Terrestrial Atmospheres

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Terrestrial Atmospheres"

Transcription

1 Terrestrial Atmospheres

2 Why Is There Air? An atmosphere is a layer of gas trapped by the gravity of a planet or moon. Here s Earth s atmosphere viewed from orbit:

3 Why Is There Air? If atoms move faster than the escape speed, they can leave the planet forever. Those atoms are lost: Lighter gases (like hydrogen and helium) move the fastest, so they are the most easily lost. Heavier gases (like CO 2, N 2, and O 2 ) move more slowly, so they stick around. It is also easier to escape from a world with weak gravity (low escape speed): more atoms move fast enough to escape the gravity of the planet.

4 The Airless Worlds Mercury and the Moon do not have enough gravity to hold onto atmospheres. Most atoms of gas escape to space. From the surface of the Moon, the sky is black. Why aren t they visible in this picture?

5 Atmospheres and Surfaces An atmosphere changes the surface: winds cause erosion, move sand and dust clouds reflect sunlight back into space atmo. pressure can permit liquid water or ice Airless worlds have none of these features: surface changes are slow: volcanism & cratering surface temperatures are extreme volatiles escape to space from high temperatures (volatiles freeze/evaporate in narrow temp. range)

6 Earth s Atmosphere Composed of: 77% nitrogen (N 2 ) and 21% oxygen (O 2 ) a variable amount of water vapor (about 1%) less than 1% argon a small quantity of carbon dioxide The atmosphere undergoes variations in temperature, water vapor content, wind speed. We call this day-to-day change the weather. Weather averaged over many years is the climate.

7 Water in Earth s Atmosphere Most of the water vapor in Earth s atmosphere is at low altitudes (under 15 kilometers). Here is a view of the atmosphere from orbit. The upper atmosphere is cloud-free. Clouds are limited to the lower atmosphere.

8 Water in Earth s Atmosphere Temperature decreases with height, so water is trapped near the surface. Water vapor at high altitude cools and turns to liquid or ice. Droplets / crystals are heavier than air and fall back to the surface.

9 Convection Warm, humid air close to the ground is buoyant and rises. It is replaced by sinking drier, colder air. This process is called convection. Convection is responsible for transporting heat and water from the ground to the atmosphere and drives most weather on Earth. Water condenses into rain or ice, releasing heat. Heat transported into upper atmosphere. Water evaporates from oceans and land into dry air. Sunlit warm water and land heats air.

10 The Atmosphere of Venus Early astronomers saw that Venus is totally shrouded in clouds. Not able to see the surface, they imagined lush jungles teeming with life. It was not until the 1960 s that radio telescopes were used to measure Venus temperature: a blistering 750 Kelvin (900 o F).

11 The Atmosphere of Venus Very high pressure: 90 times pressure at Earth s sea level carbon dioxide: 96.5% and nitrogen: 3.5% Global cloud layer km above surface Clouds are sulfuric acid not water

12 The Atmosphere of Venus If Earth and Venus are so similar, where did Venus get all of its carbon dioxide? Actually, Earth has as much carbon dioxide. But Earth s CO 2 is in carbonate rocks like limestone. The White Cliffs of Dover are massive layers of carbonate rock.

13 early Venus vs. today s Earth A cooler, early Venus may have had liquid water, just as Earth does today. Liquid water is essential in forming carbonate rock. On Earth, this process is known as the CO 2 cycle.

14 The Atmosphere of Venus The surface temperature on Venus is extremely uniform from day to night and pole to equator. The thick atmosphere traps nearly all heat that reaches the surface. Imagine an oven on the highest setting Since the temperature is nearly the same at all locations on the surface and the planet rotates so slowly, there is really no weather or winds. The Venera landers in 1980 s measured winds of 3-4 miles per hour (walking speed). Truly hell

15 Surface Conditions on Venus Weather report: Very hot and 100% cloud cover Venera 13 and Venera 14 landing images (1982)

16 The Martian Atmosphere Martian atmosphere is mostly carbon dioxide, and very thin (0.006 Earth) Too thin to retain much heat; very little greenhouse effect Sharp drop in temperature at night. Dust can greatly heat atmosphere.

17 Polar Caps Temperatures on Mars are too cold for liquid water over most of the planet: K. In fact, it is so cold that carbon dioxide freezes at the poles. The polar caps are carbon dioxide ice, but there is a deeper layer of water ice. The Mars Express radar system has detected deep deposits of water ice buried in the soil around the polar caps. There is enough water buried under just the south pole to completely cover all of Mars in a layer of liquid water 10 meters deep. Today, that water is frozen.

18 Mars Express Radar visible polar cap Mars Express (orbiter) has also mapped the south pole and found deep layers of water ice below the surface.

19 Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Radar MRO has mapped the north pole and also finds deep layers of water ice below the surface. visible polar cap

20 Water on Mars: Glaciers Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter radar system has found water ice closer to Mars equator, too: smooth aprons are water ice covered in soil and dust.

