ASP Solar System Astronomy 2

Question 1

Mars has two small moons. What are their names?

Accepted Answer

Phobos and Deimos

Answer

Phobos and Deimos are the two small, irregularly shaped moons of Mars, likely captured asteroids from the nearby asteroid belt.

Question 2

What is the Great Red Spot on Jupiter?

Accepted Answer

A persistent high-pressure storm

Answer

The Great Red Spot is a persistent anticyclonic storm system in Jupiter's southern hemisphere that has been observed for at least 350 years.

Question 3

What is the Roche limit in planetary science?

Accepted Answer

The closest distance a body can orbit without being torn apart by tidal forces

Answer

The Roche limit is the minimum orbital distance at which a celestial body, held together only by gravity, can orbit a more massive body without being torn apart by tidal forces.

Question 4

Which planet rotates on its side with an axial tilt of about 98°?

Accepted Answer

Uranus

Answer

Uranus has an axial tilt of approximately 98°, meaning it essentially rotates on its side relative to its orbital plane, causing extreme seasonal variations.

Question 5

What is the Cassini Division in Saturn's ring system?

Accepted Answer

A gap between the A and B rings caused by orbital resonance with Mimas

Answer

The Cassini Division is a 4,800 km wide gap between Saturn's A and B rings, created by orbital resonance with the moon Mimas which clears that region.

ASP - Astronomical Society of the Pacific Exam Practice Test

ASP - Astronomical Society of the Pacific Exam Practice Test

ASP Solar System Astronomy 2