Rock Comet and the Geminid Meteor Shower

What is the main puzzle regarding the origin of the Geminid meteor shower?

• They originate from a known comet.

• They are not associated with any known comet.

• They appear only once every decade.

• They are not visible from Earth.

What is 3200 Phaethon primarily known for?

• Being a planet in the solar system.

• Being a rock comet with a small tail.

• Being a rocky asteroid with no tail.

• Being a typical comet with a long tail.

How do astronomers believe Phaethon ejects dust?

• By colliding with other asteroids.

• By gravitational pull from nearby planets.

• Through volcanic eruptions.

• Due to thermal fracturing from solar heating.

What is the estimated mass of the dust in Phaethon's tail?

• 300,000 kilograms

• 30,000 kilograms

• 300 kilograms

• 30 kilograms

What analogy is used to describe Phaethon's potential past activity?

• A log in a campfire spitting sparks.

• A comet with a long tail.

• A star exploding in a supernova.

• A planet orbiting the sun.