Earth Used to Have 19-Hour Days (and Pluto Has Dunes!)

The video explores Earth's historical day length changes due to the moon, the role of Milankovitch cycles in climate, and a new model using Bayesian inference to study Earth's early history. It also covers recent discoveries about Pluto's atmosphere and methane dunes, highlighting the dynamic nature of this dwarf planet.

What was the length of a day on Earth 1.4 billion years ago?

• 24 hours

• 19 hours

• 12 hours

• 6 hours

What do Milankovich cycles help scientists understand?

• The length of Earth's days

• Earth's climate patterns

• The distance between planets

• The formation of the Moon

Which statistical method is used in the new model to study Earth's history?

• Bayesian inference

• Factor analysis

• Linear regression

• Correlation analysis

What role does the Moon play in Earth's rotation according to the new model?

• It speeds up Earth's rotation

• It has no effect

• It changes Earth's orbit

• It slows down Earth's rotation

What is the primary composition of Pluto's dunes?

• Quartz

• Methane

• Nitrogen

• Carbon dioxide

How do Pluto's dunes form differently from Earth's?

• Through tectonic shifts

• Via atmospheric cycles

• By wind erosion

• Through volcanic activity

What recent discovery was made about Pluto's surface?

• It has liquid water

• It has methane dunes

• It has a thick atmosphere

• It has active volcanoes