The Solar System – ASTR 121

Third Midterm – March 11, 2016, 09:00-09:50

Instructions:  Print your name and student identification number at the top of this page.  Answer each of the questions A through J in the space provided.  Be clear and thorough in your answers using sentences, sketches, and formulas where appropriate.  Each question is worth two points.

A.  Why is Jupiter so much more dense than Saturn?

B.  Why does Jupiter have such a strong magnetic field?

C.  What two things are surprising about the atmosphere of Saturn's largest moon Titan?

D.  Give two reasons why it is reasonable to think Neptune's moon Triton is captured.

E.  Why must the particles in Jovian rings be replenished over time, and where do the particles come from?

F.  Where is the asteroid belt located and why is it there?

G.  What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

H.  How are meteor showers related to comets?

I.  What are the Kuiper belt and the Oort cloud?

J.  How have the Jovian planets influenced life on Earth?