Mars' larger moon Phobos is slowly falling apart, NASA says

Phobos, a moon of Mars, is essentially a pile of rubble covered by a thick layer of regolith. Satellite images reveal grooves on its surface, which are believed to be caused by stress from Mars' gravitational pull. These tidal forces are intensifying as Phobos orbits just 6,000 kilometers from Mars, drawing it closer by about 2 meters every century. Scientists predict that these forces will eventually lead to Phobos' destruction in 30 to 50 million years.

What is Phobos primarily composed of?

• Ice

• Metallic core

• A pile of rubble

• Solid rock

What do the grooves on Phobos' surface suggest?

• Stress from gravitational forces

• Water erosion

• Impact craters

• Volcanic activity

How far is Phobos from Mars?

• 10,000 kilometers

• 6,000 kilometers

• 15,000 kilometers

• 1,000 kilometers

At what rate is Phobos being pulled closer to Mars?

• 2 meters every 100 years

• 20 meters every 100 years

• 5 meters every 100 years

• 10 meters every 100 years

In how many years is Phobos expected to be destroyed?

• 10 to 20 million years

• 30 to 50 million years

• 100 to 200 million years

• 500 to 600 million years