Asteroid Impact and Earth's History

What was the primary consequence of the asteroid impact during the late Cretaceous period?

• The formation of new species

• The extinction of 75% of Earth's species

• The creation of the Moon

• The beginning of the Ice Age

What is the giant impact hypothesis?

• A theory about the creation of Earth

• A theory about the end of the solar system

• A theory about the formation of the Moon

• A theory about the extinction of dinosaurs

According to NASA, what size of space rock poses a risk to Earth?

• Any rock that crosses Earth's orbit

• Any rock with a diameter of at least 460 feet

• Any rock within 4.6 million miles of Earth

• Any rock larger than 100 feet

Which of the following asteroids recently passed by Earth at a distance of about 3 million miles?

• 2021 qw

• 2006 be-55

• 2012 dk-31

• 2010 ab-12

Why do scientists monitor asteroids that are not on a collision course with Earth?

• To find new resources

• To predict future weather patterns

• To study their composition

• Because their trajectories could change

What is the purpose of NASA's DART mission?

• To find new planets

• To study the Sun

• To explore Mars

• To test asteroid deflection strategies

What would be the immediate effect of a large asteroid impact on Earth?

• The extinction of all life

• The creation of a new moon

• A massive shock wave causing destruction

• A new ice age

What is the estimated size of the asteroid Dimorphos that NASA targeted in the DART mission?

• 250 meters

• 450 meters

• 100 meters

• 160 meters

What is the main goal of planetary defense strategies?

• To explore new planets

• To study the solar system

• To find extraterrestrial life

• To prevent asteroid impacts on Earth

How does NASA classify a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA)?

• By its composition

• By its size and proximity to Earth

• By its distance from the Sun

• By its speed