NSD61 9 Science PAT PREP UNIT E SPACE EXPLORATION

The first four planets from the Sun are called the inner planets. The four planets that are furthest from the Sun are called outer planets. Which of the tables shown lists some of the key characteristics that distinguish outer planets from inner planets in our solar system?

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Which primary property of a star does the above spectral analysis determine?

• Age

• Size

• Temperature

• Composition

Sally is facing south on March 21 and is trying to find the coordinates of the Sun as it sets. Which of the following coordinates most likely describe the location of the Sun?

• Altitude 85° and azimuth 90°

• Altitude 5° and azimuth 270°

• Altitude 5° and azimuth 90°

• Altitude 85° and azimuth 270°

Which of the following factors is the main reason an astronaut’s muscle mass and bone density decrease while in space?

• Astronauts do not need to support body weight in space

• Astronauts are restricted to a confined living area in space.

• It is not possible for astronauts to exercise vigorously in space.

• It is difficult for astronauts to consume a balanced diet in space.

Which of the following statements best compares telescopes based in space to telescopes based on Earth?

• Space-based telescopes are generally larger.

• Space-based telescopes capture clearer images.

• Earth-based telescopes, in general, cost more to build.

• Earth-based telescopes explore further into deep space.

Radio telescopes receive radio waves from distant objects. If radio waves travel through space at the speed of light (300 000 km/s), then how long do radio waves emitted by the Sun take to reach Mars?

• 12.5 min

• 10.0 min

• 8.3 min

• 5.5 min

Which of the following measurements could be calculated using the process of triangulation?

• The brightness of a celestial body

• The temperature of a celestial body

• The distance between two celestial bodies

• The speed at which a celestial body is traveling

Constellations consist of patterns of stars in the sky. The constellations we recognize today were identified by many ancient civilizations. Which of the following statements best explains why planets are never featured in

constellations?

• Planets look bigger than stars.

• Planets are more difficult to see than stars.

• Planets have a chemical composition different from that of stars.

• Planets do not maintain fixed positions relative to other planets or stars.

A geosynchronous orbit occurs when an object orbits Earth at the same rotational rate as Earth. A geosynchronous orbit allows a single satellite to

• capture information about global weather patterns

• capture images of the planet from many perspectives

• send signals continuously to a specified area on Earth

• send messages to multiple receivers anywhere on Earth

A long-stay Mars mission with astronauts has been calculated to last approximately 905 Earth days. NASA has broken down the duration of the mission as follows: Research into which of the following areas would be least helpful to support astronauts during a successful long-stay Mars mission?

• Spacesuits

• Telescopes

• Water reclamation

• Growing food In space