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