Question 1

What property is shared by Earth and Europa,one of Jupiter's large moons?

Accepted Answer

A)  The Earth and Europa have both been shown to harbor intelligent life in their oceans. 
B)  The Earth and Europa both have thick atmospheres of nitrogen and oxygen. 
C)  The Earth and Europa both have oceans of liquid water. 
D)  The Earth and Europa are about the same physical size. 
A)  The Earth and Europa have both been shown to harbor intelligent life in their oceans. 
B)  The Earth and Europa both have thick atmospheres of nitrogen and oxygen. 
C)  The Earth and Europa both have oceans of liquid water. 
D)  The Earth and Europa are about the same physical size.

Question 2

We have a number of reasons to believe the outer satellites of Jupiter are captured asteroids.Which statement is NOT one of these reasons?

Accepted Answer

A)  There was not enough material in the primordial nebula around Jupiter to form the large Galilean satellites and the 60 or so outer satellites as well. So they must have been captured. 
B)  The outer satellites are irregular in shape. 
C)  The outer satellites are all less than 275 km in diameter. 
D)  The outer satellites are mostly in retrograde orbits. 
A)  There was not enough material in the primordial nebula around Jupiter to form the large Galilean satellites and the 60 or so outer satellites as well. So they must have been captured. 
B)  The outer satellites are irregular in shape. 
C)  The outer satellites are all less than 275 km in diameter. 
D)  The outer satellites are mostly in retrograde orbits.

Question 3

Strong radio radiation from Jupiter indicates the presence of:

Accepted Answer

A)  radio stations. 
B)  thunderstorms. 
C)  a strong magnetic field. 
D)  the Great Red Spot. 
A)  radio stations. 
B)  thunderstorms. 
C)  a strong magnetic field. 
D)  the Great Red Spot.

Question 4

The composition of the clouds we see on Jupiter is:

Accepted Answer

A)  similar to the composition of Earth's clouds throughout the whole atmosphere-water droplets and crystals of frozen water. 
B)  very different from the composition of Earth's clouds-almost entirely ammonia and ammonium hydrosulfide crystals and almost no water. 
C)  similar to the composition of Earth's clouds (water droplets and crystals of frozen water) in the higher levels but very different (ammonia crystals) in the lower levels. 
D)  similar to the composition of Earth's clouds (water droplets and crystals of frozen water) in the lower levels but very different (ammonia crystals and other chemicals) in the higher levels. 
A)  similar to the composition of Earth's clouds throughout the whole atmosphere-water droplets and crystals of frozen water. 
B)  very different from the composition of Earth's clouds-almost entirely ammonia and ammonium hydrosulfide crystals and almost no water. 
C)  similar to the composition of Earth's clouds (water droplets and crystals of frozen water) in the higher levels but very different (ammonia crystals) in the lower levels. 
D)  similar to the composition of Earth's clouds (water droplets and crystals of frozen water) in the lower levels but very different (ammonia crystals and other chemicals) in the higher levels.

Question 5

In the collisions of the fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter,the pieces:

Accepted Answer

A)  were not able to penetrate deeply into Jupiter's atmosphere; their impacts disturbed only the high atmosphere. 
B)  were able to penetrate through the atmospheric layers and the liquid metallic hydrogen region to reach the solid core because they were passing through only hydrogen. 
C)  skipped off the very high layers of Jupiter's atmosphere and went back out into space because of their tangential approach angles. 
D)  penetrated very deeply into Jupiter's atmosphere, reaching and disturbing the liquid metallic hydrogen region. 
A)  were not able to penetrate deeply into Jupiter's atmosphere; their impacts disturbed only the high atmosphere. 
B)  were able to penetrate through the atmospheric layers and the liquid metallic hydrogen region to reach the solid core because they were passing through only hydrogen. 
C)  skipped off the very high layers of Jupiter's atmosphere and went back out into space because of their tangential approach angles. 
D)  penetrated very deeply into Jupiter's atmosphere, reaching and disturbing the liquid metallic hydrogen region.

