behind Mars during the comet's approach?

• To avoid interference with the comet's tail

• To protect them from potential dust impacts

• To get a better view of the comet

• To conserve energy

Which telescopes will observe Comet Siding Spring besides NASA's orbiters?

• Only the Hubble Space Telescope

• Both space and ground-based telescopes

• Only amateur telescopes

• Only ground-based telescopes