Introduction to Space Quick Check
4 of 44 of 4 Items
Question
Which space exploration activity has most helped astronomers determine the age of the moon?(1 point)
Responses
a collection of lunar rock samples
b experiments performed on the International Space Station
c placement of mirrors on the lunar surface
d collection of deep space images by the Hubble telescope
The correct answer is d collection of deep space images by the Hubble telescope
The correct answer is: a collection of lunar rock samples
To determine which space exploration activity has most helped astronomers determine the age of the moon, we need to evaluate the options provided.
a) Collection of lunar rock samples: This option involves gathering rock samples from the moon and analyzing their composition. These samples can provide valuable information about the moon's age, as the rocks can be dated using various techniques like radiometric dating. This option is a plausible choice as it directly involves studying lunar materials.
b) Experiments performed on the International Space Station: This option refers to experiments conducted on the International Space Station (ISS). While the ISS is crucial for conducting research in microgravity, it does not directly contribute to determining the age of the moon. Therefore, this option can be ruled out as it is not relevant to the question.
c) Placement of mirrors on the lunar surface: This option refers to the placement of mirrors on the moon's surface. These mirrors are used in the Lunar Laser Ranging experiment, where lasers are aimed at them from Earth to measure the precise distance between the Earth and the moon. However, this experiment is more focused on measuring lunar distance, not determining the moon's age. Therefore, this option can be ruled out as well.
d) Collection of deep space images by the Hubble telescope: This option involves the collection of deep space images by the Hubble Space Telescope. While the Hubble telescope has contributed immensely to our understanding of the universe, it is not directly linked to determining the age of the moon. Thus, this option can also be ruled out.
Considering these evaluations, the option that most helped astronomers determine the age of the moon is:
a) Collection of lunar rock samples.