21 Polar Terrain seen by Phoenix Lander On May 25, 2008, the Phoenix Lander landed on the northern plains of Mars (latitude 68 o North).

22 Phoenix Lander seen by MRO 3 days later, Mars Recon. Orbiter flew over Phoenix Lander and saw this:

23 Layers of Ice seen by Phoenix Lander Looking underneath the lander on Day 8, camera on the robotic arm took this picture of smooth, white patches uncovered by rocket exhaust.

24 Definitely Struck Ice This Time Twenty days after landing, Phoenix extended its arm and began to dig. Little pebbles are visible in the lower-left of the trench. They disappeared 4 days later.

25 Water on Mars: Not IF, but HOW MUCH The question at this point is not IF there is water on Mars. We now have a definite answer: YES. The new questions that need to be answered is how much water is still present and what caused the planet s climate to change in the ancient past. We now have clues to both these questions from Phoenix Lander and the Mars Exploration Rovers.

26 Ancient Mars vs. Today s Mars Signs of liquid water long ago are evidence that atmosphere must have been thicker in the past. Today, the surface of Mars is cold and dry. Mars is smaller than Venus or Earth: 1. Mars lost its internal heat more quickly, so volcanic activity stopped and its core stopped generating a planetary magnetic field. 2. Its gravity was weaker, so gases were able to escape from the planet.

27 Stripping by the Solar Wind The absence of a magnetic field allowed the solar wind to strike Mars atmosphere directly:

28 Seasonal Changes Mars undergoes seasons for the same reason as Earth: the tilt of the planet s axis. However, Mars orbit is also more elliptical:

29 Seasonal Changes Mars atmosphere is composed of carbon dioxide. CO 2 freezes in fall and sublimates in spring, so there are strong winds during spring and fall. Sunlight

30 Polar Caps Grow and Shrink Here s the northern polar cap in northern spring. The large area of CO 2 ice/snow is sublimating permanent cap Dust storms

31 Polar Cap in Summer Here s a view from orbit looking down at the northern polar cap during northern summer. The layers of ice and soil are thought to record the history of changing climate on Mars. Just like ice cores from Earth s polar caps, these layers would tell the story of Mars climate.

32 Global Dust Storms Migration of gas from atmosphere to polar cap can stir up dust storms that circle the planet. Large storms developed in 2001, 2004, and This is a view from the Hubble Space Telescope of the 2001 global dust storm.

33 Global Dust Storms Mars maps show before and after images in 2007:

Today. Events. Terrestrial Planet Atmospheres (continued) Homework DUE. Review next time? Exam next week

Today. Events. Terrestrial Planet Atmospheres (continued) Homework DUE. Review next time? Exam next week Today Terrestrial Planet Atmospheres (continued) Events Homework DUE Review next time? Exam next week Planetary Temperature A planet's surface temperature is determined by the balance between energy from

More information

Earth s Atmosphere About 10 km thick

Earth s Atmosphere About 10 km thick 10.1 Atmospheric Basics Our goals for learning: What is an atmosphere? How does the greenhouse effect warm a planet? Why do atmospheric properties vary with altitude? Earth s Atmosphere About 10 km thick

More information

2010 Pearson Education, Inc.

2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Mars, Venus, Earth What is an atmosphere? An atmosphere is a (usually very thin) layer of gas that surrounds a world. How does the greenhouse effect warm a planet? No

More information

Planetary Atmospheres (Chapter 10)

Planetary Atmospheres (Chapter 10) Planetary Atmospheres (Chapter 10) Based on Chapter 10 This material will be useful for understanding Chapters 11 and 13 on Jovian planet systems and Extrasolar planets Chapters 4, 5, and 8 on Momentum,

More information

The Cosmic Perspective Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds

The Cosmic Perspective Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds Chapter 10 Lecture The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds 10.1 Atmospheric Basics

More information

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds. What is an atmosphere? Planetary Atmospheres

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds. What is an atmosphere? Planetary Atmospheres Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds What is an atmosphere? Planetary Atmospheres Pressure Composition Greenhouse effect Atmospheric structure Color of the sky 1 Atmospheres

More information

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds. What is an atmosphere? Earth s Atmosphere. Atmospheric Pressure

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds. What is an atmosphere? Earth s Atmosphere. Atmospheric Pressure Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds 10.1 Atmospheric Basics Our goals for learning What is an atmosphere? How does the greenhouse effect warm a planet? Why do atmospheric

More information

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds 10.1 Atmospheric Basics Our goals for learning What is an atmosphere? How does the greenhouse effect warm a planet? Why do atmospheric

More information

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds What is an atmosphere? 10.1 Atmospheric Basics Our goals for learning:! What is an atmosphere?! How does the greenhouse effect warm

More information

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds 10.1 Atmospheric Basics Our goals for learning: What is an atmosphere? How does the greenhouse effect warm a planet? Why do atmospheric

More information

General Comments about the Atmospheres of Terrestrial Planets

General Comments about the Atmospheres of Terrestrial Planets General Comments about the Atmospheres of Terrestrial Planets Mercury Very little atmosphere Contents: vaporized micrometeorites, solar wind Sky is black Venus Very thick (10% density of water), dense

