Astronomy 121 Second Group Homework Assignment

Due 2/9/11 in Class

Recent Developments in Solar System Exploration and Cratering

I. Google the following missions (if you only have 3 members in your group, you are responsible for just the first 3 missions):
  1. Venus Express
  2. Dawn
  3. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
  4. New Horizons

Write up a summary (at least a 1/2 page or more) on each mission containing the following pieces of information.

  • Mission dates (launch date and end-of-mission date, if applicable)
  • Which agency (e.g. NASA, JPL, ESA, etc) launched it.
  • What are the main objectives of the mission?
  • depending on the status of the mission, answer A or B:
      (A) If the satellite has reached it’s destination and is taking data, what are the latest discoveries from this mission and which instrument on the satellite took the data?

      (B) If the satellite is still en route to the planet and hasn’t taken any data, describe two science instruments or features of the satellite.

  • Speculate or research why this information would be of interest to humans.


    • II. Here is a map of the distribution of impact craters on the Earth: EarthImpactDatabase. You should notice that the craters are not evenly distributed across the face of the Earth. Research why some areas don't have craters. Give at least two reasons.