Eris: The Newest Discovery in Astronomy
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Questions and Answers

What classification does Eris belong to within our solar system?

  • Star
  • Gas giant
  • Terrestrial planet
  • Dwarf planet (correct)

    • In what year was Eris discovered?

  • 2005 (correct)
  • 1995
  • 2000
  • 2010

    • How much larger is Eris compared to Pluto?

  • 5 percent
  • 10 percent (correct)
  • 15 percent
  • 20 percent

    • What was the initial suggestion regarding Eris upon its discovery?

    <p>It could be the tenth planet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What region of space is Eris located in?

    <p>Kuiper Belt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a dwarf planet according to the content provided?

    <p>Its incapability to clear its orbit due to lack of gravity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT classified as a dwarf planet?

    <p>Neptune</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following pairs correctly matches a dwarf planet to its location?

    <p>Makemake - Kuiper Belt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is crucial for classifying an object in space as a dwarf planet?

    <p>Inability to maintain a cleared orbital zone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the dwarf planets listed in the content?

    <p>Ceres, Makemake, and Haumea</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who discovered Pluto as the ninth planet in the solar system?

    <p>Clyde Tombaugh</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What celestial area was discovered that questioned Pluto's status as a planet?

    <p>The Kuiper Belt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year was Pluto discovered?

    <p>1930</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the Kuiper Belt?

    <p>An area beyond Neptune that contains various celestial bodies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was a significant consequence of the Kuiper Belt's discovery?

    <p>The questioning of Pluto's classification as a planet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the atmosphere play in relation to the sun's radiation?

    <p>It protects the Earth from harmful radiation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the function of soil on Earth?

    <p>Soil is a medium for the growth of all kinds of vegetation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of dwarf planets?

    <p>They have enough mass to be nearly round.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The hydrosphere does not serve which of the following functions?

    <p>Providing oxygen for terrestrial life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why have dwarf planets not cleared their orbit?

    <p>They lack sufficient gravity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about dwarf planets is true?

    <p>They orbit the sun.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the hydrosphere contribute to environmental regulation?

    <p>By acting as a climate control mechanism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes dwarf planets from other celestial bodies?

    <p>They have not cleared their orbital zone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the interaction of soil with vegetation?

    <p>Soil provides a living medium for the growth of vegetation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature is essential for a celestial body to be classified as a dwarf planet?

    <p>Possessing a nearly round shape.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do scientists believe about the presence of water on Mars?

    <p>Mars had water that sustained some microorganisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Since when have rovers been actively searching for evidence of ancient life on Mars?

    <p>January 2014</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of the rovers mentioned in the Mars Rover Mission?

    <p>To dig for fossilized evidence of ancient life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true about microorganisms and their relationship with water on Mars?

    <p>Microorganisms were likely sustained by the water that once existed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact did the discovery of water on Mars have on scientific investigations?

    <p>It enhanced interest in the search for extraterrestrial life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary goal has driven NASA's deployment of Mars Exploration Rovers since the 1970s?

    <p>To examine the materials of Mars' lithosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of Mars Exploration Rovers?

    <p>They gather data on the viability of weather conditions for life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Since when has NASA been actively deploying rovers for Mars exploration?

    <p>Since the 1970s</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Mars has been a significant focus of examination for NASA's rovers?

    <p>The planet's lithosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The viability for the survival of life on Mars is assessed based on what parameters by the exploration rovers?

    <p>Weather conditions and atmospheric composition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What led Mike Brown and Konstantin Batygin to suggest the presence of a ninth planet in our solar system?

    <p>Discovery of six clustered objects in the Kuiper Belt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do astronomers state about the existence of Planet X?

    <p>It remains uncertain until it is directly observed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary focus of the mission regarding the planet's characteristics?

    <p>The role of water in the weathering of rocks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What types of rocks were found during the mission's examination?

    <p>Sedimentary rocks that formed from prolonged water exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a reason for skepticism regarding Planet X's existence?

    <p>Other astronomers demand visual confirmation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of geological processes was the mission designed to investigate?

    <p>The processes leading to rock formation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary basis for the calculation suggesting Planet X exists?

    <p>Mathematical models of solar system dynamics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What remains a point of contention among astronomers regarding Planet X?

    <p>The necessity for observational evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the methods used by the rovers during the mission?

    <p>Examining and analyzing rock samples</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon was hypothesized to have contributed to the rock formation?

    <p>Soaking of rocks in water for long durations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unique feature of Titan distinguishes it from other moons in the solar system?

    <p>Surface lakes comprised of liquid methane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary tool used to capture detailed images of Titan's surface?

    <p>Shutter-snapping Cassini spacecraft</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which substance's presence on Titan contributed to its classification as a unique celestial body?

    <p>Liquid methane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic of Titan's atmosphere is likely responsible for its surface conditions?

    <p>Thick haze compose of nitrogen and methane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant discovery about Titan's composition surprises astronomers?

    <p>Presence of liquid methane on the surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Eris

    • Discovered in 2005, Eris is a Kuiper Belt object, approximately 10% larger than Pluto.
    • Initially considered as the potential tenth planet of the solar system.
    • Classified as a dwarf planet along with Pluto due to its inability to clear its orbit, attributed to its gravitational limitations.
    • Other recognized dwarf planets include Ceres (located in the Asteroid Belt), as well as Makemake and Haumea (both found in the Kuiper Belt).

    Earth: The Living Planet

    • Earth's atmosphere safeguards life by blocking harmful solar radiation.
    • Soil functions as a vital medium supporting diverse vegetation growth.
    • The hydrosphere serves multiple roles: a water reservoir, a habitat for fish and shellfish, a temperature regulator, and a transportation conduit.
    • Dwarf planets are defined as celestial bodies orbiting the sun that possess sufficient mass for a nearly spherical shape yet have not cleared their orbital neighborhood.

    Advancements on the Solar System

    • Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930 and initially classified as the ninth planet.
    • The discovery of the Kuiper Belt challenged Pluto's planetary status due to the presence of numerous similar objects beyond Neptune.

    Mars Rover Mission

    • Scientific consensus suggests Mars once contained water capable of sustaining microorganisms.
    • Since January 2014, NASA's rovers have been on a mission to uncover fossilized evidence of ancient life on Mars.
    • Rovers have been deployed since the 1970s to analyze Mars' lithosphere and assess the planet's potential for supporting life based on its weather conditions.

    Planet X

    • Recent findings by astronomers Mike Brown and Konstantin Batygin suggest the existence of a possible ninth planet, referred to as Planet X.
    • They observed six clustered objects in the Kuiper Belt, theorizing this grouping is influenced by an unseen planet’s gravitational pull.
    • Despite claims of Planet X's existence through calculations and observational data, the astronomical community insists that tangible evidence is necessary to confirm its presence.

    Mission Goals

    • Research aimed to study the planet's physical characteristics during its exploration.
    • Objectives included collecting data to understand how the planet's rocks and soil were formed and to investigate the role of water in weathering and erosion processes.
    • Rovers discovered sedimentary rocks on Mars, indicative of long-term water exposure.
    • Titan, Saturn's largest moon, has been of interest due to findings of liquid methane on its surface, revealed through studies conducted during the Cassini mission.

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating discovery of Eris, a Kuiper Belt object that was found to be larger than Pluto. Initially considered as the tenth planet in our solar system, this quiz delves into its significance and characteristics. Test your knowledge about Eris and its impact on our understanding of planetary classification.

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