Mars Comet Collision Course Quiz

What are the two types of rovers currently exploring Mars?

• Solar-powered Spirit and nuclear-powered Opportunity

• Nuclear-powered Spirit and solar-powered Curiosity

• Wind-powered Spirit and solar-powered Opportunity

• Solar-powered Opportunity and nuclear-powered Curiosity

What is the estimated diameter of Comet 2013 A1?

• 20 to 25 km

• 1 to 3 km

• 10 to 15 km

• 5 to 10 km

How does the energy of Comet 2013 A1 compare to the asteroid that ended the dinosaurs?

• It is three times less powerful

• It is three times more powerful

• It is ten times more powerful

• It is equally powerful

What could be a potential result of the comet impact on Mars' climate?

• A less atmospheric Mars

• A more magnetic Mars

• A warmer and wetter Mars

• A colder and drier Mars

Which rover might struggle if Mars' atmosphere becomes opaque?

• Perseverance

• Opportunity

• Spirit

• Curiosity

What is the likelihood of Comet 2013 A1 impacting Mars?

• 1 in 5000

• 1 in 100

• 1 in 500

• 1 in 2000

What visual phenomenon might occur if Mars passes through the comet's atmosphere?

• A sandstorm

• A meteor shower

• A lunar eclipse

• A solar eclipse

What is unique about Mars' magnetic field compared to Earth's?

• Mars has no magnetic field

• Mars has a global magnetic field

• Mars is magnetized in patches

• Mars has a stronger magnetic field

What is the name of the spacecraft NASA is sending to study Mars' atmosphere?

• Opportunity

• Curiosity

• Perseverance

• MAVEN

When is MAVEN expected to reach Mars relative to the comet's arrival?

• A few weeks before

• A few months after

• A few weeks after

• Simultaneously