More information

Outline. Planetary Atmospheres. General Comments about the Atmospheres of Terrestrial Planets. General Comments, continued

Outline. Planetary Atmospheres. General Comments about the Atmospheres of Terrestrial Planets. General Comments, continued Outline Planetary Atmospheres Chapter 10 General comments about terrestrial planet atmospheres Atmospheric structure & the generic atmosphere Greenhouse effect Magnetosphere & the aurora Weather & climate

More information

Today. Events. Terrestrial Planet Atmospheres (continued) Homework DUE

Today. Events. Terrestrial Planet Atmospheres (continued) Homework DUE Today Terrestrial Planet Atmospheres (continued) Events Homework DUE Sources of Gas Outgassing from volcanoes 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. Evaporation of surface liquid; sublimation of surface ice (cometary

More information

Red Planet Mars. Chapter Thirteen

Red Planet Mars. Chapter Thirteen Red Planet Mars Chapter Thirteen ASTR 111 003 Fall 2006 Lecture 11 Nov. 13, 2006 Introduction To Modern Astronomy I Introducing Astronomy (chap. 1-6) Planets and Moons (chap. 7-17) Ch7: Comparative Planetology

More information

AST 105 Intro Astronomy The Solar System

AST 105 Intro Astronomy The Solar System AST 105 Intro Astronomy The Solar System STRUCTURE OF A PLANET S ATMOSPHERE If you remember this. X-rays Ultraviolet Heating & Destruction Heating & Destruction Visible Infrared Transmission and Scattering

More information

Astro 1010 Planetary Astronomy Sample Questions for Exam 4

Astro 1010 Planetary Astronomy Sample Questions for Exam 4 Astro 1010 Planetary Astronomy Sample Questions for Exam 4 Chapter 8 1. Which of the following processes is not important in shaping the surface of terrestrial planets? a) Impact cratering b) Tectonism

More information

Inner Planets (Part II)

Inner Planets (Part II) Inner Planets (Part II) Sept. 18, 2002 1) Atmospheres 2) Greenhouse Effect 3) Mercury 4) Venus 5) Mars 6) Moon Announcements Due to technical difficulties, Monday s quiz doesn t count An extra credit problem

More information

Lecture #11: Plan. Terrestrial Planets (cont d) Jovian Planets

Lecture #11: Plan. Terrestrial Planets (cont d) Jovian Planets Lecture #11: Plan Terrestrial Planets (cont d) Jovian Planets Mercury (review) Density = 5.4 kg / liter.. ~ Earth s Rocky mantle + iron/nickel core Slow spin: 59 days (orbital period = 88 days) No satellites

More information

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds. What is an atmosphere? About 10 km thick

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds. What is an atmosphere? About 10 km thick Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds What is an atmosphere? Sources of Gas Losses of Gas Thermal Escape Earth s Atmosphere About 10 km thick Consists mostly of molecular

More information

The Cosmic Perspective Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds

The Cosmic Perspective Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds Chapter 10 Lecture The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial

More information

Outline 9: Origin of the Earth: solids, liquids, and gases. The Early Archean Earth

Outline 9: Origin of the Earth: solids, liquids, and gases. The Early Archean Earth Outline 9: Origin of the Earth: solids, liquids, and gases The Early Archean Earth Origin of Earth s Matter The earth is made of recycled elements formed in stars that existed prior to our Sun. Supernova

More information

Starting from closest to the Sun, name the orbiting planets in order.

Starting from closest to the Sun, name the orbiting planets in order. Chapter 9 Section 1: Our Solar System Solar System: The solar system includes the sun, planets and many smaller structures. A planet and its moon(s) make up smaller systems in the solar system. Scientist

More information

Outline 9: Origin of the Earth: solids, liquids, and gases

Outline 9: Origin of the Earth: solids, liquids, and gases Outline 9: Origin of the Earth: solids, liquids, and gases The Early Archean Earth Origin of Earth s Matter The earth is made of recycled elements formed in stars that existed prior to our Sun. Supernova

More information

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds Pearson Education, Inc.

Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds Pearson Education, Inc. Chapter 10 Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds 10.1 Atmospheric Basics Our goals for learning: What is an atmosphere? How does the greenhouse effect warm a planet? Why do atmospheric

More information

Climate Regulation. - What stabilizes the climate - Greenhouse effect

Climate Regulation. - What stabilizes the climate - Greenhouse effect Climate Regulation - What stabilizes the climate - Greenhouse effect Last time! Processes that shaped Earth: Volcanism, tectonics! How we retain atmospheric molecules ( escape speed )! A magnetic field

More information

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question. ASTRO 102/104 Prelim 2 Name Section MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1) This is version E of the exam. Please fill in (E). A) This

More information

3. Titan is a moon that orbits A) Jupiter B) Mars C) Saturn D) Neptune E) Uranus

3. Titan is a moon that orbits A) Jupiter B) Mars C) Saturn D) Neptune E) Uranus Fall 2013 Astronomy - Test 2 Test form A Name Do not forget to write your name and fill in the bubbles with your student number, and fill in test form A on the answer sheet. Write your name above as well.

