Match each moon or planet to the most accurate characteristic. A. Mercury It used to be more like Earth. B. Venus The temperature of its atmosphere is increased by the greenhouse effect. C. Europa It doesn’t have enough gravity to have an atmosphere. D. Mars There may be liquid water under a thick layer of ice.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Matching:
- A. Mercury → C. It doesn’t have enough gravity to have an atmosphere.
- B. Venus → B. The temperature of its atmosphere is increased by the greenhouse effect.
- C. Europa → D. There may be liquid water under a thick layer of ice.
- D. Mars → A. It used to be more like Earth.
Explanation (300 Words):
Each celestial body in our solar system has distinct characteristics due to differences in size, composition, and proximity to the Sun. Matching these characteristics to the correct moon or planet enhances our understanding of planetary science.
Mercury is the smallest of the terrestrial planets and closest to the Sun. Its gravity is weak due to its small mass, and as a result, it cannot retain a significant atmosphere. Solar winds strip away any temporary gases, leaving Mercury with only a very thin exosphere. Hence, the most accurate characteristic is:
“It doesn’t have enough gravity to have an atmosphere.”
Venus, Earth’s “sister planet” in terms of size and structure, has a thick atmosphere made primarily of carbon dioxide. This traps heat via the greenhouse effect, causing surface temperatures to soar above 460°C (860°F)—hotter even than Mercury, despite being farther from the Sun. Thus, Venus is best matched with:
“The temperature of its atmosphere is increased by the greenhouse effect.”
Europa, a moon of Jupiter, has a surface made of ice. Scientists believe that beneath this icy crust lies a subsurface ocean of liquid water, kept from freezing by tidal heating from Jupiter’s gravity. This makes Europa a key interest in the search for extraterrestrial life. So, it matches:
“There may be liquid water under a thick layer of ice.”
Mars is a cold desert planet today, but evidence from its surface—like dried riverbeds and polar ice caps—suggests that it once had liquid water, a thicker atmosphere, and possibly a more Earth-like climate. Therefore, it fits with:
“It used to be more like Earth.”
This matching reflects each body’s most scientifically significant traits.