Outer Space And Planets Quiz Questions

Pluto is indeed a dwarf planet. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the definition of a planet, and as a result, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet. This decision was made because Pluto did not meet the criteria of being a planet, as it did not clear its orbit of other debris. Instead, it orbits within the Kuiper Belt, a region of the solar system that contains many small objects. Therefore, the correct answer is true.

The correct answer is "beyond the atmosphere of the earth." This answer accurately defines outer space as the area that extends beyond the earth's atmosphere. It suggests that outer space is the region outside the boundaries of our planet, where celestial bodies such as stars, planets, and galaxies exist.

Mercury is the first closest planet to the sun. It is located at an average distance of about 36 million miles from the sun, making it the closest planet in our solar system. Its proximity to the sun means that Mercury experiences extreme temperatures, with surface temperatures reaching up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and dropping to -290 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Due to its close proximity to the sun, Mercury also has a very short year, taking only about 88 Earth days to complete one orbit around the sun.

Mars appears red due to the presence of iron oxide, commonly known as rust, in its soil. The iron in the soil undergoes a chemical reaction with oxygen in the atmosphere, resulting in the formation of iron oxide particles. These particles give the Martian surface its distinctive reddish color. The nitrogen in the atmosphere of Mars does not contribute to its red appearance. Hence, the correct answer is "the rust from the soil."

Neptune has 4 rings. The planet is known for its rings, which were discovered in 1989 by the Voyager 2 spacecraft. These rings are composed of small particles of dust and ice, and they are relatively faint compared to the more prominent rings of Saturn. The rings of Neptune are named after astronomers who made significant contributions to the study of the planet, such as Galle, Le Verrier, Lassell, and Arago.

Comets are made of a combination of ice and rock. The icy component of comets is primarily composed of water ice, along with other volatile compounds such as carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia. This ice forms the nucleus of the comet. Surrounding the nucleus is a layer of rock, dust, and other solid materials. As a comet approaches the sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and a tail made of gas and dust.