The image below shows a rock formation nicknamed “the face on Mars” that was taken by the Viking 1 orbiter in 1976. Given the clear resemblance to a face, what is an appropriate scientific reaction to this image?
A) Assume it is most likely a coincidental result of light and shadow, and plan higher resolution follow-up observations.
B) Assume that the image is probably evidence of an advanced civilization, and develop plans to attempt radio communication wit the civilization.
C) Conclude that the resemblance to a human face is so clear that it cannot have been made by nature and that this geological feature must have been built by an advanced civilization.
D) Assume that NASA's spacecraft must have been hacked by someone perpetrating a hoax, and therefore ignore the image
Ans: A) Assume it is most likely a coincidental result of light and shadow, and plan higher resolution follow-up observations.
In fact, later missions did obtain higher resolution images of this same feature, such as the one shown here. Notice that it no longer looks much like a face, and detailed comparison of the images shows that the original looked like a face only because of they way light and shadow were upon the feature at the time the photo was taken.
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A telescope that is 1.0 meter in diameter has a focal length of 10 meters. An eyepiece with a focal length of 0.01 meters that is used with this telescope would have a magnification of ____________________?
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Specific Heat: A 200-L electric water heater uses 2.0 kW. Assuming no heat loss, how many hours would it take to heat the water in this tank from 23°C to 75°C? The specific heat of water is 4186 J/kg ? K and its density is 1000 kg/m3.
A. 5.0. hours B. 6.0 hours C. 7.0 hours D. 8.0 hours
Suppose the Moon's orbit were unchanged, but it rotated faster (meaning it did not have synchronous rotation). Which of the following would be true?
A) The Moon would go through its cycle of phases (from one new moon to the next) in less time than it does now. B) We would no longer always see nearly the same face of the Moon. C) Tides would be stronger; that is, higher high tides and lower low tides. D) High tides would occur more frequently than they do now. E) All of the listed choices are true.
The surface of Venus is hotter than the surface of Mercury because:
a) Venus is smaller than Mercury so it does not require so much energy to heat it. b) of the volcanic activity that occurs on Venus. c) Mercury's atmosphere prevents radiation from penetrating through to its surface. d) Venus is closer to the Sun than Mercury. e) Venus is more massive and is able to retain a thick atmosphere.