Outer Planets Quiz

Which of the following is NOT an outer planet?

• Venus

• Jupiter

• Saturn

• Neptune

Answer explanation

Venus is not an outer planet; it is classified as an inner planet, along with Mercury, Earth, and Mars. The outer planets include Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune.

Which of the following is the correct sequence of the outer planets?

• Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

• Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus

• Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, Jupiter

• Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter

Answer explanation

The correct sequence of the outer planets, starting from the one closest to the Sun, is Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This matches the first answer choice.

Approximately how many moons does Jupiter have?

• 1

• 8

• 27

• At least 95

Answer explanation

Jupiter has at least 95 known moons, making it the planet with the most moons in our solar system. This number is significantly higher than the other options provided.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Which of the following is a feature unique to Jupiter among the planets in our solar system?

• Polar ice caps

• The Great Red Spot

• A rocky surface

• A thin atmosphere

Answer explanation

The Great Red Spot is a massive storm unique to Jupiter, persisting for centuries. Unlike polar ice caps, rocky surfaces, or thin atmospheres found on other planets, this iconic feature distinguishes Jupiter in our solar system.

What are Jupiter’s four largest moons collectively known as?

• The Galilean moons

• The Saturnian moons

• The Jovian moons

• The Solar moons

Answer explanation

Jupiter's four largest moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, are collectively known as the Galilean moons, named after Galileo Galilei who discovered them in 1610.

Which of the following is true about Europa?

• It is one of Jupiter’s four largest moons.

• It is the most volcanically active body in the solar system.

• It is the largest moon in the solar system.

• It is not a Galilean moon.

Answer explanation

Europa is indeed one of Jupiter's four largest moons, known as the Galilean moons. The other statements are incorrect: it is not the largest moon, not the most volcanically active, and it is a Galilean moon.

How does Io compare to other bodies in the solar system in terms of volcanic activity?

• It has less volcanic activity.

• It has the same volcanic activity.

• It is the most volcanically active.

• It has no volcanic activity.

Answer explanation

Io is the most volcanically active body in the solar system, with hundreds of active volcanoes and constant eruptions, surpassing any other celestial body in terms of volcanic activity.

Which of the following is true about the volcanic activity on Io?

• It is less than on Earth.

• It is the most intense in the solar system.

• It only happens at night.

• It is caused by water.

Answer explanation

Io has the most intense volcanic activity in the solar system due to tidal heating from gravitational interactions with Jupiter and other moons, making it far more active than Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What evidence from the image supports the statement that Io is volcanically active?

• The presence of bright spots indicating volcanic eruptions

• The presence of ice caps

• The presence of large craters

• The presence of rivers

Answer explanation

The presence of bright spots in the image indicates volcanic eruptions, which is direct evidence of Io's volcanic activity. Other options like ice caps, craters, or rivers do not specifically indicate volcanism.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Which of the following best describes the surface of Europa?

• Rocky and dry

• Smooth and icy

• Covered in craters

• Volcanic and hot

Answer explanation

Europa's surface is best described as smooth and icy, characterized by a thick layer of ice covering a subsurface ocean, which gives it a unique, smooth appearance without many craters.