More information

2/22/ Atmospheric Characteristics

2/22/ Atmospheric Characteristics 17.1 Atmospheric Characteristics Atmosphere: the gaseous layer that surrounds the Earth I. In the past, gases came from volcanic eruptions A. Water vapor was a major component of outgassing B. Other gases

More information

Terrestrial Bodies of the Solar System. Valerie Rapson

Terrestrial Bodies of the Solar System. Valerie Rapson Terrestrial Bodies of the Solar System Valerie Rapson March 22, 2012 Terrestrial Bodies Many different bodies in the Solar System Gaspra Terrestrial bodies are those with solid surfaces on which one could

More information

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question. ASTRO 102/104 Prelim 2 Name Section MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1) This is version B of the exam. Please fill in (B). A) This

More information

Quiz 3 is available for pickup in front

Quiz 3 is available for pickup in front Quiz 3 is available for pickup in front Extra credit corrections: for up to 4 of the questions you missed: Look up or figure out the correct answer. Write a sentence or two explaining what you did wrong

More information

The Sun and Planets Lecture Notes 6.

The Sun and Planets Lecture Notes 6. The Sun and Planets Lecture Notes 6. Lecture 6 Venus 1 Spring Semester 2017 Prof Dr Ravit Helled Cover photo: Venus in true color (Courtesy of NASA) Venus Properties Venus is the second brightest natural

More information

Life in the Solar System

Life in the Solar System Life in the Solar System Basic Requirements for Life 1. Chemical elements to make biological molecules. On Earth these are mostly C, H, O and N 2. Source of energy for metabolism. This can come from a

More information

Meteorology. I. The Atmosphere - the thin envelope of gas that surrounds the earth.

Meteorology. I. The Atmosphere - the thin envelope of gas that surrounds the earth. Meteorology I. The Atmosphere - the thin envelope of gas that surrounds the earth. A. Atmospheric Structure - the atmosphere is divided into five distinct layers that are based on their unique characteristics.

More information

Clouds and Rain Unit (3 pts)

Clouds and Rain Unit (3 pts) Name: Section: Clouds and Rain Unit (Topic 8A-2) page 1 Clouds and Rain Unit (3 pts) As air rises, it cools due to the reduction in atmospheric pressure Air mainly consists of oxygen molecules and nitrogen

More information

This evening s announcements

This evening s announcements This evening s announcements Homework 3 is graded and available for pickup at entry Quiz 4 will be held this Wednesday, March 12. Coverage: Feb. 25: origin of the solar system (chapter 6) Feb. 27: Earth,

More information

The Terrestrial Planets

The Terrestrial Planets The Terrestrial Planets Large Bodies: Earth (1 R E, 1 M E ) Venus (0.95 R E, 0.82 M E ) Small Bodies: Mars (0.53 R E, 0.11 M E ) Mercury (0.38 R E, 0.055 M E ) Moon (0.27 R E, 0.012 M E ) The surfaces

More information

Planetary Temperatures

Planetary Temperatures Planetary Temperatures How does Sunlight heat a planet with no atmosphere? This is similar to our dust grain heating problem First pass: Consider a planet of radius a at a distance R from a star of luminosity

More information

What are terrestrial planets like on the inside? Chapter 9 Planetary Geology: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds. Seismic Waves.

What are terrestrial planets like on the inside? Chapter 9 Planetary Geology: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds. Seismic Waves. Chapter 9 Planetary Geology: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds What are terrestrial planets like on the inside? Seismic Waves Vibrations that travel through Earth s interior tell us what Earth is

More information

PRE-LAB FOR PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES

PRE-LAB FOR PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES PRE-LAB FOR PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES 1. Find pictures of Venus, Earth, and Mars in an astronomy textbook or other book or online at a website. Estimate, to the nearest 10%, the percentage of surface of each

More information

Lecture Outlines. Chapter 10. Astronomy Today 8th Edition Chaisson/McMillan Pearson Education, Inc.

Lecture Outlines. Chapter 10. Astronomy Today 8th Edition Chaisson/McMillan Pearson Education, Inc. Lecture Outlines Chapter 10 Astronomy Today 8th Edition Chaisson/McMillan Chapter 10 Mars Units of Chapter 10 10.1 Orbital Properties 10.2 Physical Properties 10.3 Long-Distance Observations of Mars 10.4

More information

Venus: Key Ideas: A Warm Up Exercise. Venus at a Glance -- Orbit. Venus at a Glance Planetary Data

Venus: Key Ideas: A Warm Up Exercise. Venus at a Glance -- Orbit. Venus at a Glance Planetary Data Venus A Warm Up Exercise Because Mercury has a high average density despite its relatively low mass, it is thought to a) Have a subsurface ocean b) Have a large iron core c) Be made largely of lead d)

More information

Unit 3 Lesson 4 The Terrestrial Planets. Copyright Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Unit 3 Lesson 4 The Terrestrial Planets. Copyright Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Florida Benchmarks SC.8.N.1.5 Analyze the methods used to develop a scientific explanation as seen in different fields of science. SC.8.E.5.3 Distinguish the hierarchical relationships between planets

More information

Physical Science 1 Chapter 16 INTRODUCTION. Astronomy is the study of the universe, which includes all matter, energy, space and time.