Question 6

Which characteristic of the magnetic field of Uranus is NOT unusual when compared with other magnetic fields in the solar system?

Accepted Answer

A)  The magnetosphere wobbles considerably as the planet rotates. 
B)  The strength of the magnetic field is less than that of Earth's field. 
C)  The center of the field is well removed from the center of Uranus. 
D)  The magnetic field axis is 59 degrees from the planet's rotation axis. 
A)  The magnetosphere wobbles considerably as the planet rotates. 
B)  The strength of the magnetic field is less than that of Earth's field. 
C)  The center of the field is well removed from the center of Uranus. 
D)  The magnetic field axis is 59 degrees from the planet's rotation axis.

Question 7

Have we observed differential rotation in the atmosphere of Jupiter?

Accepted Answer

A)  No, the entire atmosphere rotates together. 
B)  Yes, the polar regions rotate slightly faster than the equatorial regions. 
C)  Yes, the equatorial regions rotate slightly faster than the polar regions. 
D)  Yes, the equatorial regions rotate much faster (approximately half the period) than the polar regions. 
A)  No, the entire atmosphere rotates together. 
B)  Yes, the polar regions rotate slightly faster than the equatorial regions. 
C)  Yes, the equatorial regions rotate slightly faster than the polar regions. 
D)  Yes, the equatorial regions rotate much faster (approximately half the period) than the polar regions.

Question 8

Which planetary satellites are known to have plumes of gas escaping through their surfaces?

Accepted Answer

A)  our Moon, Europa, and Miranda 
B)  Io and Triton 
C)  Ganymede and Charon 
D)  Io and Titan 
A)  our Moon, Europa, and Miranda 
B)  Io and Triton 
C)  Ganymede and Charon 
D)  Io and Titan

Question 9

How was Neptune discovered?

Accepted Answer

A)  accidentally, by an astronomer taking photographs for an all-sky survey 
B)  accidentally, by an astronomer studying the sky visually through a telescope 
C)  by a careful application of Newton's laws to the somewhat irregular motions of Uranus 
D)  by a careful search with the Hubble Space Telescope 
A)  accidentally, by an astronomer taking photographs for an all-sky survey 
B)  accidentally, by an astronomer studying the sky visually through a telescope 
C)  by a careful application of Newton's laws to the somewhat irregular motions of Uranus 
D)  by a careful search with the Hubble Space Telescope

Question 10

As a result of measurements by the Galileo spacecraft,what is now believed to be the internal structure of Io?

Accepted Answer

A)  iron core overlaid by a molten mantle and rocky crust 
B)  core of rock overlaid by a thick mantle of water ice 
C)  entirely or almost entirely rock, with no evidence of ice or a differentiated metallic core 
D)  iron core overlaid by a rocky mantle and a deep ocean of liquid water 
A)  iron core overlaid by a molten mantle and rocky crust 
B)  core of rock overlaid by a thick mantle of water ice 
C)  entirely or almost entirely rock, with no evidence of ice or a differentiated metallic core 
D)  iron core overlaid by a rocky mantle and a deep ocean of liquid water

Question 11

Jupiter's satellite Europa is believed to be made up of:

Accepted Answer

A)  a metallic core and a rocky mantle covered with a liquid water ocean whose surface is frozen. 
B)  a small, rocky core overlaid by a very thick layer of water ice. 
C)  ice and rock mixed throughout in roughly equal proportions. 
D)  solid rock throughout, the surface of which shows ancient craters. 
A)  a metallic core and a rocky mantle covered with a liquid water ocean whose surface is frozen. 
B)  a small, rocky core overlaid by a very thick layer of water ice. 
C)  ice and rock mixed throughout in roughly equal proportions. 
D)  solid rock throughout, the surface of which shows ancient craters.

