Astronomy Solar System and Planetary Science 3

Question 1

The asteroid belt lies mainly between the orbits of which two planets?

Accepted Answer

Mars and Jupiter

Answer

Most asteroids orbit in the belt located between Mars and Jupiter.

Question 2

What is the primary reason Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006?

Accepted Answer

It has not cleared its orbital neighborhood

Answer

Pluto fails the IAU criterion requiring a planet to clear other objects from its orbital path.

Question 3

Which planet experiences the most extreme surface temperatures due to a runaway greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

Venus

Answer

Venus's thick carbon dioxide atmosphere traps heat, giving it surface temperatures around 465 degrees Celsius.

Question 4

Comets typically develop tails that point in which direction?

Accepted Answer

Away from the Sun

Answer

Solar wind and radiation pressure push a comet's tail to point away from the Sun.

Question 5

Which Jovian moon shows strong evidence of a subsurface liquid water ocean beneath an icy crust?

Accepted Answer

Europa

Answer

Europa's smooth icy surface and induced magnetic field point to a global subsurface ocean.

Astronomy Practice Test