Physical Science 1 Chapter 16 INTRODUCTION. Astronomy is the study of the universe, which includes all matter, energy, space and time. INTRODUCTION Astronomy is the study of the universe, which includes all matter, energy, space and time. Although the universe is vast and almost beyond imagination, much is known about its make-up and

More information

Science Chapter 13,14,15

Science Chapter 13,14,15 Science 1206 Chapter 13,14,15 1 Weather dynamics is the study of how the motion of water and air causes weather patterns. Energy from the Sun drives the motion of clouds, air, and water. Earth s tilt at

More information

Mercury and Venus 3/20/07

Mercury and Venus 3/20/07 Announcements Reading Assignment Chapter 13 4 th Homework due today Quiz on Thursday (3/22) Will cover all material since the last exam. This is Chapters 9-12 and the part of 13 covered in the lecture

More information

The Main Point. Basic Properties of Mars. Observations. Lecture #19: Mars

The Main Point. Basic Properties of Mars. Observations. Lecture #19: Mars Mars: Overview General properties Telescopic observations Space missions Atmospheric Characteristics Reading: Chapters 7.1 (Mars), 9.4, 10.4 Lecture #19: Mars The Main Point Changes in the Martian surface

More information

PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES

PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES NAME: What will you learn in this Lab? PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES How important is a planet s atmosphere in controlling its surface temperature? What keeps the Earth at a habitable temperature, its distance

More information

Object Type Moons Rings Planet Terrestrial none none. Max Distance from Sun. Min Distance from Sun. Avg. Distance from Sun 57,910,000 km 0.

Object Type Moons Rings Planet Terrestrial none none. Max Distance from Sun. Min Distance from Sun. Avg. Distance from Sun 57,910,000 km 0. Mercury Mercury is the closest planet to the sun. It is extremely hot on the side of the planet facing the sun and very cold on the other. There is no water on the surface. There is practically no atmosphere.

More information

Investigating Planets Name: Block: E1:R6

Investigating Planets Name: Block: E1:R6 FYI: Planetary Temperatures and Atmospheres Read FYI: A Planet s Temperature, The Importance of an Atmosphere, and The Greenhouse Effect As you read answer the following questions about the readings: Word/Term

More information

The History of the Solar System. From cloud to Sun, planets, and smaller bodies

The History of the Solar System. From cloud to Sun, planets, and smaller bodies The History of the Solar System From cloud to Sun, planets, and smaller bodies The Birth of a Star Twenty years ago, we knew of only one star with planets the Sun and our understanding of the birth of

More information

Chapter 2: Physical Geography

Chapter 2: Physical Geography Chapter 2: Physical Geography Pg. 39-68 Learning Goals for Chp2: q q q q q Explain how the Earth moves in space and why seasons change. Outline the factors that influence climate and recognize different

More information

Mars ( ) The Sun and Planets Lecture Notes 6. Spring Semester 2018 Prof Dr Ravit Helled

Mars ( ) The Sun and Planets Lecture Notes 6. Spring Semester 2018 Prof Dr Ravit Helled The Sun and Planets Lecture Notes 6. Spring Semester 2018 Prof Dr Ravit Helled Mars ( ) Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the outermost terrestrial planet. It has a density of 3.93 g/cm3, which

More information

Learning Objectives. they differ in density (composition, core), atmosphere, surface age, size, geological activity, magnetic field?

Learning Objectives. they differ in density (composition, core), atmosphere, surface age, size, geological activity, magnetic field? Mercury and Venus Learning Objectives! Contrast the Earth, the Moon, Venus and Mercury. Do they differ in density (composition, core), atmosphere, surface age, size, geological activity, magnetic field?!

More information

12. Jovian Planet Systems Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Addison Wesley

12. Jovian Planet Systems Pearson Education Inc., publishing as Addison Wesley 12. Jovian Planet Systems Jovian Planet Properties Compared to the terrestrial planets, the Jovians: are much larger & more massive 2. are composed mostly of Hydrogen, Helium, & Hydrogen compounds 3. have

More information

Chapter 17: Mercury, Venus and Mars

Chapter 17: Mercury, Venus and Mars Chapter 17: Mercury, Venus and Mars Mercury Very similar to Earth s moon in several ways: Small; no atmosphere lowlands flooded by ancient lava flows heavily cratered surfaces Most of our knowledge based

More information

The Jovian Planets (Gas Giants)