Question 12

Saturn's main ring system is tilted 27 degrees with respect to WHAT?

Accepted Answer

A)  the ecliptic 
B)  Saturn's orbital plane 
C)  Saturn's equatorial plane 
D)  the equatorial plane of the Sun 
A)  the ecliptic 
B)  Saturn's orbital plane 
C)  Saturn's equatorial plane 
D)  the equatorial plane of the Sun

Question 13

Jupiter's mass makes up what fraction of the total mass of the planetary system,excluding the Sun?

Accepted Answer

A)  70% 
B)  10% 
C)  98% 
D)  50% 
A)  70% 
B)  10% 
C)  98% 
D)  50%

Question 14

How are the relative ages of the different types of terrain on Ganymede estimated?

Accepted Answer

A)  The smoother the surface, the older is the terrain. 
B)  The colder the surface, the older is the terrain. 
C)  The darker the coloration, the older is the terrain. 
D)  The denser the cratering, the older is the terrain. 
A)  The smoother the surface, the older is the terrain. 
B)  The colder the surface, the older is the terrain. 
C)  The darker the coloration, the older is the terrain. 
D)  The denser the cratering, the older is the terrain.

Question 15

The material that composes the rings of Jupiter:

Accepted Answer

A)  consists mostly of boulder-size rocks. 
B)  remains constant over time. 
C)  is continually being ejected from the rings and being replenished from material from the Jovian moons. 
D)  is a very thin solid sheet that orbits the planet as a single object. 
A)  consists mostly of boulder-size rocks. 
B)  remains constant over time. 
C)  is continually being ejected from the rings and being replenished from material from the Jovian moons. 
D)  is a very thin solid sheet that orbits the planet as a single object.

Question 16

On which planet is the Great Red Spot found?

Accepted Answer

A)  Mercury 
B)  Mars 
C)  Jupiter 
D)  Saturn 
A)  Mercury 
B)  Mars 
C)  Jupiter 
D)  Saturn

Question 17

At what configuration does Jupiter appear to be faintest when viewed from Earth?

Accepted Answer

A)  conjunction 
B)  when the Earth-Jupiter line is at a right angle to the Jupiter-Sun line 
C)  Jupiter's apparent brightness does not vary with orbital position because it has an almost circular orbit. 
D)  opposition 
A)  conjunction 
B)  when the Earth-Jupiter line is at a right angle to the Jupiter-Sun line 
C)  Jupiter's apparent brightness does not vary with orbital position because it has an almost circular orbit. 
D)  opposition

Question 18

The predominant large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern on Jupiter is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

A)  strong winds blowing eastward at all latitudes so that the entire atmosphere rotates faster than the planet. 
B)  isolated cyclones (low-pressure areas) and anticyclones (high-pressure areas), similar to those on Earth. 
C)  strong winds blowing parallel to the equator but in opposite directions at different latitudes. 
D)  strong winds blowing westward at all latitudes so that the entire atmosphere rotates more slowly than the planet. 
A)  strong winds blowing eastward at all latitudes so that the entire atmosphere rotates faster than the planet. 
B)  isolated cyclones (low-pressure areas) and anticyclones (high-pressure areas), similar to those on Earth. 
C)  strong winds blowing parallel to the equator but in opposite directions at different latitudes. 
D)  strong winds blowing westward at all latitudes so that the entire atmosphere rotates more slowly than the planet.

Question 19

Miranda is a satellite of:

Accepted Answer

A)  Pluto. 
B)  Neptune. 
C)  Uranus. 
D)  Jupiter. 
A)  Pluto. 
B)  Neptune. 
C)  Uranus. 
D)  Jupiter.

Question 20

Rhea's density is consistent with a composition that is a mixture of mostly ice water (density approximately 900 kg/m³)with rocky debris mixed in.Thus,the density of Rhea,in kg/m³,should be about:

Accepted Answer

A)  600. 
B)  900. 
C)  1500. 
D)  5500. 
A)  600. 
B)  900. 
C)  1500. 
D)  5500.

