Question 1. Jupiter is the largest planet. This means it has a large amount of gravity. This gravity is compressing the planet into a smaller and smaller volume, releasing heat that __________.

powers immense storms

triggers volcanic eruptions

imparts retrograde motion

produces a mighty ring system

Question 2. Recall from your reading about stars to choose the best answer: A(n) __________ results when the outflow of energy from the central regions of the star provides the pressure necessary to keep the star from collapsing under its own weight.

protostar

main sequence star

red giant

white dwarf

Question 3. __________ is the apparent shift in the position of a nearby star when viewed from extreme points in Earth's orbit six months apart.

Apparent magnitude

Stellar brightness

The doppler effect

Stellar parallax

Question 4. Approximately how much further away from the Sun is Neptune, as compared to Earth?

3 times as far

10 times as far

30 times as far

310 times as far

Question 5. Recall from your reading about stars to choose the best answer: Clumps of gas and dust dispersed through a large volume of space are the birthplace of stars. An example is the Orion ___________.

Nebula

Black hole

Neutron star

Galactic Cluster

Question 6. Read about the different planets in our solar system. Match the term with the correct description. Not all terms will be used. Some terms may be used more than once.

This planet has the greatest variation in temperatures.

This planet has the fastest rate of orbit, and the shortest year.

This planet has a sunrise in the west and a sunset in the east.

This planet has the longest day.

This terrestrial planet has the thickest atmosphere.

This terrestrial planet has the largest moon.

This planet has the highest average density.

Similar to Earth, this planet shows evidence of water erosion.

This planet has the highest known volcano.

This planet has the shortest day.

This is the largest planet.

This planet has the most moons.

This planet has the most rings.

This planet rotates horizontally.

This planet has the longest year.

A. Jupiter
B. Earth
C. Mercury
D. Saturn
E. Uranus
F. Mars
G.Sun
H. Venus
I. Neptune

Question 7. In your own words, explain why Pluto was "demoted" to a dwarf planet. Your response should be at least 100 words in length.

Question 8. In your own words, briefly describe how a black hole forms. Your response should be at least 100 words in length.

Question 9. In your own words, contrast terrestrial and Jovian planets. Your response should be at least 100 words in length.

Question 10. What is the most accurate method to calculate the distance to the stars? What are the limitations of this method? What are some other ways to estimate stellar distances? What unit of measurement is most commonly used to describe the distances between stars and/or galaxies? How does knowing the distance help classify a star?

Your response should be at least 200 words in length.

Question 11. It has been stated that we know more about the surface of the moon than we do the oceans. Do you think, as a nation, we should invest more resources in space exploration or in ocean exploration? Why? Support your answer.

Your response should be at least 200 words in length.