The Jovian Planets (Gas Giants) The Jovian Planets (Gas Giants) Discoveries and known to ancient astronomers. discovered in 1781 by Sir William Herschel (England). discovered in 1845 by Johann Galle (Germany). Predicted to exist by John

More information

UNIT 3: Chapter 8: The Solar System (pages )

UNIT 3: Chapter 8: The Solar System (pages ) CORNELL NOTES Directions: You must create a minimum of 5 questions in this column per page (average). Use these to study your notes and prepare for tests and quizzes. Notes will be turned in to your teacher

More information

Inner and Outer Planets

Inner and Outer Planets Inner and Outer Planets Inner Planets Terrestrial planets are those that are closest to the Sun. Terrestrial planets are made mostly of rock and have similar characteristics to Earth. There are four terrestrial

More information

ASTRO 120 Sample Exam

ASTRO 120 Sample Exam ASTRO 120 Sample Exam 1) If a planet has a reasonably strong magnetic field, we know that a. It is made entirely of iron b. There is liquid nitrogen below the surface c. It can harbor life d. It has a

More information

Chapter 11 Review Clickers. The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition. Jovian Planet Systems Pearson Education, Inc.

Chapter 11 Review Clickers. The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition. Jovian Planet Systems Pearson Education, Inc. Review Clickers The Cosmic Perspective Seventh Edition Jovian Planet Systems If Jupiter was the size of a basketball, Earth would be the size of a(n) a) bacterium. b) grain of rice. c) marble. d) orange.

More information

Welcome to Class 12: Mars Geology & History. Remember: sit only in the first 10 rows of the room

Welcome to Class 12: Mars Geology & History. Remember: sit only in the first 10 rows of the room Welcome to Class 12: Mars Geology & History Remember: sit only in the first 10 rows of the room What are we going to discuss today? How easily could humans live on Mars? Is there water on Mars? PRS: If

More information

student pretest Stewardship Project middle school (Grades 7-8)

student pretest Stewardship Project middle school (Grades 7-8) student pretest Stewardship Project middle school (Grades 7-8) 1. True or False. Solar energy is radiant energy carried through the sun s heat and light. 2. Yes or No. Does solar energy dissipate as it

More information

The Inner Planets. Chapter 3 Lesson 1. Pages Workbook pages 51-52

The Inner Planets. Chapter 3 Lesson 1. Pages Workbook pages 51-52 The Inner Planets Chapter 3 Lesson 1 Pages 152-159 Workbook pages 51-52 Create the Foldable on pg 159 The solar The planets system The four inner planets Compare and Contrast Question What are planets?

More information

Developed in Consultation with Georgia Educators

Developed in Consultation with Georgia Educators Developed in Consultation with Georgia Educators Table of Contents Georgia Performance Standards Correlation Chart........... 7 Performance Standards Chapter 1 Earth and Space.............................

More information

Science Practice Astronomy (AstronomyJSuber)

Science Practice Astronomy (AstronomyJSuber) Name: Date: 1. The pull of gravity on Earth is a direct result of the A. mass of Earth. B. magnetic field of Earth. C. rotation of Earth on its axis. D. weight of Earth's atmosphere. This online assessment

More information

The Solar System. Tour of the Solar System

The Solar System. Tour of the Solar System The Solar System Tour of the Solar System The Sun more later 8 planets Mercury Venus Earth more later Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Various other objects Asteroids Comets Pluto The Terrestrial Planets

More information

Unit 3 Review Guide: Atmosphere

Unit 3 Review Guide: Atmosphere Unit 3 Review Guide: Atmosphere Atmosphere: A thin layer of gases that forms a protective covering around the Earth. Photosynthesis: Process where plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Trace

More information

Radiation - a process in which energy travels through vacuum (without a medium) Conduction a process in which energy travels through a medium

Radiation - a process in which energy travels through vacuum (without a medium) Conduction a process in which energy travels through a medium SOLAR SYSTEM NOTES ENERGY TRANSFERS Radiation - a process in which energy travels through vacuum (without a medium) Conduction a process in which energy travels through a medium Convection - The transfer

More information

Planet Power. Of all the objects in our solar system, eight match these requirements: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, & Neptune

Planet Power. Of all the objects in our solar system, eight match these requirements: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, & Neptune Everyone knows that a planet is something that orbits the sun, right? Well, it is not that simple. In August 2006, scientists officially defined a planet as something that: 1. orbits the sun, not around

More information

3. The moon with the most substantial atmosphere in the Solar System is A) Iapetus B) Io C) Titan D) Triton E) Europa

3. The moon with the most substantial atmosphere in the Solar System is A) Iapetus B) Io C) Titan D) Triton E) Europa Spring 2013 Astronomy - Test 2 Test form A Name Do not forget to write your name and fill in the bubbles with your student number, and fill in test form A on the answer sheet. Write your name above as

More information

Atmosphere, Weather & Climate Review for Unit Assessment (Can be taken on Study Island Due Mon., 11/26/12)