What property is shared by Earth and Europa,one of Jupiter's large moons?

We have a number of reasons to believe the outer satellites of Jupiter are captured asteroids.Which statement is NOT one of these reasons?

Strong radio radiation from Jupiter indicates the presence of:

The composition of the clouds we see on Jupiter is:

In the collisions of the fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter,the pieces:

Which characteristic of the magnetic field of Uranus is NOT unusual when compared with other magnetic fields in the solar system?

Have we observed differential rotation in the atmosphere of Jupiter?

Which planetary satellites are known to have plumes of gas escaping through their surfaces?

How was Neptune discovered?

As a result of measurements by the Galileo spacecraft,what is now believed to be the internal structure of Io?

Jupiter's satellite Europa is believed to be made up of:

Saturn's main ring system is tilted 27 degrees with respect to WHAT?

Jupiter's mass makes up what fraction of the total mass of the planetary system,excluding the Sun?

How are the relative ages of the different types of terrain on Ganymede estimated?

The material that composes the rings of Jupiter:

On which planet is the Great Red Spot found?

At what configuration does Jupiter appear to be faintest when viewed from Earth?

The predominant large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern on Jupiter is characterized by:

Miranda is a satellite of:

Rhea's density is consistent with a composition that is a mixture of mostly ice water (density approximately 900 kg/m³)with rocky debris mixed in.Thus,the density of Rhea,in kg/m³,should be about:

Discovering the Night Sky

Gravitation and the Waltz of the Planets

Light and Telescopes

Formation of the Solar System and Other Planetary Systems

Exoplanets

The Terrestrial Planets and Their Moons

Vagabonds of the Solar System

The Sun: Our Extraordinary Ordinary Star

Characterizing Stars

The Lives of the Stars From Birth Through Middle Age

The Deaths and Remnants of Stars

The Galaxies

Cosmology

Astrobiology

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Exam 7: The Outer Planets and Their Moons

What property is shared by Earth and Europa,one of Jupiter's large moons?

We have a number of reasons to believe the outer satellites of Jupiter are captured asteroids.Which statement is NOT one of these reasons?

Strong radio radiation from Jupiter indicates the presence of:

The composition of the clouds we see on Jupiter is:

In the collisions of the fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter,the pieces:

Which characteristic of the magnetic field of Uranus is NOT unusual when compared with other magnetic fields in the solar system?

Have we observed differential rotation in the atmosphere of Jupiter?

Which planetary satellites are known to have plumes of gas escaping through their surfaces?

How was Neptune discovered?

As a result of measurements by the Galileo spacecraft,what is now believed to be the internal structure of Io?

Jupiter's satellite Europa is believed to be made up of:

Saturn's main ring system is tilted 27 degrees with respect to WHAT?

Jupiter's mass makes up what fraction of the total mass of the planetary system,excluding the Sun?

How are the relative ages of the different types of terrain on Ganymede estimated?

The material that composes the rings of Jupiter:

On which planet is the Great Red Spot found?

At what configuration does Jupiter appear to be faintest when viewed from Earth?

The predominant large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern on Jupiter is characterized by:

Miranda is a satellite of:

Rhea's density is consistent with a composition that is a mixture of mostly ice water (density approximately 900 kg/m³)with rocky debris mixed in.Thus,the density of Rhea,in kg/m³,should be about:

Discovering the Night Sky

Gravitation and the Waltz of the Planets

Light and Telescopes

Formation of the Solar System and Other Planetary Systems

Exoplanets

The Terrestrial Planets and Their Moons

Vagabonds of the Solar System

The Sun: Our Extraordinary Ordinary Star

Characterizing Stars

The Lives of the Stars From Birth Through Middle Age

The Deaths and Remnants of Stars

The Galaxies

Cosmology

Astrobiology

Filters