Terrestrial planets Flashcards
What are the terrestrial planets in our solar system?
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars
When can Mercury be seen?
Soon after the setting sun or shortly before dawn
Why did cliffs for along the fault lines on Mercury?
As the interior of the planet cooled it contracted. Gravity then forced a crust to adjust to a smaller interior
Why are the craters on Mercury shallower than the craters on the moon?
Mercury must of cooled slower than the Moon. Meteorites penetrated the soil and lava came to the surface.
What is the Caloris basin?
The large circular yellowish area on Mercury, beneath which lies dense mass and heavy elements.
Why does mercury have a negligible atmosphere?
Because it’s too hot
What is Venus’ atmosphere mainly composed of?
CO2
What’s the difference between CO2 on the Earth and the CO2 on venus?
The Earth has a carbon cycle
What planet led kepler to elliptical orbits?
Mars
Does mars have a greenhouse effect?
No significant greenhouse effect
What are Mar’s moons?
Phobos and diemos
What evidence is there of past water on mars?
- Valley of river bed
- Many features on the surface attest to an earlier water presence