Atmosphere, Weather & Climate Review for Unit Assessment (Can be taken on Study Island Due Mon., 11/26/12) Name Class Period Atmosphere, Weather & Climate Review for Unit Assessment (Can be taken on Study Island Due Mon., 11/26/12) 1. When hot and cold air meet, the hot air rises to the top. Which process causes

More information

FCAT Review Space Science

FCAT Review Space Science FCAT Review Space Science The Law of Universal Gravitation The law of universal gravitation states that ALL matter in the universe attracts each other. Gravity is greatly impacted by both mass and distance

More information

Table of Contents. Chapter: Atmosphere. Section 1: Earth's Atmosphere. Section 2: Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere. Section 3: Air Movement

Table of Contents. Chapter: Atmosphere. Section 1: Earth's Atmosphere. Section 2: Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere. Section 3: Air Movement Table of Contents Chapter: Atmosphere Section 1: Earth's Atmosphere Section 2: Energy Transfer in the Atmosphere Section 3: Air Movement Table of Contents Chapter: Atmosphere Section 2: Energy Transfer

More information

NSCI 314 LIFE IN THE COSMOS 9 - SEARCHING FOR LIFE IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM: EARTH'S MOON (CONTINUED), MERCURY, AND VENUS

NSCI 314 LIFE IN THE COSMOS 9 - SEARCHING FOR LIFE IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM: EARTH'S MOON (CONTINUED), MERCURY, AND VENUS NSCI 314 LIFE IN THE COSMOS 9 - SEARCHING FOR LIFE IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM: EARTH'S MOON (CONTINUED), MERCURY, AND VENUS Dr. Karen Kolehmainen Department of Physics CSUSB http://physics.csusb.edu/~karen/ TIDAL

More information

Image of the Moon from the Galileo Space Craft

Image of the Moon from the Galileo Space Craft Image of the Moon from the Galileo Space Craft Moon: Overview Due to its size (diameter 3476 km, Mercury s diameter is 4880 km) and composition, the moon is sometimes considered as a terrestrial planet

More information

Astronomy 1140 Quiz 3 Review

Astronomy 1140 Quiz 3 Review Astronomy 1140 Quiz 3 Review Anil Pradhan October 27, 2017 I The Inner Planets 1. What are the terrestrial planets? What do they have in common? Terrestrial planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars. Theses

More information

The Official CA State Science Education Standards for Earth Science K 8

The Official CA State Science Education Standards for Earth Science K 8 The Official CA State Science Education Standards for Earth Science K 8 Kindergarten The Earth is composed of land, air and water. As a basis for understanding this concept, students know: a. characteristics

More information

Physics Homework Set 3 Fall 2015

Physics Homework Set 3 Fall 2015 1) Mercury presents the same side to the Sun 1) A) every third orbit. B) every 12 hours. C) all the time, just like our Moon. D) every other orbit. E) Twice every orbit. 2) Both the Moon and Mercury are

More information

If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for 100 years, educate children. Confucius

If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for 100 years, educate children. Confucius If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for 100 years, educate children. Confucius Test 1 on Wednesday Feb. 20. Sample test and review are On the course web page now. Grades are there

More information

Astronomy 1140 Quiz 3 Review

Astronomy 1140 Quiz 3 Review Astronomy 1140 Quiz 3 Review Anil Pradhan October 26, 2016 I The Inner Planets 1. What are the terrestrial planets? What do they have in common? Terrestrial planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars. Theses

More information

The Layered Atmosphere:

The Layered Atmosphere: The Layered Atmosphere: The Earth s Atmosphere Like all the planets, the Earth s atmosphere is highly distinct. What makes it different from the other terrestrial planets? Comparative Planetology The basic

More information

Inner and Outer Planets

Inner and Outer Planets Inner and Outer Planets SPI 0607.6.2 Explain how the relative distance of objects from the earth affects how they appear. Inner Planets Terrestrial planets are those that are closest to the Sun. Terrestrial

More information

Class Exercise. Today s Class. Overview of Mercury. Terrestrial Planet Interiors. Today s Class: Mercury & Venus

Class Exercise. Today s Class. Overview of Mercury. Terrestrial Planet Interiors. Today s Class: Mercury & Venus Today s Class: Mercury & Venus Homework: Further reading on Venus for next class Sections 10.1 and 10.5 in Cosmic Perspective. Space in the News: 'Frankenstein' Galaxy Surprises Astronomers Presenter:

More information

Thermal / Solar. When air is warmed it... Rises. Solar Energy. Evaporation. Condensation Forms Clouds

Thermal / Solar. When air is warmed it... Rises. Solar Energy. Evaporation. Condensation Forms Clouds Thermal / Solar Light from the Sun is transformed into what type of energy when it hits Earth's surface? Rises When air is warmed it... Solar Energy Water moves through the water cycle using what type

More information

Unit 2 Meteorology Test **Please do not write on this test** 5. El Nino & La Nina 6. Photosynthesis 7. Coriolis Effect 8.

