ASTR Exam
Much of the surface of Mercury is similar to the Moon's _________________
highlands
Geological activity on a planet is the result of a ______interior
hot
For the Moon, maria's basaltic matter is ______________ than the highlands' rocks.
younger
Temperature in the center of the Earth (according to theoretical calculations) is about
6,000 K
The region around the Earth where charged particles from the solar wind are trapped and spral around is called
Magnetosphere
Because of its proximity to the Sun, Mercury's daytime temperature is higher than the Moon's daytime temperature.
True
The Moon and Mercury experience wide variations in surface temperature because they are lacking the moderating influence of an atmosphere.
True
The average temperature on the Earth is higher that you would expect just from the heating of sunlight alone. What is the explanation for this?
carbon dioxide (and other gases) in the atmosphere cause a greenhouse effect
Dark areas on the surface of the Moon are called
maria
The Moon's rotation period is _______________ its period of revolution
precisely equal
Astronomers have never observed any appreciable atmosphere on the Moon or Mercury
true
Earth is the only planet in the Solar System with liquid water on its surface
true
Earth's surface is continually destroyed and renewed by plate tectonics.
true
Mercury is the smallest terrestrial planet
true
No major maria were found on the far side of the Moon.
true
The Moon is in a synchronous orbit around the Earth because of the gravitational interaction between the Earth and the Moon.
true
The rotation period of Mercury equals two-thirds of its orbital period.
true
The study of the interior of the Earth is possible because earthquakes produce seismic waves.
true
The tidal forces caused the Moon's spin to slow down
true