Unit-02: Shooting Stars

Unit-02: Shooting Stars
1	Define meteors?
Ans:	Meteors are small pieces of comets that exploded long ago and travel through space. They follow large, looping paths similar to the original comet’s orbit. When they enter Earth’s atmosphere, friction makes them white-hot. This causes them to appear as bright streaks of light in the sky. They are, therefore, often called shooting stars. Most meteors are only a few inches in diameter, but they look much larger when they burn up.
2.	When do the biggest meteor showers occur?
Ans:	The biggest meteor showers occur in August and November each year. The Perseids, happening on August 10, 11 and 12 are the largest. The next biggest are the Leonids, which occur on November 14, 15 and 16. There are other meteor showers in December, January, April, May and July but they are not as large. These showers are named after the constellations they seem to come from.
3.	Describe the most unusual meteor shower ever reported?
Ans:	Professor Denison Olmstead saw the most unusual meteor shower on November 12, 1833. He observed the Leonids meteor shower and reported seeing 240,000 meteors in nine hours. The meteors fell ‘like flakes of snow’ from directly overhead. Some meteors were mere streaks of light, while others were as large as the moon. This event was so impressive that it is often called a meteor storm.
4.	Give the reason for attributing so much value to meteorites.
Ans:	Meteorites are valuable because they are pieces of space that have landed on earth. Scientists study them to learn about the universe’s composition and history. They often contain rare elements like nickel and iron. Meteorites provide clues about the creation of the solar system and its planets. They help scientists understand the materials and conditions in space.
5.	Explain the effect of the largest meteorites that fell to earth?
Ans:	The largest meteorite to fall to Earth struck in Arizona. It created a large Meteor Crater. This crater is about a mile wide and 600 feet deep. Some legends say that a big fire fell from the sky and made the hole. This event might have happened after humans arrived in America. The impact left a significant geological feather that is studied by scientists.
6.	Why do you think scientists collect meteorites? What is it about meteors that stirs the imagination?
Ans:	Scientists collect meteorites to study space materials and learn about the universe. Meteorites contain rare elements and offer insights into the origins of our solar system. Meteors stir the imagination because they make us realize how vast the space is. Seeing a shooting star evokes wonder and curiosity about the cosmos. Meteors connect us to the universe and its mysteries.
7.	Describe the difference between a scientific explanation and an explanation offered by a legend or myth.
Ans:	A scientific explanation is based on evidence, research and logical reasoning. Scientists use experiments and data to understand natural phenomena. Legends or myths are traditional stories that include supernatural elements. They reflect cultural beliefs and values rather than empirical evidence. Myths provide imaginative explanations for natural events.
8.	Can scientists learn something from legends or myths?
Ans:	Yes, Scientists can learn from legends or myths because they contain historical and cultural information. Legends may describe natural events, like meteorite impacts, that can be compared with scientific evidence. Myths offer clues about how ancient people understood and recorded these events. They provide information for understanding historical and natural phenomena. Legends and myths help in scientific research.
9.	What causes a meteor to appear as a shooting stars?
Ans:	When a meteor enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it burns due to atmospheric friction and become white-hot. It looks like a streak across the sky, like a shooting star. That is why it appears as a shooting star.
10.	Why was meteor shower observed by Professor Denison Olmstead in 1833 so special?
Ans:	The meteor shower observed by Professor Denson Olmstead in 1833 was special because he saw an extraordinary number of meteors – about 240,000 in nine hours – which he described as falling ‘like flakes of snow’.
11.	What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?
Ans:	A meteor is a piece of comet debris that burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a streak of light. A meteorite is a meteor that survives its passage through the atmosphere and lands on the Earth’s surface.
12.	What are meteorites, and why do you think they are important?
Ans:	Meteorites are meteors that reach the Earth’s surface. They are important because they provide scientists with samples from space that can be studied to understand more about the universe.
	Write a paragraph on the ‘Benefits of Exploration of Universe’. It should have transitional devices in it.
	Benefits of Exploration Service Exploring the universe has many benefits. To begin with, it helps us learn more about space and our place in it. For instance, studying other planets can teach us about earth’s history. Moreover, space exploration leads to new inventions and technologies. For example, satellite technology and advanced medical devices were developed through space research. Furthermore, exploring the universe inspires people and sparks curiosity. As a result, it encourages young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. In short, the exploration of the universe provides valuable knowledge, technological advancements, and inspiration of future generations.