Unit 2 Meteorology Test **Please do not write on this test** 5. El Nino & La Nina 6. Photosynthesis 7. Coriolis Effect 8. Matching (2 points each) 1. weather 2. climate 3. Greenhouse Effect 4. Convection Unit 2 Meteorology Test **Please do not write on this test** 5. El Nino & La Nina 6. Photosynthesis 7. Coriolis Effect

More information

Weather. A. atmosphere is a layer of gases that wrap around the Earth like a blanket.

Weather. A. atmosphere is a layer of gases that wrap around the Earth like a blanket. Weather I. The air around us A. atmosphere is a layer of gases that wrap around the Earth like a blanket. II. Weather Temperature Humidity Air pressure Wind 1. contains the air we breathe, protects us

More information

1. CLIMATOLOGY: 2. ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY:

1. CLIMATOLOGY: 2. ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY: What is meteorology? A. METEOROLOGY: an atmospheric science that studies the day to day changes in the atmosphere 1. ATMOSPHERE: the blanket of gas that surrounds the surface of Earth; the air 2. WEATHER:

More information

Today. Events. Terrestrial Planet Geology - Earth. Terrestrial Planet Atmospheres. Homework DUE next time

Today. Events. Terrestrial Planet Geology - Earth. Terrestrial Planet Atmospheres. Homework DUE next time Today Terrestrial Planet Geology - Earth Terrestrial Planet Atmospheres Events Homework DUE next time Ring of Fire Boundaries of plates traced by Earthquakes and Volcanos Plate Motions Measurements of

More information

WATER IN THE ATMOSPHERE

WATER IN THE ATMOSPHERE WATER IN THE ATMOSPHERE During a rainstorm, the air feels moist On a clear, cloudless day, the air may feel dry As the sun heats the land and oceans, the amount of water in the atmosphere changes Water

More information

ASTR 380 Possibilities for Life in the Inner Solar System

ASTR 380 Possibilities for Life in the Inner Solar System ASTR 380 Possibilities for Life in the Inner Solar System ASTR 380 Midterm Test Results Generally people did well: 100-90 = A = 19 people 89 80 = B = 19 people 79 70 = C = 9 people 69 60 = D = 0 < 60 =

More information

Mars & Venus: Just Down the Street

Mars & Venus: Just Down the Street Mars & Venus: Just Down the Street Of course, Mars & Venus are our nearest planetary neighbors and are more similar to Earth than any other bodies in the Solar System. Your author does an excellent job

More information

Class Announcements. Solar System. Objectives for today. Will you read Chap 32 before Wed. class? Chap 32 Beyond the Earth

Class Announcements. Solar System. Objectives for today. Will you read Chap 32 before Wed. class? Chap 32 Beyond the Earth Class Announcements Please fill out an evaluation for this class. If you release your name I ll I give you quiz credit. Will you read Chap 32 before Wed. class? a) Yes b) No Chap 32 Beyond the Earth Objectives

More information

4 Changes in Climate. TAKE A LOOK 2. Explain Why is more land exposed during glacial periods than at other times?

4 Changes in Climate. TAKE A LOOK 2. Explain Why is more land exposed during glacial periods than at other times? Name Class CHAPTER 3 Date Climate 4 Changes in Climate SECTION National Science Education Standards BEFORE YOU READ After you read this section, you should be able to answer these questions: ES 1k, 2a

More information

The Atmosphere. Characteristics of the Atmosphere. Section 23.1 Objectives. Chapter 23. Chapter 23 Modern Earth Science. Section 1

The Atmosphere. Characteristics of the Atmosphere. Section 23.1 Objectives. Chapter 23. Chapter 23 Modern Earth Science. Section 1 The Atmosphere Chapter 23 Modern Earth Science Characteristics of the Atmosphere Chapter 23 Section 1 Section 23.1 Objectives Describe the composition of Earth s atmosphere. Explain how two types of barometers

More information

Opposition and Conjunction

Opposition and Conjunction Opposition and Conjunction Summary 1. Mars is 52% further the Sun having an orbital period of nearly 2 Earth years 2. Mars is much smaller than the Earth being roughly 53% the size, 11% the mass of the

More information

What You Already Know

What You Already Know Mars: The Red Planet What You Already Know The Sun is a star, a huge ball of very hot gas that gives off energy. Our Sun is an average star. It is located at the center of the solar system, which consists

More information

Chapter 23 Earth Science 11

Chapter 23 Earth Science 11 Chapter 23 Earth Science 11 Inner planets: Closest planets to the sun A.k.a. terrestrial planets All have a rocky crust, dense mantle layer, and a very dense core Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars Outer

More information

Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds Pearson Education, Inc.

Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds Pearson Education, Inc. Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and the Other Terrestrial Worlds 10.1 Atmospheric Basics Our goals for learning: What is an atmosphere? How does the greenhouse effect warm a planet? Why do atmospheric properties

More information

MARS. The Red Planet

MARS. The Red Planet MARS The Red Planet About the Planet Common Name: Mars Mythological Name(s): - Greek: Ares - Roman: Mars Mars is named after the Roman God of War A few Pictures... Distance, Size, and Gravity Compared

More information