What characteristic of comets makes them significant in the study of the solar system's past?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the importance of comets in understanding the history of the solar system, specifically what aspect of comets holds significance. It provides multiple-choice options to highlight different characteristics of comets.
Answer
Comets preserve materials from the early solar system, revealing clues about its formation 4.6 billion years ago.
Comets are significant in the study of the solar system's past because they are considered leftovers from the early solar system, preserving materials and information from 4.6 billion years ago. They contain ice, dust, and dark organic material that can provide important clues about the conditions and processes during the solar system's formation.
Answer for screen readers
Comets are significant in the study of the solar system's past because they are considered leftovers from the early solar system, preserving materials and information from 4.6 billion years ago. They contain ice, dust, and dark organic material that can provide important clues about the conditions and processes during the solar system's formation.
More Information
Comets are sometimes described as 'dirty snowballs' due to their composition of ice mixed with rock and organic materials. Studying them helps scientists understand the early solar system and the materials that were present during its origin.
Tips
Avoid confusing comets with asteroids; comets are primarily icy, whereas asteroids are rockier.
Sources
- NASA - Solar System Exploration - science.nasa.gov
- Space.com - Comet facts - space.com
- ESA - Why study comets? - esa.int
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