Astronomy 121 Third Homework Assignment

Due Wednesday 2/23/11

Mars, Jupiter and Saturn

1. What evidence do we have that water existed (at least at one time) on Mars? Why is liquid water not abundantly present on the surface?

2. Why does Saturn emit more thermal energy (heat) than it receives from the sun?

3. List out two characteristics for each of the four Galileo moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto).

4. What are hydrocarbons and why are we so excited about hydrocarbons on the moon Titan?

5. List out two characteristics for each of the four Saturn moons Enceladus, Iapetus, Mimas, Hyperion.

6. Why does Jupiter emit radio waves? In other words, explain the mechanism causing the radio emission.